Question 11 • Hopkins FA American Literature (2026-2027)
Read the excerpt from "Harrison Bergeron."And George, while his intelligence was way above normal, had a little mental handicap radio in his ear. He was required by law to wear it at all times. It was tuned to a government transmitter. Every twenty seconds or so, the transmitter would send out some sharp noise to keep people like George from taking unfair advantage of their brains.How is this excerpt an example of irony?
Answer
A
Handicapping intelligence contradicts expectations because intelligence is normally considered a positive attribute.
B
Handicapping intelligence is pointless because determining whether one’s intelligence is above normal is a matter of opinion.
C
If George were really that intelligent, he would remove the device from his ear.
D
The mental handicap radio is incapable of correcting physical advantages.
Explanation
Irony occurs when something is different from what we would normally expect. Intelligence is usually valued as a strength, but in this society George is forced to have his intelligence disrupted so he cannot benefit from it. This contradiction makes choice A correct. The excerpt does not suggest the device is pointless or unable to address physical advantages.
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