"Happiness is never grand." pg 221
This quote is a prevalent theme throughout the book. There were many sacrifices the society made for people to be happy, whether it was beauty, art, science, or relationships. This quote even applies to John, because he tries to be happy and make amends at the end of the book, but it doesn't work out due to constant reminders of The Other World, and the result is his death. Well in all, I have enjoyed this book. When I read the first chapter I was pretty intimidated by all the scientific language, but thankfully it was not like that the entire book. Even though the ending was rather depressing, I think it aimed to show that real human emotions cannot exist in the 'utopia.' This book really gives a warning out to all of us today, of how science can be an enemy to society. Currently we view technology as a great advancement in society, but this novel portrays how controlling it can become. Huxley conveys the truth behind science that no one really thinks about--how it can be a curse rather than a blessing, and this novel proves so through its conditioning, soma, hypnopedia. It may be stable and happy to these people, but certainly not to us.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Old Vs. New
"The sun was already high when he woke. He lay for a moment, blinking in owlish incomprehension at the light; then suddenly remembered-everything." pg 259
John's death symbolizes that this new world cannot ever have old beliefs. Whenever old ideas resurface, they are thrown out...and when John's traditional notions are mixed within these new utopian ideas, he cannot take the culture shock, and he commits suicide. I find the whole ordeal to be really sad, because if John had not left the Reservation in the first place, he would not have come into this world where there is no such thing as true morals and wanted to kill himself. He would just be back at the Reservation, with Linda, who would possibly still be alive at this point, having not been drugged to death by soma. This whole situation is really Bernard's fault, since he was the one to go to New Mexico and bring the savages back. Anyway, in this last chapter of the book, John tried to escape "the filth of civilized life," and find some solitude. Unfortunately, he was bombarded by newscasters, and he could not take their constant invasions. He wanted to get away from The Other World, but it just kept coming back. He could not take the pain he was experiencing, from remembering Linda's death, to the twisted ideals of the utopia, and the thoughts of Lenina's seducing him, so he killed himself. Old beliefs don't last in this place. Ending is better than mending...
John's death symbolizes that this new world cannot ever have old beliefs. Whenever old ideas resurface, they are thrown out...and when John's traditional notions are mixed within these new utopian ideas, he cannot take the culture shock, and he commits suicide. I find the whole ordeal to be really sad, because if John had not left the Reservation in the first place, he would not have come into this world where there is no such thing as true morals and wanted to kill himself. He would just be back at the Reservation, with Linda, who would possibly still be alive at this point, having not been drugged to death by soma. This whole situation is really Bernard's fault, since he was the one to go to New Mexico and bring the savages back. Anyway, in this last chapter of the book, John tried to escape "the filth of civilized life," and find some solitude. Unfortunately, he was bombarded by newscasters, and he could not take their constant invasions. He wanted to get away from The Other World, but it just kept coming back. He could not take the pain he was experiencing, from remembering Linda's death, to the twisted ideals of the utopia, and the thoughts of Lenina's seducing him, so he killed himself. Old beliefs don't last in this place. Ending is better than mending...
Reflection
"As if one believed anything by instinct! One believes things because one has been conditioned to believe them" pg 235
These past two chapters have explained all about the 'utopia' and why ideas and beliefs were changed to fit the new world. Mustapha Mond brings up some strong points, and I found it all to be really interesting, especially the part about God above^. Mond said that people only believe in God because that's what they are taught, which is really true. I've been brought up to believe God, so I accept that religion. It may not always be the case that people will accept what they are brought up by, but for the most part, people will follow to what they are accustomed. Thinking about all of this is kinda hurting my brain... Mond keeps making really firm points, and then I want to agree with John because his beliefs are similar to today's world. I do agree with John when he argues about the importance of instability, because human mistake is essential to our nature. Last year in English class I remember writing an essay about how humans are "coded for error," and how these errors actually help us in the long run and encourage success. I suppose success is another aspect that only impedes on the stability of the society though. Well in all, I'm really glad this discussion is in the book, otherwise I would still be wondering what half of the reasoning is behind the changed world.
