“The year was 2081, and everybody was finally equal.”

The first sentence is an occasion for science fiction worldbuilding. It introduces the premise of the story. It also conveys irony: Achieving equality seems like a good thing until Vonnegut explores its implications.

“That dance—it was nice.”

Hazel makes this comment to George as they watch ballet on television. The ballet is void of excellence, showing the consequences of guaranteed equality. George and Hazel will never see an excellent or impressive performance.

“It was such a doozy that George was white and trembling, and tears stood on the rims of his red eyes.”

George wears an earpiece that stops him from thinking. The earpiece sometimes emits a sound that tortures him. Hazel calls the loudest sounds “doozies.”