"Just under the crown of the arch dangled a pair of feet.
'Mr. Savage!'
Slowly, very slowly, like two unhurried compass needles, the feet turned towards the right; north, north-east, east, south-east, south, south-south-west; then paused, and, after a few seconds, turned as unhurriedly back towards the left. South-south-west, south, south-east, east...." pg. 259
I found the end of this book to be somewhat disturbing. It was unnerving to imagine a human so disgusted with his own desires that he would whip himself to the point of vomiting. John was convinced that he had been contaminated by this advanced society and had to suffer until he was clean. He didn't even really think he had a chance of being purified.
The differences and selfishness of this other society drove the savage man insane. So different from his own lifestyle, he thought theirs must surely be wrong. It was so wrong that he had to rid himself of any trace of it. He brutally abused himself and attacked anyone from the society who came near and threatened his progress. He took his own mistake of forgetting his mother's death for a moment as a sign that he was still contaminated and repeatedly scolded himself. Being in this different environment hadn't contaminated him, it had made him insane.
He became so obsessed with the idea of punishing himself that when the large crowd came to watch him, it drove him off the edge. His own death was the only way he could make sure he was not afflicted with their customs again, so he committed suicide.
John can in some ways be compared to Jesus. Although Jesus was not completely overcome with psychopathic rage, he did stand for an ideal that was becoming obsolete. He stood for God just as John stood for beauty. Both men found the only way they could save themselves and the people was through death because death is the sole cause that always brings about change.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Brave New World 19: Understatement
"'But I don't want comfort. I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness. I want sin.'
'In fact,' said Mustapha Mond, 'you're claiming the right to be unhappy.'
'All right then,' said the Savage defiantly, 'I'm claiming the right to be unhappy.'" pg. 240
It would sound ridiculous to a reader who wasn't familiar with the previous chapters of this book if they were introduced by this particular scene. Someone claiming the right to be unhappy? It seems absurd.
But, to someone who has read what the sort of happiness in this society entails, unhappiness may seem more agreeable. With happiness, beauty, science, and religion are not possible. They cause conflict and distraction. They upset the stability of the world, and in this society, stability reigns supreme. So by claiming a right to unhappiness, John in fact claims a right to feeling. He claims a right to beauty and the natural course of life. He claims a right to making his own decisions before they are made for him. However, in accepting all of these beautiful aspects of culture and lifestyle, he now realizes he must settle with not being eternally happy.
Though they were programmed to make the choice they did, the people in the advanced society are content with where they are. They can't want anything more because they are programmed to not want more than what they have.
However, to John who was not programmed like this and to others who were programmed wrong, this world of eternal happiness without beauty is not pleasing. They would rather claim a right to unhappiness and be able to have beauty consequently. It's worth the sacrifice.
'In fact,' said Mustapha Mond, 'you're claiming the right to be unhappy.'
'All right then,' said the Savage defiantly, 'I'm claiming the right to be unhappy.'" pg. 240
It would sound ridiculous to a reader who wasn't familiar with the previous chapters of this book if they were introduced by this particular scene. Someone claiming the right to be unhappy? It seems absurd.
But, to someone who has read what the sort of happiness in this society entails, unhappiness may seem more agreeable. With happiness, beauty, science, and religion are not possible. They cause conflict and distraction. They upset the stability of the world, and in this society, stability reigns supreme. So by claiming a right to unhappiness, John in fact claims a right to feeling. He claims a right to beauty and the natural course of life. He claims a right to making his own decisions before they are made for him. However, in accepting all of these beautiful aspects of culture and lifestyle, he now realizes he must settle with not being eternally happy.
Though they were programmed to make the choice they did, the people in the advanced society are content with where they are. They can't want anything more because they are programmed to not want more than what they have.
However, to John who was not programmed like this and to others who were programmed wrong, this world of eternal happiness without beauty is not pleasing. They would rather claim a right to unhappiness and be able to have beauty consequently. It's worth the sacrifice.
Brave New World 18: The Truth in Paradox
"'Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the overcompensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand.'" pg. 221
Whenever people imagine themselves happy, they imagine that they are full of excitement and wonder. However, it is true that things can only excite someone for so long. The excitement of good things wears off in time, especially when those things are constantly accessible. It is a universal truth that happiness is never grand once it has set in. It creates a dull and lifeless world if it is always present. If one desires to be happy, they have to relinquish excitement and surprise.
People always imagine happiness wrong. They imagine that it's full of excitement and fail to realize the truth. Happiness means a lack of fluctuation in feelings. It means boredom, because some sadness is needed in life in order to appreciate the good.
In a world like the progressive world where people are always happy, it seems to someone who is not, like John, that they are unhappy. He can't comprehend that a world without feeling is happiness for them.
