Question

which of the following excerpts from \harrison bergeron\ best illustrates irony?

• \if you see this boy,\ said the ballerina, \do not—i repeat, do not—try to reason with him.\
• \he is a genius and an athlete, is under-handicapped, and should be regarded as extremely dangerous.\
• \my god—\ said george, \that must be harrison!\
• (partially obscured option)

Explanation:

Irony occurs when there is a contrast between expectation and reality. In Harrison Bergeron, the society enforces equality by handicapping those with above-average traits. Labeling a genius/athlete (who should be valued) as "extremely dangerous" solely for being under-handicapped reverses typical societal values, creating dramatic irony. The other options lack this contrast.

Answer:

B. "He is a genius and an athlete, is under-handicapped, and should be regarded as extremely dangerous."