These past two chapters have explained all about the 'utopia' and why ideas and beliefs were changed to fit the new world. Mustapha Mond brings up some strong points, and I found it all to be really interesting, especially the part about God above^. Mond said that people only believe in God because that's what they are taught, which is really true. I've been brought up to believe God, so I accept that religion. It may not always be the case that people will accept what they are brought up by, but for the most part, people will follow to what they are accustomed. Thinking about all of this is kinda hurting my brain... Mond keeps making really firm points, and then I want to agree with John because his beliefs are similar to today's world. I do agree with John when he argues about the importance of instability, because human mistake is essential to our nature. Last year in English class I remember writing an essay about how humans are "coded for error," and how these errors actually help us in the long run and encourage success. I suppose success is another aspect that only impedes on the stability of the society though. Well in all, I'm really glad this discussion is in the book, otherwise I would still be wondering what half of the reasoning is behind the changed world.
More Explanations
"Civilization has absolutely no need of nobility or heroism. These things are symptoms of political inefficiency." pg 237
This chapter continues on with the description of the society, and Mond makes this point above. Basically, this society has thrown out a lot of old ideas, and kept only the ideas that involve stability. It brings me back to the quote, "Ending is better than mending, the less stitches the more riches." There are so many characteristics that we value today that are considered a menace in this society. The quote above just portrays one of those menaces...and I find this quote very ironic (This whole book is really ironic..) because we see heroes as a sign of social stability..well in movies at least. When the world has problems, if Superman or Spiderman isn't there to fix them, there is practically no hope. Maybe this doesn't connect, because these superheroes really don't exist, but still. I guess they don't even need heroes though because there's never any need for them...the whole society is under the impression that, "Everything's fine," which, it is to them for the most part. No wars will ever come, no "divided allegiance," really no chance for anything bad to happen, because, "It would upset the whole social order if men started doing things on their own." No independence, no marriage, no love, no friendships, no real emotions, this world has quite the twisted idea of happiness...but then again they really don't know any better when they have soma.
This chapter continues on with the description of the society, and Mond makes this point above. Basically, this society has thrown out a lot of old ideas, and kept only the ideas that involve stability. It brings me back to the quote, "Ending is better than mending, the less stitches the more riches." There are so many characteristics that we value today that are considered a menace in this society. The quote above just portrays one of those menaces...and I find this quote very ironic (This whole book is really ironic..) because we see heroes as a sign of social stability..well in movies at least. When the world has problems, if Superman or Spiderman isn't there to fix them, there is practically no hope. Maybe this doesn't connect, because these superheroes really don't exist, but still. I guess they don't even need heroes though because there's never any need for them...the whole society is under the impression that, "Everything's fine," which, it is to them for the most part. No wars will ever come, no "divided allegiance," really no chance for anything bad to happen, because, "It would upset the whole social order if men started doing things on their own." No independence, no marriage, no love, no friendships, no real emotions, this world has quite the twisted idea of happiness...but then again they really don't know any better when they have soma.
Answers
"Happiness has got to be paid for. You're paying for it, Mr. Watson-paying because you happen to be too much interested in beauty. I was too much interested in truth; I paid too." pg 228
I finally understand this society better now. Mustapha Mond explains why the world is the way it is, and why they want people to be happy. I think this may be the "Aha" moment in the book. I still find it sad that they had to choose between happiness and beauty--Mond said they couldn't have both. So maybe our world isn't always the happiest, but at least we have beauty. Just look at that picture to the right! These people don't have religion, art, nature, or anything like that. Their lives may be "happy" but they're only conditioned to think so. Also, I found it interesting that Mond said, "Science is dangerous; we have to keep it most carefully chained and muzzled," because I was under the impression that science was a source of stability in this world, but really, science can even be an enemy. New discoveries could turn its back on everything this society's accomplished. Well maybe this society is 'stable' according to its definition of stable, but I cannot imagine that it'll always be that way--there are many things that could interfere with its stability-science itself, human error, human emotions. I doubt the book will go that far into the future, but that's just my prediction.