Whenever people imagine themselves happy, they imagine that they are full of excitement and wonder. However, it is true that things can only excite someone for so long. The excitement of good things wears off in time, especially when those things are constantly accessible. It is a universal truth that happiness is never grand once it has set in. It creates a dull and lifeless world if it is always present. If one desires to be happy, they have to relinquish excitement and surprise.
People always imagine happiness wrong. They imagine that it's full of excitement and fail to realize the truth. Happiness means a lack of fluctuation in feelings. It means boredom, because some sadness is needed in life in order to appreciate the good.
In a world like the progressive world where people are always happy, it seems to someone who is not, like John, that they are unhappy. He can't comprehend that a world without feeling is happiness for them.
Brave New World 17: Conceiving and Idea Through Balance
"'And it's what you never will write,' said the Controller. 'Because, if it were really like Othello nobody could understand it, however new it might be. And if it were new, it couldn't possibly be like Othello.'" pg. 220
The people of this enhanced world are contrarily not mentally adept enough to conceive a play like Othello. John continues to revive his own spirits and make attempts at teaching the people how to feel, but they are not able. They are not programmed to do that.
John and his friends want the people to know love and anger. They want these people to be able to feel passion and rage. Because the one thing they have found to be true about feeling is that it is better to suffer having it than it is to be without both feeling and suffering.
In the real world, there is a debate similar to this one over depression medication. I have never had to choose a side, but I know that there is both support and opposition of its use. While we can never know which side is right or wrong, both obviously feel strongly about their stance, and this is similar to the opposing sides in the novel.
While the advanced humans believe that they don't deserve to feel pain, the savages don't believe its right to force people into a constant state of false pleasure. This is a lot like the conflict between western and holistic medicine.
The people of this enhanced world are contrarily not mentally adept enough to conceive a play like Othello. John continues to revive his own spirits and make attempts at teaching the people how to feel, but they are not able. They are not programmed to do that.
John and his friends want the people to know love and anger. They want these people to be able to feel passion and rage. Because the one thing they have found to be true about feeling is that it is better to suffer having it than it is to be without both feeling and suffering.
In the real world, there is a debate similar to this one over depression medication. I have never had to choose a side, but I know that there is both support and opposition of its use. While we can never know which side is right or wrong, both obviously feel strongly about their stance, and this is similar to the opposing sides in the novel.
While the advanced humans believe that they don't deserve to feel pain, the savages don't believe its right to force people into a constant state of false pleasure. This is a lot like the conflict between western and holistic medicine.
Brave New World 16: Linda's Death
"'Quick, quick!' he caught her by the sleeve, dragged her after him. 'Quick! Something's happened. I've killed her.'" pg. 206
This is another turning point in the story. This is when John's emotional state has become so fragile that it breaks. He can no longer loudly protest the customs of these people. He can't try to discourage them from their polygamist lifestyle or their passiveness. This one moment when his mother is in such dire need of care, no one will help him. No one is even concerned. They all just see it as a part of life.
John is the only one who is sad to see his mother go. He is sad that she is no longer a part of the world because she was special to him. But, to everyone else, all are equal. Everyone is the same, so losing one person is no worse than losing another. To this progressive society, death and reproduction cancel each other out. Never mind who is lost and who is created, as long as they balance each other out.
On the other hand, John who has created a special relationship and bond with his mother is emotionally destroyed. The fact that no one even attempted to help her leaves him speechless and virtually lifeless. He doesn't care about anyone anymore.
This is another turning point in the story. This is when John's emotional state has become so fragile that it breaks. He can no longer loudly protest the customs of these people. He can't try to discourage them from their polygamist lifestyle or their passiveness. This one moment when his mother is in such dire need of care, no one will help him. No one is even concerned. They all just see it as a part of life.
John is the only one who is sad to see his mother go. He is sad that she is no longer a part of the world because she was special to him. But, to everyone else, all are equal. Everyone is the same, so losing one person is no worse than losing another. To this progressive society, death and reproduction cancel each other out. Never mind who is lost and who is created, as long as they balance each other out.
On the other hand, John who has created a special relationship and bond with his mother is emotionally destroyed. The fact that no one even attempted to help her leaves him speechless and virtually lifeless. He doesn't care about anyone anymore.
Brave New World 15: Analogy
"But instead of also saying 'Darling!' and holding out his arms, the Savage retreated in terror, flapping his hands at her as though he were trying to scare away some intruding and dangerous animal. Four backwards steps, and he was brought to bay against the wall." pg. 193
In this excerpt, the author compares Lenina to an animal, and perhaps this is how John views her in this moment as well. Maybe this is what she actually has been programmed to be, not really but figuratively.
