Hazel Bergeron

Outer characterization

Hazel Bergeron is another important character in the short story “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut. She is Harrison’s mother and a woman whose intelligence is “perfectly average” (p. 1, l. 12). Hazel also “bore a strong resemblance to the Handicapper General” (p. 2, ll. 3-4). She is not able to think too much and, consequently, lacks any artificial handicaps. Hazel might also be a religious woman, as hinted in her references to religion (p. 2, ll. 5-6). 

Inner characterization

Hazel seems to care about her husband and is sorry that he has to carry a 47 pounds handicap locked around his neck (p. 2, ll. 19-20). She is also willing to make concessions for his sake:“ ‘I don't care if you're not equal to me for a while’ ” (p. ...