Harrison Bergeron demonstrates personal responsibility because he initiates action to take individual control of his life.
Interestingly, the last name of this character--Bergeron--is formed from the surname of Berger, used in both German and French. This surname is the occupational name for a shepherd. Significantly, then, Harrison seeks to lead the "sheep" of his society as emperor.
While his attempt to overthrow the compulsory mediocrity of his society enforced by the Controller of this standard, Diana Moon Glampers, and his purpose is idealistically sound, Harrison's actions become tyrannical and his actions reckless.
So, in the end, he is like the shepherd who fails to watch his sheep and they leap into the abyss under Harrison's corruptive power. For, as he revels in his take-over of the television station, Harrison dances and leaps with his empress while the Handicapper General has time to load a double-barreled ten-gauge shotgun and blow them out of the air as they defy gravity. Thus, she restores the low standards that meet her level because Harrison has exceeded his level of personal responsibility.
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