All of these progressive humans do whatever they want all the time. They believe they should never feel pain or be discomforted. Even the thought is horrifying to them. They act on generalities and instinct alone. They are completely selfish beings. In many ways, they are similar to animals.
These people who claim to be so advanced can't even listen, feel, or respect. They just act, and when things become challenging, they run away to a different world created by hallucinatory medicine. Without love, without respect, without customs, humans really are just animals. Lenina refuses to feel anything but physical attraction for John, so she is like an animal. She is really no different from any other woman or even man in her society.
This concept is very similar to a concept expressed in the movie Surrogates. Those people don't want to experience pain or suffering so they live out their lives in surrogate bodies. They don't have to feel anything, and neither do the humans in this novel.
In this excerpt, the author compares Lenina to an animal, and perhaps this is how John views her in this moment as well. Maybe this is what she actually has been programmed to be, not really but figuratively.
All of these progressive humans do whatever they want all the time. They believe they should never feel pain or be discomforted. Even the thought is horrifying to them. They act on generalities and instinct alone. They are completely selfish beings. In many ways, they are similar to animals.
These people who claim to be so advanced can't even listen, feel, or respect. They just act, and when things become challenging, they run away to a different world created by hallucinatory medicine. Without love, without respect, without customs, humans really are just animals. Lenina refuses to feel anything but physical attraction for John, so she is like an animal. She is really no different from any other woman or even man in her society.
This concept is very similar to a concept expressed in the movie Surrogates. Those people don't want to experience pain or suffering so they live out their lives in surrogate bodies. They don't have to feel anything, and neither do the humans in this novel.
Brave New World 14: John's External Conflict
"He laughed and laughed till the tears streamed down his face--quenchlessly laughed while, pale with a sense of outrage, the Savage looked at him over the top of his book and then, as the laughter still continued, closed it indignantly, got up and, with the gesture of one who removes his pearl from before swine, locked it away in its drawer." pg. 185
John suffers even more than Bernard did in this progressive society. Born and completely accustomed to a savage world, he doesn't understand the rules and concepts of these people. He doesn't understand their faked happiness and their desire to escape any type of feeling.
John thinks he finds someone who understands his ideas when he meets Helmholtz Watson. This new friend even has an appreciation for Shakespeare as he does. Watson doesn't scoff at the different ideas, customs, and morals presented in the plays. He sympathizes with John and they share a connection.
But to a human genetically programmed to believe that monogamy and marriage are evil and wrong, the scenes in Romeo and Juliet can not be ignored or understood. He can't seem to wrap his mind around these concepts and why they are in order. When Watson begins to laugh at and criticize one particular scene, John loses hope. He loses his battle with this society. He can't teach them to feel. And even though he understands what feeling is, he can't make anyone else understand it. He is destined to be the only one. This is where we see the theme of loneliness present itself again.
John suffers even more than Bernard did in this progressive society. Born and completely accustomed to a savage world, he doesn't understand the rules and concepts of these people. He doesn't understand their faked happiness and their desire to escape any type of feeling.
John thinks he finds someone who understands his ideas when he meets Helmholtz Watson. This new friend even has an appreciation for Shakespeare as he does. Watson doesn't scoff at the different ideas, customs, and morals presented in the plays. He sympathizes with John and they share a connection.
But to a human genetically programmed to believe that monogamy and marriage are evil and wrong, the scenes in Romeo and Juliet can not be ignored or understood. He can't seem to wrap his mind around these concepts and why they are in order. When Watson begins to laugh at and criticize one particular scene, John loses hope. He loses his battle with this society. He can't teach them to feel. And even though he understands what feeling is, he can't make anyone else understand it. He is destined to be the only one. This is where we see the theme of loneliness present itself again.
Brave New World 13: Dramatic Irony
"'But doesn't he like you?' asked Fanny.
'Sometimes I think he does and sometimes I think he doesn't. He always does his best to avoid me; goes out of the room when I come in; won't touch me; won't even look at me. But sometimes if I turn round suddenly, I catch him staring; and then--well, you know how men look when the like you.'" pg. 166
It's funny and almost sad to read this conversation that takes place between Fanny and Lenina. It's odd to think that Lenina has no idea as to how John feels about her. How could she not know how deeply obsessed he is with her. He craves her smell, her appearance, everything about her, but she is completely oblivious.
But, when I think more about it, it seems obvious why she doesn't realize how he feels. He never directly shows her his true feelings. Though he sneaks glances at her when she is not looking at him, how can she feel confident that this means he loves her? He guards how he actually feels for fear that he will scare her.