I finally understand this society better now. Mustapha Mond explains why the world is the way it is, and why they want people to be happy. I think this may be the "Aha" moment in the book. I still find it sad that they had to choose between happiness and beauty--Mond said they couldn't have both. So maybe our world isn't always the happiest, but at least we have beauty. Just look at that picture to the right! These people don't have religion, art, nature, or anything like that. Their lives may be "happy" but they're only conditioned to think so. Also, I found it interesting that Mond said, "Science is dangerous; we have to keep it most carefully chained and muzzled," because I was under the impression that science was a source of stability in this world, but really, science can even be an enemy. New discoveries could turn its back on everything this society's accomplished. Well maybe this society is 'stable' according to its definition of stable, but I cannot imagine that it'll always be that way--there are many things that could interfere with its stability-science itself, human error, human emotions. I doubt the book will go that far into the future, but that's just my prediction.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Action
"Don't you even understand what manhood and freedom are?" pg 213
John's true feelings toward the utopian society are revealed in this chapter. I find it ironic that he repeatedly says "O brave new world," when in reality, he hates this place. He takes the soma rations and throws them out the window because he cannot stand how helpless the substance makes people. I think John is especially angry with this society because since he came here all he has experienced is his mother's death, Lenina's loose morals, and being treated as a prize by Bernard. This entire chapter is most likely the climax in the story because John is trying to show the people how they are wasting away their lives, and living with no freedom. Also, I was glad that Helmholtz helped John to throw away the soma, because it shows that not everyone is willingly to stand by these rules. Bernard on the other hand, stands back and watches, and doesn't interfere with any of the action. Once again, I'm disappointed in Bernard's character because at the beginning of this novel I thought he would be the one to ignite change. Well, even though John is trying to make a point, I don't think that any of the people will listen since they are already too brainwashed to be able to change their minds. A couple people may agree with John, but not enough to reverse the utopian world back to normal human life.
John's true feelings toward the utopian society are revealed in this chapter. I find it ironic that he repeatedly says "O brave new world," when in reality, he hates this place. He takes the soma rations and throws them out the window because he cannot stand how helpless the substance makes people. I think John is especially angry with this society because since he came here all he has experienced is his mother's death, Lenina's loose morals, and being treated as a prize by Bernard. This entire chapter is most likely the climax in the story because John is trying to show the people how they are wasting away their lives, and living with no freedom. Also, I was glad that Helmholtz helped John to throw away the soma, because it shows that not everyone is willingly to stand by these rules. Bernard on the other hand, stands back and watches, and doesn't interfere with any of the action. Once again, I'm disappointed in Bernard's character because at the beginning of this novel I thought he would be the one to ignite change. Well, even though John is trying to make a point, I don't think that any of the people will listen since they are already too brainwashed to be able to change their minds. A couple people may agree with John, but not enough to reverse the utopian world back to normal human life.
Death
"Undoing all their wholesome death-conditioning with this disgusting outcry-as though death were something terrible, as though any one mattered as much as that!" pg 206
In chapter 14, we see how death is truly regarded in this society. The nurses at the Park Lane Hospital for the Dying could care less about saving the lives of the people there. They are left to die in a room "full of modern conveniences," including soma, air conditioning, and a TV. Our culture regards death in quite the opposite way--when someone dies, there is sadness, mourning, and grief. We miss that person and we never want to forget their place in our lives. Yet here, no one matters as much as that (above quote) and there is absolutely no emotional attachment. I cannot imagine living a life like this, because it would basically have no meaning...if you're just going to be forgotten when you die, what is the point? I'm glad that John has feelings and he grieved over his mother's death. At least someone still has a heart. Even more frustrating was that when everyone saw John crying, they thought he was acting insane, and the nurse ignored it and asked the children if they wanted chocolate éclairs. When people die in this society, life goes on the second it happens and people move forward. They are forgotten, and they're just another person. It's almost like the people are manufactured goods--they're made the same way, used the same way, and they're discarded in the same way.This novel's depressing. I hope our world never ends up like this.
In chapter 14, we see how death is truly regarded in this society. The nurses at the Park Lane Hospital for the Dying could care less about saving the lives of the people there. They are left to die in a room "full of modern conveniences," including soma, air conditioning, and a TV. Our culture regards death in quite the opposite way--when someone dies, there is sadness, mourning, and grief. We miss that person and we never want to forget their place in our lives. Yet here, no one matters as much as that (above quote) and there is absolutely no emotional attachment. I cannot imagine living a life like this, because it would basically have no meaning...if you're just going to be forgotten when you die, what is the point? I'm glad that John has feelings and he grieved over his mother's death. At least someone still has a heart. Even more frustrating was that when everyone saw John crying, they thought he was acting insane, and the nurse ignored it and asked the children if they wanted chocolate éclairs. When people die in this society, life goes on the second it happens and people move forward. They are forgotten, and they're just another person. It's almost like the people are manufactured goods--they're made the same way, used the same way, and they're discarded in the same way.This novel's depressing. I hope our world never ends up like this.
