George and Hazel show an unnatural lack of concern regarding the televised murder of their son.
Because of his handicap, George is prevented from experiencing any emotions that are considered subversive in the dystopian world he lives in. In this world, all those who are considered of above average intelligence and beauty are required to wear "handicaps" to prevent them from taking undue advantage of these attributes. George is required to wear a mental handicap radio that is tuned to a government transmitter. The handicap ensures that any unacceptably intelligent or cogent thoughts are dispelled by the transmitter sending sharp jolts of noise to his brain.
Hazel is only of average intelligence and thus considered no threat to the existing order. She is not required to wear a mental handicap of any sort.
When their son is shot by Diana Moon Glampers, the Handicapper General, Hazel doesn't know what to think about it. She experiences confusion and sadness all at the same time, but she can't explain her feelings to George. Meanwhile, George is unable to feel pain, anger, or sadness after witnessing his son's televised execution; this is because the mental handicap he wears prevents him from doing so. Due to the government's machinations, neither Hazel nor George can muster up any normal feelings regarding their son's execution.
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