As a reader who knows his pain, one wants Lenina to know how he feels. I want him to understand that she likes him too, so that he will no longer be afraid of telling her how he really feels. It's almost painful to watch him love her from afar. This dramatic irony succeeds in inspiring a desire for their love inside the reader. Knowing what each of the characters does not, one wants to be able to tell them so that they can be together. But because the reader can not, it makes the reader hope for their love. It draws the reader into the story and makes them want to continue in order to find out what will happen between the two.
Brave New World 12: Human Perception
"'I'm so glad,' said Lenina. 'And now you must admit that you were wrong about Bernard. Don't you think he's really rather sweet?'
Fanny nodded. 'And I must say,' she said, 'I was quite agreeably surprised.'" pg. 156
I have started to dislike where this book is going. At first, I suspected the Bernard and Lenina were different. They were going to change society. But, after their encounters with the savages and the fact that Bernard brought the two back for "scientific" purposes, I'm under the impression that they are really no different than the harsh uncaring drones that they once felt so different from.
When he gains fame and becomes desirable, Bernard forgets that he ever once wanted to be his own person. He forgets that he was once an outcast, and he doesn't even mind if these new outcasts are treated like animals. Linda and John are put on display or taken advantage of simply for these progressed humans to gawk at.
The progressed society itself, in all its arrogance, even fails to realize that Bernard is no different than he ever was. Simply because he was able to provide them with an oddity even more bizzare than himself, they forget that he ever was different, that he never followed the rules to this point. Fanny who originally thought he was a negative influence on Lenina has completely transformed her opinion of him because of this one act. I guess it's an overwhelming truth that in order to be a part of the community, you only have to please them.
Fanny nodded. 'And I must say,' she said, 'I was quite agreeably surprised.'" pg. 156
I have started to dislike where this book is going. At first, I suspected the Bernard and Lenina were different. They were going to change society. But, after their encounters with the savages and the fact that Bernard brought the two back for "scientific" purposes, I'm under the impression that they are really no different than the harsh uncaring drones that they once felt so different from.
When he gains fame and becomes desirable, Bernard forgets that he ever once wanted to be his own person. He forgets that he was once an outcast, and he doesn't even mind if these new outcasts are treated like animals. Linda and John are put on display or taken advantage of simply for these progressed humans to gawk at.
The progressed society itself, in all its arrogance, even fails to realize that Bernard is no different than he ever was. Simply because he was able to provide them with an oddity even more bizzare than himself, they forget that he ever was different, that he never followed the rules to this point. Fanny who originally thought he was a negative influence on Lenina has completely transformed her opinion of him because of this one act. I guess it's an overwhelming truth that in order to be a part of the community, you only have to please them.
Brave New World 11: A Theme Of Lonesomeness
"There was a shower of stones. Bleeding, he ran away into the darkness. From the red-lit kiva came the noise of singing. The last of the boys had climbed down the ladder. He was all alone."
In both the more progressed part of the world and the savage part, those individuals who are different often find themselves feeling isolated. Most of the time they really are isolated. An imperfect part of their community, they are unwanted because they cause discomfort. They ruin stability and uniformity.
Whether they realize it or not, even the savages are prone to uniformity. Linda from the advanced civilization is almost completely shunned and is even punished at times for her ideals. Because she looks and acts different, she is scolded and whipped by the women of the community. John, her son, is no exception to this custom either. He is banned from participating in the introduction rites of the boys of the tribe simply because he is Linda's son and because he looks like her.
Society is not comfortable with diversity. It is easier to interact with those one feels familiar or acquainted with, whether it be in ideals or appearance. However, for those who are different and know what it is like to be an outcast, it is easier to sympathize with each other.
In this particular section of the book, John explains to Bernard his feeling of lonesomeness. Although they are outcasts of two entirely different world, their loneliness brings them together. It helps them relate. And, this is also a truth in the real world.
In both the more progressed part of the world and the savage part, those individuals who are different often find themselves feeling isolated. Most of the time they really are isolated. An imperfect part of their community, they are unwanted because they cause discomfort. They ruin stability and uniformity.
Whether they realize it or not, even the savages are prone to uniformity. Linda from the advanced civilization is almost completely shunned and is even punished at times for her ideals. Because she looks and acts different, she is scolded and whipped by the women of the community. John, her son, is no exception to this custom either. He is banned from participating in the introduction rites of the boys of the tribe simply because he is Linda's son and because he looks like her.
Society is not comfortable with diversity. It is easier to interact with those one feels familiar or acquainted with, whether it be in ideals or appearance. However, for those who are different and know what it is like to be an outcast, it is easier to sympathize with each other.
In this particular section of the book, John explains to Bernard his feeling of lonesomeness. Although they are outcasts of two entirely different world, their loneliness brings them together. It helps them relate. And, this is also a truth in the real world.
