Reading Groups

In Short: Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron" with Jacqueline Ahl

$45

1 Session

Out of stock

Thursday, 7:00 pm EDT - 8:30 pm EDT May 22, 2025

Online via Zoom

“The year was 2081, and everyone was finally equal.”

So begins “Harrison Bergeron,” Kurt Vonnegut’s 1961 rendering of a postmodern dystopia, an exercise in humor, and hyperbolic satire. Beneath its sarcasm lurks a grim commentary on tyranny and the exercise of totalitarian control. We’re asked to consider: What’s the difference between equity and equality and homogeneity? Does natural variation breed inherent inequality? Is the existence of artistic, musical, literary, athletic, or scientific excellence dependent on inherent inequality? Is there an exchange or concession we are willing to make to benefit from this inequality? Like many ideologies, systems, or models, is there a vast cavern in the world of Harrison Bergeron between intention and execution? What does the story suggest about free will, social contracts, oppression, suppression, rebellion, regulation, celebration, and variation?

Underneath the spectacle of Harrison’s “Halloween and Hardware” exterior, the grotesque masks concealing gorgeous faces, and ballerinas bearing canvas bags of birdshot, the story asks us to grapple with the ethical dilemma of ensuring and preserving fundamental equality while simultaneously recognizing exceptionality. Like all good satire, it manages to be hilarious, slightly terrifying, and very timely.

What to read in advance of the first meeting: Please read Kurt Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron.” A PDF of the text will be provided, but you can also find it in this story collection.

What to expect from this reading group: Session content is largely conversational and participant-driven, with the instructor serving as facilitator and providing context for literary and dramatic concepts discussed.

Capacity: 20

Please note: All virtual classes are recorded. Please click here for information about our recording policy.

Led by

Jacqueline Ahl

Jacqueline Ahl

Jacqueline Ahl is a writer, presenter, and educator. At SUNY New Paltz, she served as visiting poet for Understanding Poetry (2007-2015), Founder/Director of the Creative Writing Mentoring Program (2000-2005), and member of the William Vasse Poetry Board (2000-2006). She also hosted Plath and the Public Eye (a two-day celebration of the work of Sylvia Plath) and served as guest speaker for Major Authors: Sylvia Plath (2009) and Writing for Publishing (2008). Jacqueline also served as an instructor for the Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG) at Vassar College (2005-2015), teaching courses in philosophy, psychology, symbols and iconography, scriptwriting, fantasy fiction, and improvisation. Jacqueline’s publications include A Slant of Light: Contemporary Women Writers of the Hudson Valley (2013) and Riverine: An Anthology of Hudson Valley Writers (2007) and her poetry features include Albany Wordfest and The Woodstock Roundtable on WDST. Jacqueline’s plays have been produced in NY, NC, and MO, receiving national and international awards.

About this series

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