Different Views
"You don't seem very glad to see me, John," she said at last. pg 189
Lenina really likes John, but unfortunately in this chapter, we see, John just doesn't feel the same way. John likes Lenina too...but he doesn't want to use her like the utopian society does. From the events in this chapter, we see how John's morals are basically rooted by Shakespeare. He quotes Shakespeare to Lenina, (making her rather angry), to convince himself to stay away from her. The relationship between Lenina and John just cannot work. The two are so different--Lenina, being conditioned and a loyal conformist to the utopia, and John, a savage, that has his beliefs set by Shakespeare. When these two cultures clash, bad things happen--we see John hit Lenina and kick her out. I can't decide if I should feel bad for Lenina or John or both. Lenina just got hurt because she really doesn't know any better--she's just following what her society says is right. And John is in a world where he just doesn't belong.
Well, at the end of the chapter, John runs off and leaves his room. It sounds like Linda is probably going to die soon, considering the doctors basically said she'd die soon a couple chapters ago. Also I'm wondering if this is the last we'll see of Lenina in the book, because John obviously doesn't love her, and Bernard is out being famous.
Lenina really likes John, but unfortunately in this chapter, we see, John just doesn't feel the same way. John likes Lenina too...but he doesn't want to use her like the utopian society does. From the events in this chapter, we see how John's morals are basically rooted by Shakespeare. He quotes Shakespeare to Lenina, (making her rather angry), to convince himself to stay away from her. The relationship between Lenina and John just cannot work. The two are so different--Lenina, being conditioned and a loyal conformist to the utopia, and John, a savage, that has his beliefs set by Shakespeare. When these two cultures clash, bad things happen--we see John hit Lenina and kick her out. I can't decide if I should feel bad for Lenina or John or both. Lenina just got hurt because she really doesn't know any better--she's just following what her society says is right. And John is in a world where he just doesn't belong.
Well, at the end of the chapter, John runs off and leaves his room. It sounds like Linda is probably going to die soon, considering the doctors basically said she'd die soon a couple chapters ago. Also I'm wondering if this is the last we'll see of Lenina in the book, because John obviously doesn't love her, and Bernard is out being famous.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Mistakes
"One of the principal functions of a friend is to suffer (in a milder and symbolic form) the punishments that we should like, but are unable, to inflict upon our enemies." pg 179
In Chapter 12, I have discovered that these people do possess at least one human quality: they make mistakes! Bernard's plan goes awry, and he isn't able to show off 'the Savage' aka John. (I really don't understand how this society finds one savage absolutely repulsing, and the other as absolutely amazing..) Some more mistakes though--Helmholtz got in trouble for creating poetry, because it contained feelings. And we cannot forget the Director's fling with Linda, and son John. I'm glad to see that mistakes and even emotions may exist in this world! But it doesn't last for long...because Helmholtz laughs uncontrollably over Romeo and Juliet when it talks about fathers and mothers, a silly thought in the mind of a conditioned being. Overall though, we are seeing some emotions and such emerging, so this just proves my point that Science doesn't have the ability to interfere with human feeling. Helmholtz reflects on what being alone might feel like, and I am proud of him because he is another character who has recognized some emotion. The society can try to make everyone act the same, and be taught to think the same things, but there will always be persons that breaks free of the system.
In Chapter 12, I have discovered that these people do possess at least one human quality: they make mistakes! Bernard's plan goes awry, and he isn't able to show off 'the Savage' aka John. (I really don't understand how this society finds one savage absolutely repulsing, and the other as absolutely amazing..) Some more mistakes though--Helmholtz got in trouble for creating poetry, because it contained feelings. And we cannot forget the Director's fling with Linda, and son John. I'm glad to see that mistakes and even emotions may exist in this world! But it doesn't last for long...because Helmholtz laughs uncontrollably over Romeo and Juliet when it talks about fathers and mothers, a silly thought in the mind of a conditioned being. Overall though, we are seeing some emotions and such emerging, so this just proves my point that Science doesn't have the ability to interfere with human feeling. Helmholtz reflects on what being alone might feel like, and I am proud of him because he is another character who has recognized some emotion. The society can try to make everyone act the same, and be taught to think the same things, but there will always be persons that breaks free of the system.
Downfalls
"Success went fizzily to Bernard's head, and in the process completely reconciled him (as any good intoxicant should do) to a world which, up till then, he had found very unsatisfactory."pg 157
This quote shows what Bernard's hubris or flaw is. Throughout the novel, all he has wanted is to be noticed. It was foreshadowed throughout the book...For example when we saw how jealous he was of Helmholtz's popularity in the beginning, how he always wants to please Mustapha Mond, etc. He just wants to fit in and be accepted by everyone else. And now that he has fame, he's just another conformist supporter...He uses soma freely, goes out with girls all the time, and all of that other conformity stuff. I'm pretty disappointed in Bernard because he's turning out exactly the opposite of what I predicted. I thought he would try to show people what living is truly about, and instead, all he wants is fame and he forgets the rest. Disappointing. I understand he was trying to get out of Iceland but really, where are your inner emotions Bernard?!
