led some strings," and she became one of the organization’s members. Philippa becomes pregnant by Harrison, and flees. Ultimately, Claxton’s second-hand man performs a lobotomy on her as her punishment. Their child is still birthed, but extenuating circumstances prevent Harrison from realizing this. The final form of irony appears in the scene previously discussed where Harrison broadcasts movies to the public. People appear mesmerized by the program, and some remove their headbands to the pleading of Mr. Bergeron. Supposedly, this scene gives hope for the future of the American culture. Unfortunately, Harrison later learns that only 1.3% of the public actually heard the true meaning of the program, and removed their bands for good. Disparity descends on the movie, and John Claxton urges Harrison to tell the people of the country that it was all a hoax (to preserve order). He does this, but commits suicide on the air to demonstrate the reality of the situation to the people.Symbolism is utilized at the conclusion of the film when two boys enthusiastically bound up the stairs in a home to view the recording of Harrison in the TV studio. They discuss a friend’s possession of other portions of the program before settling in to view it. After sitting, the two boys nonchalantly remove their headbands to watch the broadcast without mental hindrance. This is symbolic of a freeing of the mind, and the throwing off of shackles and handicaps imposed on them by the government. Children have more exploratory minds than adults, and are thus more receptive to new ideas and beliefs. The mere fact that they desire to watch the program illustrates hope for the future of society, as children are the future of every nation. Harrison Bergeron did not make an immediate impact on America, but others later accepted his values. Philippa is shown at the bottom of the staircase in the final shot, making it apparent that one of the boys upsta...
