Harrison Bergeron

Dystopia

a society characterized by human misery, as squalor, oppression, disease, and overcrowding.

Utopia

an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect

consternation

dismay, confusion

hindrance

obstacle

impediment

(n.) a physical defect; a hindrance, obstacle

cower

(v.) to crouch or shrink away from in fear or shame

envious

jealous

vigilance

the action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties

luminous

(adj.) emitting or reflecting light, glowing; illuminating

oppression

the state of being kept down by unjust use of force or authority

malice

Desire to harm others

nepotism

favoritism shown to family or friends by those in power, especially in business or hiring practices

oblige

make (someone) legally or morally bound to an action or course of action

abysmal

extremely bad

calibrate

to set, standardize

Allusion

A reference to another work of literature, person, or event

Irony

A contrast between expectation and reality

Mood

Feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader

double-think

the belief in two contradictory ideas at the same time

Motif

A recurring theme, subject or idea