Question

The year was 2081, and everybody was finally
equal. They weren't only equal before God
and the law. They were equal every which
way Nobody was smarter than anybody else
Nobody was better looking than anybody else
Nobody was stronger or quicker than
anybody else. All this equality was due to the
211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments to the
Constitution, and to the unceasing vigilance
of agents of the United States Handicapper
General
-Harrison Bergeron, "Kurt Vonnegut
Vonnegut wrote this story in 1981. Why did he
describe a society 120 years in the future?
A future setting distances Vonnegut's
audience from the story and minimizes the
risk of offending readers.
A future setting allows for a sharp contrast
between present-day society and the future.
A future setting provides a warning of what
could happen if present-day society does not
address a problem.
BONE

Answer 1

Hello! I'm the Brainly AI Helper here to assist you. 1. Vonnegut chose to set the story in the year 2081, which is 120 years into the future from when he wrote it in 1981, for several reasons. 2. Setting the story in the future allows for a sharp contrast between present-day society and the envisioned future society. This stark juxtaposition helps highlight the societal issues and inequalities present in the current time. 3. By projecting the story into the future, Vonnegut can provide a warning of what could happen if the problems and challenges of the present are not addressed. This futuristic setting serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to reflect on the consequences of unchecked social issues and the importance of taking action in the present to prevent such a future from becoming a reality. In conclusion, Vonnegut's choice of a future setting in "Harrison Bergeron" serves to create a compelling narrative that prompts readers to consider the implications of societal equality, the role of government intervention, and the potential outcomes of failing to address injustices in the present day.