In Kurt Vonnegut's short story "Harrison Bergeron", hyperbole is used as a literary device to exaggerate and emphasize the absurdity of a society's pursuit of equality. The story is set in a dystopian future where the government enforces absolute equality by hindering those who are naturally talented or intelligent. Vonnegut uses hyperbolic elements to portray the extreme measures taken to achieve equality, ultimately highlighting the harmful effects of an oppressive and unrealistic pursuit of equality. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayOne of the most notable uses of hyperbole in "Harrison Bergeron" is the portrayal of the handicapped general, Diana Moon Glampers. Described as “a woman of extraordinary grace and strength,” Glampers embodies the government's exaggerated authority and control in enforcing equality. His appearance and behavior are hyperbolic, emphasizing the excessive measures taken to maintain social uniformity. Additionally, Glampers' use of extreme measures, such as using a rifle to enforce handicap regulations, serves as a hyperbolic representation of the oppressive nature of the government's pursuit of equality. The physical handicaps imposed on the story's characters also serve as hyperbolic representations of the government's efforts to enforce equality. For example, Harrison Bergeron, the protagonist of the story, is burdened by physical constraints that limit his strength and agility. The exaggerated nature of these handicaps, such as 300-pound weights and earphones that emit debilitating noises, emphasize the extreme measures taken to suppress individual abilities and talents in the name of equality. The hyperbolic nature of these handicaps serves to highlight the absurdity and impracticality of enforcing absolute equality in a society. Furthermore, the portrayal of the media and public opinion in "Harrison Bergeron" is hyperbolic in its exaggeration of conformity and the lack of critical thinking within society. The news anchor, for example, speaks in a monotone voice and is unable to express any independent emotion or thought. This hyperbolic media portrayal highlights the suppression of individual expression and diversity of thought in the pursuit of equality. Likewise, the public's reaction to Harrison's rebellion, in which he quickly returns to his worldly activities, serves as a hyperbolic representation of society's apathy and complacency in the face of oppression. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In “Harrison Bergeron,” Vonnegut uses hyperbole to critique the dangers of an oppressive pursuit of equality and the suppression of individuality. The exaggerated nature of the government's measures, the physical handicaps imposed on the characters, and the portrayal of the media and public opinion all serve to highlight the absurdity and impracticality of absolute equality. Using hyperbole, Vonnegut effectively highlights the harmful effects of a society's unreasonable pursuit of identity, ultimately warning of the dangers of sacrificing individual freedom and diversity in the name of equality..