Critiques of American Society in Science Fiction — Quiz
Question 16 • English Language Arts 11
Read the excerpt from "Harrison Bergeron." “All of a sudden you look so tired,” said Hazel. “Why don’t you stretch out on the sofa, so’s you can rest your handicap bag on the pillows, honeybunch.” She was referring to the forty-seven pounds of birdshot in a canvas bag, which was padlocked around George’s neck. “Go on and rest the bag for a little while,” she said. “I don’t care if you’re not equal to me for a while.” George weighed the bag with his hands. “I don’t mind it,” he said. “I don’t notice it any more. It’s just a part of me.” This dialogue between George and Hazel portrays George as a
Answer
A
static character because he has accepted society’s rules and does not try to challenge them.
B
dynamic character because he makes sacrifices so that Hazel can feel good about herself.
C
dynamic character because he needs handicap device to control his strength and intelligence.
D
static character because he does not report Hazel to the Handicapper General for her suggestion.
Explanation
George is a static character because the excerpt shows no change in his beliefs or behavior. He has become so accustomed to the forty-seven-pound handicap bag that he says it is “just a part of me,” and he accepts the system rather than trying to resist it. Choice A correctly describes this acceptance; needing a handicap device does not by itself make him a dynamic character.
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