Question 18 • Hopkins FA American Literature (2026-2027)
Read the excerpt from "Harrison Bergeron."Hazel had a perfectly average intelligence, which meant she couldn’t think about anything except in short bursts. 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 could this excerpt serve as a warning about the consequences of forced uniformity?
Answer
A
by suggesting that forced uniformity specifically benefits individuals who are of average intelligence
B
by suggesting that forced uniformity encourages certain people to break the law
C
by implying that forced uniformity interferes with individuals’ intellectual development
D
by implying that forced uniformity hampers a society’s ability to use new technologies
Explanation
George’s intelligence is above normal, but the government forces him to wear a radio that repeatedly interrupts his thoughts. This shows that enforcing uniformity prevents people from using their natural abilities and developing their ideas. The excerpt therefore warns that forced uniformity interferes with intellectual development.
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