Question

1. (a) compare and contrast in what ways are harrison’s and george’s handicaps similar and different? explain. (b) make inferences in what ways are harrison’s and george’s attitudes toward their handicaps different? explain, citing specific textual details that support your answer.

Explanation:

Part (a)

To answer this, we analyze the handicaps of Harrison and George from the text (likely "Harrison Bergeron").

• Similarities: Both have handicaps imposed by the government to enforce equality. George has a mental handicap radio, and Harrison has heavy physical handicaps (weights, masks, etc.) and mental handicaps too.
• Differences: Harrison’s handicaps are more extreme (multiple physical restraints, a mask to hide beauty) as he is exceptionally talented/strong. George’s is a simple mental handicap radio that interrupts his thoughts.

We examine their attitudes using textual evidence.

• Harrison’s Attitude: He rebels against his handicaps. He rips them off (e.g., "Harrison tore the straps of his handicap harness like wet tissue paper") to assert his individuality and fight the oppressive system.
• George’s Attitude: He accepts his handicap. He follows the rules, even when the radio distracts him, and doesn’t question the system (e.g., he refuses to remove the radio, saying it’s against the law).

Answer:

Similarities:

Both Harrison and George have handicaps enforced by the government to maintain "equality." George has a mental handicap radio, and Harrison has mental (to limit his intelligence) and extreme physical handicaps (weights, masks, etc.).

Differences:

Harrison’s handicaps are far more severe and numerous (e.g., heavy weights, a mask to hide his beauty, earphones for mental handicap) as he is superhumanly strong, intelligent, and attractive. George’s handicap is a simple mental handicap radio that emits noises to disrupt his thoughts, and he has no physical handicaps (since he is not exceptionally strong or attractive).

Part (b)