Read the excerpt from "Harrison Bergeron."

Question

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?

by suggesting that forced uniformity specifically benefits individuals who are of average intelligence
by suggesting that forced uniformity encourages certain people to break the law
by implying that forced uniformity interferes with individuals’ intellectual development
by implying that forced uniformity hampers a society’s ability to use new technologies

Answer 1

The excerpt from "Harrison Bergeron" serves as a warning about the consequences of forced uniformity by implying that it interferes with individuals' intellectual development. This is evident through the description of Hazel's average intelligence and George's high intelligence being hindered by the mental handicap radio. The sharp noise sent out by the government transmitter prevents individuals like George from using their brains to their full potential, suggesting that forced uniformity limits intellectual growth and potential.