Brave New World 10: Using Rhetorical Questions
"'Civilization is Sterilization,' I used to say to them. And 'Streptocock-Gee to Banbury-T, to see a fine bathroom and W.C.' as thought they were children. But of course they didn't understand. How should they? And in the end I suppose I got used to it. And anyhow, how can you keep things clean when there isn't hot water laid on?" pg. 121
The rhetorical questions in this part of the book that are employed by Linda, the once civilized but now savage woman, serve the purpose of helping the reader understand that it was initially difficult for her to understand a different way of life. The uniformity and repetition of daily routine in the old world made it near impossible for her to understand how these savages could carry out daily activities. She had been taught that there was only one proper way to clean things. She believed there was only one proper way to have relations with the opposite sex. She could not fathom the enigma of motherhood. It was not a concept she had been taught.
Similar to motherhood, Linda could not answer questions to her son John about the Other Place if they did not relate to the job she had there. She wasn't programmed to know any information she didn't need.
On the other hand, John finds it odd that his mother could be so oblivious to a world she loved so much. How could she know so little of something and be completely devoted to it? If her society was so perfect and beautiful, why would they only allow her to extend her experiences in it to a certain extent?
The rhetorical questions in this part of the book that are employed by Linda, the once civilized but now savage woman, serve the purpose of helping the reader understand that it was initially difficult for her to understand a different way of life. The uniformity and repetition of daily routine in the old world made it near impossible for her to understand how these savages could carry out daily activities. She had been taught that there was only one proper way to clean things. She believed there was only one proper way to have relations with the opposite sex. She could not fathom the enigma of motherhood. It was not a concept she had been taught.
Similar to motherhood, Linda could not answer questions to her son John about the Other Place if they did not relate to the job she had there. She wasn't programmed to know any information she didn't need.
On the other hand, John finds it odd that his mother could be so oblivious to a world she loved so much. How could she know so little of something and be completely devoted to it? If her society was so perfect and beautiful, why would they only allow her to extend her experiences in it to a certain extent?
Brave New World 9: Characterization of Lenina
"A very stout blonde squaw stepped across the threshold and stood looking at the strangers, staring incredulously, her mouth open. Lenina noticed with disgust that two of the front teeth were missing. And the colour of the ones that remained... She shuttered." pg. 119
From the excerpt above, it becomes obvivous that Lenina is not suited to seeing people who are not well kempt and physically unfit. She is horrified by the site of this young savage boy's mother because she does not look the same as all of the people in her society, the people who have been engineered and forced to have lifestyles which create a perfect physical condition.
In Lenina's mind, society has taught her that appearance was an important part of life. It decided the males she would go out with, what caste someone was, and how socially accepted a person was. By seeing this woman, we realize that it is part of Lenina's programming to automatically disdain a person of this physical squalor. Although she is often sympathetic with people, as she tries to be with Bernard, this woman's appearance makes it generally impossible for her. The savage woman's mere appearance is revolting and keeps Lenina from having any sympathy for her. To Lenina, physical appearance is in direct correlation with apathy. In her world, in her world she has been taught that the unattractive are undeserving of aquaintances.
Brave New World 8: Savage Reservation
"'And remember,' he added reassuringly to Lenina, 'they're perfectly tame; savages won't do you any harm. They've got enough experience of gas bombs to know that they mustn't play any tricks.'" pg. 106
Bernard is taking Lenina to visit the savage reservation, but after their previous experience, he wonders if she can handle such different concepts. Unlike the majority of people in this world, the savages still have families and homes and they still birth their children. It's a horrifying concept to the modernized people in this world. Its viewed as primitive and in fact "savage".
Lenina claims she can handle all of these differences even when Bernard describes them to her in great detail. She still wants to venture out into the savage village with him despite the terrible things she might witness. If progress is beautiful, this anti-progress part of civilization must be the opposite. It will present her with sights she has never encountered before. Some may even be traumatic. But Lenina can't comprehend this. She can't understand a world where progress, beautiful progress, hasn't taken place. Consequently, Bernard worries that this encounter with the savages might scar her mentally.
People today find it hard to comprehend the habits of our ancestors as well. It is odd to think that some day, our own actions and customs may become obsolete parts of the past. They may be viewed as disgusting or horrifying. But as promised by today's past, we will soon become the past and with us our customs and ideals.
Bernard is taking Lenina to visit the savage reservation, but after their previous experience, he wonders if she can handle such different concepts. Unlike the majority of people in this world, the savages still have families and homes and they still birth their children. It's a horrifying concept to the modernized people in this world. Its viewed as primitive and in fact "savage".
