The story is set in a dystopian future where all citizens are made equal through handicaps. The main character, Harrison Bergeron, has above-average intelligence and strength that must be handicapped with headphones that disrupt his thoughts and weights strapped to his body. Despite his handicaps, Harrison becomes a leader of a rebellion against the government for enforcing equality through handicaps on all citizens. The government sends agents to stop the rebellion and Harrison is killed while trying to resist.

1. HARRISON BERGERON
by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
VOCABULARY

2. VIGILANCE
(n) Alert attention; watchfulness
Security cameras help the principal
practice vigilance in the hallways.

4. CONSTERNATION

5. COWER
(v) To crouch down in
fear
Thomas cowered in the corner
after his boss found out he lost
another account.

6. SYNCHRONIZE
The women practice hard to
(v) To match the timing of
synchronize their movements while
swimming.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do-
0fuxlnjE&safe=active

7. NEUTRALIZING
(v) To counteract or cancel the effect of
The task force was called in to
neutralize the criminal threat in the
community.