Handicap Each to His Ability

Kurt Vonnegut painted a picture of American society in the 1961 's. Society has gradually changed, but it is still a drastic change. After about 200 amendments of the constitution, everyone should be equal in every way. "There is no wise person than anyone, no one is better than anyone, no one is stronger or faster than anyone else." (232 Vonnegut). In this case, Vonnegut shows that people will never be completely equal, only trying to force equality by controlling individuals will only create a new class system.

This story takes place in 2081. There, everyone should be equal by using barriers that limit their abilities. No one is smarter, stronger or better than anyone else. George and hazel's son, Harrison, was arrested for his huge abilities. George is smart, but limited to obstacles, hazel has average intelligence. When parents saw ballerina on TV, Harrison appeared in the news. The news stated that he was a threat to society and that he described him as an athlete and a genius. Harrison suddenly appeared in the episode of the news, and lifted his handicap. He chose ballerina as his queen and removed the obstacles of the singer. He kissed the Queen and floated, but he was shot down in a ballerina. The story did not realize the motivation behind it, which ended with the mother's crying because this obstacle limited her mental ability.

Think about the absurdity of obstacle devices. The way of psychological barriers that George Vargon has to submit is "a radio station with a small psychological disorder in his ears" is an example of a futuristic gadget (7). Likewise, his son Harrison had to huge huge headphones and special glasses to hinder his vision and make him headache. Compared to the advanced tools used for George and Harrison's mental disorders, the physical obstacles established by the government are very simple.