Some things about living still weren't quite right, though. April, for instance, still drove people crazy by not being springtime.

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.

George and Hazel were watching television. There were tears on Hazel's cheeks, but she'd forgotten for the moment what they were about.

Hazel had a perfectly average intelligence, which meant she couldn't think about anything except in short bursts.

Citizens live in a dehumanized state.

Citizens believe they are under constant watch/surveillance.

Citizens have a fear of the outside world.

Citizens are not allowed to think for themselves.

Hazel, as a matter of fact, bore a strong resemblance to the Handicapper General, a woman named Diana Moon Glampers.

The television program was suddenly interrupted for a news bulletin.

"If I tried to get away with it," said George, "then other people'd get away with it and pretty soon we'd be right back to the dark ages again, with everybody competing against everybody else. You wouldn't like that, would you?"

Screams and barking cries of consternation came from the television set. The photograph of Harrison Bergeron on the screen jumped again and again, as though dancing to the tune of an earthquake.