In "Harrison Bergeron," the setting of a dystopian future United States where everyone is equal plays a significant role in George's character development. The oppressive society has enforced a Handicapper General who is responsible for ensuring that everyone is equal in every way possible. This means that anyone who is deemed exceptional in any way, including intelligence or physical ability, must wear handicaps to level the playing field. George, who is above average in intelligence, wears a mental handicap radio that blares sounds to disrupt his thought processes.
The setting affects George by limiting his intellectual capacity, making him live a life of mediocrity, and suppressing his natural abilities. His wife, Hazel, is of average intelligence, and he is forced to dilute his intellect to remain at her level. George's predicament is even more unfortunate because he is aware of the restrictions placed on him and his fellow citizens. The setting, therefore, symbolizes the importance of individuality and the dangerous consequences of suppressing it. George's character is an excellent representation of the repercussions of such a restrictive society.
Overall, the setting of "Harrison Bergeron" provides insight into the dangers of an overly restrictive society and the importance of individuality. The setting shows how oppressive governments can strip individuals of their natural abilities and make them live a life of mediocrity. George's situation represents the consequences of suppressing individuality, and his character development highlights the importance of fighting for one's rights and the dangers of complacency.