analysis of "Harrison Bergeron"

Central Idea/Theme

The theme is two fold.
There is a theme that deals with equality and the irony of creating equality through inequalities. In the story, people receives "handicaps" to make them equal to others when they are, in fact, being "handicapped" themselves.
There is also a theme about government control. Is Diane Moon Glompers seeking revenge for her "handicaps" by making everyone else have "handicaps"? Is she controlling people through the guise of equality?

Literary Elements in "Harrison Bergeron"

Conflict -- The author uses conflict to demonstrate how we can't all be equal. Is it fair that a device buzzes in George's ear of that he has to carry rocks on his back? There is also the conflict of government control.

Irony -- As mentioned before, there's a certain irony to making people equal by giving them "handicaps" such a mask or heavy rocks to  wear. The irony continues when uglier masks are given to those who are beautiful and that actually lets everyone now that they are beautiful.

Setting -- This could only take place in the future. The year 2081 to be exact. The future allows anything to happen, but also warns us what could happen in reality.

Tone -- The tone is deadpan. The story is told straight forward with no humor, but some parts are very comical and hard to believe. This satire. You aren't sure if you should laugh or not.

Symbolism -- Noises refer to things that warn us when something is going wrong. We hear buzzing in George's ear and warns us something bad is happening, especially at the end. Weights represent oppression and the burden of oppression. Masks represent inner beauty; beauty and art.
Harrison represents defiance while Diana Moon Gompers symbolizes control.

Characterization -- We see the traits/attributes of the characters through their "handicaps."

Simile -- "They leaped like a deer on the moon." 
"Harrison looked like a walking junkyard."