Lenina claims she can handle all of these differences even when Bernard describes them to her in great detail. She still wants to venture out into the savage village with him despite the terrible things she might witness. If progress is beautiful, this anti-progress part of civilization must be the opposite. It will present her with sights she has never encountered before. Some may even be traumatic. But Lenina can't comprehend this. She can't understand a world where progress, beautiful progress, hasn't taken place. Consequently, Bernard worries that this encounter with the savages might scar her mentally.
People today find it hard to comprehend the habits of our ancestors as well. It is odd to think that some day, our own actions and customs may become obsolete parts of the past. They may be viewed as disgusting or horrifying. But as promised by today's past, we will soon become the past and with us our customs and ideals.
Brave New World 7: Metaphor
"'You think I'm all right.' Another nod. 'In every way?'
'Perfect,' he said aloud. And inwardly. 'She thinks of herself that way. She doesn't mind being meat.'" pg. 93
Like most other women of this world, Lenina is used to being treated like an "piece of meat". Men simply use her for pleasure, viewing her body as a object of their play. She understands that this is part of the life she was destined for. It is simply part of her role as a female, and she is content with it.
However, Bernard who is able to fathom the disrespectful treatment she receives is appalled. It sickens him to see her treated like that. But after a few encounters with her, he realizes that even Lenina herself doesn't mind being so blatantly used. Its a task she must carry out. Its how she was programmed. Bernard wants to believe that Lenina can be more than this. He takes her to the ocean at night to show her the beauty of the world, to help her appreciate it.
But Lenina was not programmed for that. She is just like all the other women in regards to her mental outlook. She is very similar to a piece of meat. She serves the purpose she was programmed to serve and doesn't think twice about it. She gives men pleasure even if it doesn't please her. Bernard settles for this fact for one night. He caves on his convictions and carries out the normal steps of a night out for a male. Even though Lenina is pleased to have completed her task, Bernard can't find happiness in using a woman, even one who doesn't care that she's being used.
'Perfect,' he said aloud. And inwardly. 'She thinks of herself that way. She doesn't mind being meat.'" pg. 93
Like most other women of this world, Lenina is used to being treated like an "piece of meat". Men simply use her for pleasure, viewing her body as a object of their play. She understands that this is part of the life she was destined for. It is simply part of her role as a female, and she is content with it.
However, Bernard who is able to fathom the disrespectful treatment she receives is appalled. It sickens him to see her treated like that. But after a few encounters with her, he realizes that even Lenina herself doesn't mind being so blatantly used. Its a task she must carry out. Its how she was programmed. Bernard wants to believe that Lenina can be more than this. He takes her to the ocean at night to show her the beauty of the world, to help her appreciate it.
But Lenina was not programmed for that. She is just like all the other women in regards to her mental outlook. She is very similar to a piece of meat. She serves the purpose she was programmed to serve and doesn't think twice about it. She gives men pleasure even if it doesn't please her. Bernard settles for this fact for one night. He caves on his convictions and carries out the normal steps of a night out for a male. Even though Lenina is pleased to have completed her task, Bernard can't find happiness in using a woman, even one who doesn't care that she's being used.
Brave New World 6: An Anecdote On Lenina
"Lenina suddenly remembered an occasion when, as a little girl at school, she had woken up in the middle of the night and become aware, for the first time, of the whispering that had haunted all her sleeps." pg. 74
In the beginning of chapter five of Brave New World, Lenina puts herself above the Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons that are of a lower caste than her. It makes her sick to think that when they die, they will be indistinguishable from her. A reminder from Henry Foster of the physico-chemical equality of men brings back a memory from her childhood.
Lenina recalls being a little girl and waking up during one of her sleep lessons. She was scared and nervous. A dark room like that would scare a child in our society as well. She sat up for a bit, afraid to return to her slumber. But, as she listened repeatedly, the noise fell into the background. It became soothing and familiar, and she drifted back off to sleep.
It is apparent that Lenina was no longer really in control of her perspective anymore. She was so used to the common droning that she would believe anything it said. "Even Epsilons are useful." And because she had learned this so long ago, she thought it must be true. She thought Epsilons must be happy because they indeed served a purpose for the world. Although her thoughts sometimes stray a little more than the average programmed human of this universe, it never fails that they return to what she learned in her sleep as a child.
This anecdote about Lenina's childhood shows the lack of desire in this future world for any individual thought or opinion. Lenina's conclusions may have been a mere part of the development of the human brain, but because they strayed from common ideals, they were "wrong" in the eyes of society.
In the beginning of chapter five of Brave New World, Lenina puts herself above the Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons that are of a lower caste than her. It makes her sick to think that when they die, they will be indistinguishable from her. A reminder from Henry Foster of the physico-chemical equality of men brings back a memory from her childhood.
