or was still in his hand" (211). Harrison realizes his power, proclaiming "Even as I stand here- crippled, hobbled, sickened-I am a greater ruler than any man who ever lived! Now watch me become what I can become" (211). His proclamation reveals the maturity of a fourteen-year-old, but indicates his realization of his potential. Harrison issues the invitation to "the first woman who dares rise to her fee claim her mate and her throne" (211). A ballerina who has the courage to join him, reveals with the removal of her restraints she is "blindingly beautiful" (212). Before he is killed and all memory of him is erraticated, Harrison shares with his "Empress" the ecstasy of pure, unfettered emotion through music and dance. Harrison gives all those who are witnessing this an example of what humans can be, proving he is not an exception.The almost instantaneous removal of the memory of Harrison and his televised murder from the minds of even his parents is disconcerting. To maintain a status quo "equality" no past history or future advancements can be allowed in Vonneguts scenario. This ultimate politically correct society has no potential for advancement. Medical, technological and aesthetic innovations would come to a halt; the consequences of a stagnant society include vulnerability to natural disasters and diseases. This has happened in past history as well. In the dark ages evolution came to an end. During this period of time people suffered and died because of plague and famine. Kurt Vonnegut uses the character Harrison Bergeron to illustrate the danger of imposing total equality on a diversified population. Hazards are inherent in a freethinking society; when Harrison realizes his potential his first reaction is to become a dictator. But his next response is to share his newly released sense of freedom. And in sharing it he discovers the ecstasy of creativity and shared emotion. Vonnegut thus reveals the vast potential f...