Lenina recalls being a little girl and waking up during one of her sleep lessons. She was scared and nervous. A dark room like that would scare a child in our society as well. She sat up for a bit, afraid to return to her slumber. But, as she listened repeatedly, the noise fell into the background. It became soothing and familiar, and she drifted back off to sleep.
It is apparent that Lenina was no longer really in control of her perspective anymore. She was so used to the common droning that she would believe anything it said. "Even Epsilons are useful." And because she had learned this so long ago, she thought it must be true. She thought Epsilons must be happy because they indeed served a purpose for the world. Although her thoughts sometimes stray a little more than the average programmed human of this universe, it never fails that they return to what she learned in her sleep as a child.
This anecdote about Lenina's childhood shows the lack of desire in this future world for any individual thought or opinion. Lenina's conclusions may have been a mere part of the development of the human brain, but because they strayed from common ideals, they were "wrong" in the eyes of society.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Brave New World 5: Helmholtz Watson and Situational Irony
"Yes, a little too able; they were right. A mental excess had produced in Helmholtz Watson effects very similar to those which, in Bernard Marx, were the result of a physical defect." pg. 67
I really enjoyed chapter four of Brave New World. Helmholtz Watson was introduced in part two of the chapter; he is Bernard Marx's opposite in every way. While Marx is too mentally developed, Watson is too physically developed. Although he can get any woman he wants and do any job in the least amount of time of anyone in his caste, he finds himself wanting more. He feels alone.
While Marx finds his problems with overdeveloped intelligence, the two find common ground in this lonesomeness. Though in different ways, they both feel exponentially different from their peers, and this is enough to bring them together. In this world where so many people are exactly the same, it's hard for someone who is different to find a person in whom to confide. But these two, in the fact that they are different, become the same. They are two of only a few different people in this modern society, and that gives them a special bond.
Their friendship provides a sort of comfort for the reader, knowing that even in a harsh world like this, friendship and understanding can exist.
I really enjoyed chapter four of Brave New World. Helmholtz Watson was introduced in part two of the chapter; he is Bernard Marx's opposite in every way. While Marx is too mentally developed, Watson is too physically developed. Although he can get any woman he wants and do any job in the least amount of time of anyone in his caste, he finds himself wanting more. He feels alone.
While Marx finds his problems with overdeveloped intelligence, the two find common ground in this lonesomeness. Though in different ways, they both feel exponentially different from their peers, and this is enough to bring them together. In this world where so many people are exactly the same, it's hard for someone who is different to find a person in whom to confide. But these two, in the fact that they are different, become the same. They are two of only a few different people in this modern society, and that gives them a special bond.
Their friendship provides a sort of comfort for the reader, knowing that even in a harsh world like this, friendship and understanding can exist.
Brave New World 4: Ambiguity
"'Take Ectogenesis. Pfitzner and Kawaguchi had got the whole technique worked out. But would the Governments look at it? No. There was something called Christianity. Women were forced to go on being viviparous.'" pg. 46
Up to this point in the novel, it seemed that most humans were on common ground in regards to opinions on society and order. In chapter three, however, the author provides a deeper look into two characters, Lenina Crowne and Bernard Marx, showing that not all people are comfortable with their contemporary universal values.
Lenina is looked down upon because she has only been with one man multiple times in the last four months. One of her female friends criticizes her for it. It is so unusual in their society while it seems so normal to the reader. And when Bernard develops a certain liking for Lenina, he becomes quite angry when he hears the other men speaking about her as if she was "a piece of meat".
While these two represent a rejected minority in this society, they represent the majority of our society. It is bizarre to contemplate a world where someone like myself who believes that monogamy and romance are natural parts of human life might be looked down on for my beliefs. By using ambiguity, the author helps the reader see this world from his or her own perspective. It succeeds in creating somewhat of a discomfort for the reader, knowing that all modern values are dead.
Up to this point in the novel, it seemed that most humans were on common ground in regards to opinions on society and order. In chapter three, however, the author provides a deeper look into two characters, Lenina Crowne and Bernard Marx, showing that not all people are comfortable with their contemporary universal values.
Lenina is looked down upon because she has only been with one man multiple times in the last four months. One of her female friends criticizes her for it. It is so unusual in their society while it seems so normal to the reader. And when Bernard develops a certain liking for Lenina, he becomes quite angry when he hears the other men speaking about her as if she was "a piece of meat".
While these two represent a rejected minority in this society, they represent the majority of our society. It is bizarre to contemplate a world where someone like myself who believes that monogamy and romance are natural parts of human life might be looked down on for my beliefs. By using ambiguity, the author helps the reader see this world from his or her own perspective. It succeeds in creating somewhat of a discomfort for the reader, knowing that all modern values are dead.
Brave New World 3: Unknown Allusions
"'You all remember, I suppose, that beautiful and inspired saying of Our Ford's: History is bunk. History,' he repeated slowly, 'is bunk.'" pg. 34
In this section of the novel, special note is made that the humans are no longer taught lessons on the subject of history. History, in their minds, is unneeded and extraneous. It is a waste of the human intellect.
As I quoted above, one of the common sayings of these future humans remarks on how historic knowledge is useless. The Director waves his hand when he speaks it, and the narrator states that it is like her is waving away history. He waved away thoughts of Thebes, Babylon, Odysseus, and Jesus with just his hand.
In actual society, it is almost incomprehensible to think that these parts of history could be unknown and unwanted. Whether it is for practical knowledge, culture, or simply fun, the tales and stories of such places as Athens and Rome and such characters as King Lear serve a purpose in our modern world. How is it that one could wave them off like "a speck of dust" with such ease? Huxley employs such a technique in order to show one what it would be like if common knowledge became uncommon. It help the reader understand how seriously different this world is from ours.
Brave New World 2: A Bizzare Reality
"'Human beings used to be..' he hesitated; the blood rushed to his cheeks. 'Well they used to be vivparous.'" pg. 24-25
As Brave New World takes place in the future, it should not be surprising that things have changed and there are no longer countries, but a central World State. However, it is odd and somewhat unnerving to consider a universe where humans don't recall the existence of multiple countries, cultures, and languages. Some of the students in the lab are oblivious of the former existences of the French, German, and Polish languages, and only one student was aware of what "parents" were.
In our world today, countries, cultures, languages, and especially parents have such a large impact on the turn-outs of society that its difficult to consider a world where they don't exist. Parents provide us with love, support, and encouragement. Is it wrong to suspect that in a this future world, qualities like this have shrunk to minuscule importance? It's hard to understand how these feelings could possibly be learned except through experience, and it is even harder to comprehend how a world could function without them. My own assessments tell me that without these qualities, humans would sink into depression and despair.
Contrarily, in the future that is a part of Brave New World, humans have continued to survive and make advances. I guess I'll have to try to wrap my mind around this concept.
As Brave New World takes place in the future, it should not be surprising that things have changed and there are no longer countries, but a central World State. However, it is odd and somewhat unnerving to consider a universe where humans don't recall the existence of multiple countries, cultures, and languages. Some of the students in the lab are oblivious of the former existences of the French, German, and Polish languages, and only one student was aware of what "parents" were.
In our world today, countries, cultures, languages, and especially parents have such a large impact on the turn-outs of society that its difficult to consider a world where they don't exist. Parents provide us with love, support, and encouragement. Is it wrong to suspect that in a this future world, qualities like this have shrunk to minuscule importance? It's hard to understand how these feelings could possibly be learned except through experience, and it is even harder to comprehend how a world could function without them. My own assessments tell me that without these qualities, humans would sink into depression and despair.
Contrarily, in the future that is a part of Brave New World, humans have continued to survive and make advances. I guess I'll have to try to wrap my mind around this concept.
Brave New World 1: Creating a Mindset With Diction
It never fails that I start my summer work right before it's due, but here I go, I guess...
"A troop of newly arrived students, very young, pink and callow, followed nervously, rather abjectly, at the Director's heels. Each of them carried a notebook, in which, whenever the great man spoke, he desperately scribbled. Straight from the horse's mouth." pg. 4
"A troop of newly arrived students, very young, pink and callow, followed nervously, rather abjectly, at the Director's heels. Each of them carried a notebook, in which, whenever the great man spoke, he desperately scribbled. Straight from the horse's mouth." pg. 4
In the beginning of Brave New World, one is placed in the setting of a laboratory and, therefore, encounters much scientific language. However, this form of wording reaches across the boundaries of events happening in the lab and applies itself to the entire chapter. The students taking notes in the lab conduct their studies in a seemingly scientific and uniform way. They copied down exactly what the Director said "straight from the horse's mouth and into the notebook. The first chapter was written somewhat as a series of processes. It described all the necessary steps in fertilization, incubation, and growth of the life-forms the workers created without missing a single detail.
By using this sort of scientific diction and form of writing, Huxley creates a sort of scientific mindset for the reader as he or she continues to journey through the book. The overwhelming science theme in the diction hints at how scientifically centered and uniform this future world is. It reminds me of the movie Gattaca. There is a similar effort to create a scientific theme in that film with its uniformity. Both Brave New World and Gattaca begin with a lab environment to set the tone for the rest of the story.
Although only a short way in, I'm enjoying this novel, and I'm looking forward to the scientific places it will take me.
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