This quote shows what Bernard's hubris or flaw is. Throughout the novel, all he has wanted is to be noticed. It was foreshadowed throughout the book...For example when we saw how jealous he was of Helmholtz's popularity in the beginning, how he always wants to please Mustapha Mond, etc. He just wants to fit in and be accepted by everyone else. And now that he has fame, he's just another conformist supporter...He uses soma freely, goes out with girls all the time, and all of that other conformity stuff. I'm pretty disappointed in Bernard because he's turning out exactly the opposite of what I predicted. I thought he would try to show people what living is truly about, and instead, all he wants is fame and he forgets the rest. Disappointing. I understand he was trying to get out of Iceland but really, where are your inner emotions Bernard?!
Revelations
"The greater a man's talents, the greater his power to lead astray. It is better that one should suffer than that many should be corrupted." pg 148
When Linda and John came into the Centre, I finally made a connection (took me long enough). Back in chapter six (part 2), the Director was rambling on about his past life to Bernard, and I found it rather unimportant. But now I see why it matters, as Linda is the woman who he was talking about. Linda had a son too, which is none other than, the Director's son. Now that everyone knows the Director has a "birthed" son, (thanks to Bernard) he looks like a huge hypocrite. Now I predict that he will be ostracized because he was called "father," a phrase he frequently condemns. This whole situation is karma, and now that the Director's mistake is public, the novel may have a turning point! Well in all, I found this chapter rather amusing, between the Director's embarrassment, John acting like a baby longing for his dad, and Linda scaring all the children at the Centre with her words ("baby, mother, etc"). The Director has made a complete fool of himself, mainly due to Bernard though. Bernard is not someone you want to mess with..
When Linda and John came into the Centre, I finally made a connection (took me long enough). Back in chapter six (part 2), the Director was rambling on about his past life to Bernard, and I found it rather unimportant. But now I see why it matters, as Linda is the woman who he was talking about. Linda had a son too, which is none other than, the Director's son. Now that everyone knows the Director has a "birthed" son, (thanks to Bernard) he looks like a huge hypocrite. Now I predict that he will be ostracized because he was called "father," a phrase he frequently condemns. This whole situation is karma, and now that the Director's mistake is public, the novel may have a turning point! Well in all, I found this chapter rather amusing, between the Director's embarrassment, John acting like a baby longing for his dad, and Linda scaring all the children at the Centre with her words ("baby, mother, etc"). The Director has made a complete fool of himself, mainly due to Bernard though. Bernard is not someone you want to mess with..
Shakespeare
"On the white wonder of dear Juliet's hand, may seize
And steal immortal blessing from her lips,
Who, even in pure and vestal modesty,
Still blush, as thinking their own kisses sin."
pg 144
Okay, so John obviously quotes/reads Shakespeare a looot. When he creepily watches over Lenina, Shakespeare quotes come to his mind. I think John has picked up a lot of lessons from Shakespeare actually (I know it sounds weird). Last chapter, it said The Complete Works of William Shakespeare "talked to him; talked wonderfully and only half-understadably." Years of reading Shakespeare have shaped John into who he is today. Rather than being conditioned, John was moreover taught by the works of Shakespeare. (The mentioning of Shakespeare is an allusion, by the way)
Also, I found a comparison--John compares Lenina to a dangerous bird. He feels ashamed of himself for looking at her, because it's not exactly, "Pure and vestal modesty," like Shakespeare would claim. She is beautiful, yet dangerous, because she might lead John into a situation that is not exactly moral. I hope John follows what he believes because otherwise he will not be happy with himself.
I'm glad Huxley included Shakespeare in this novel as well, because it shows that traditional beliefs do exist--even if it is outside of the utopia. I predict that John will get in trouble for his beliefs, because I doubt that this society will accept such old beliefs from thousands of years ago.
And steal immortal blessing from her lips,
Who, even in pure and vestal modesty,
Still blush, as thinking their own kisses sin."
pg 144
Okay, so John obviously quotes/reads Shakespeare a looot. When he creepily watches over Lenina, Shakespeare quotes come to his mind. I think John has picked up a lot of lessons from Shakespeare actually (I know it sounds weird). Last chapter, it said The Complete Works of William Shakespeare "talked to him; talked wonderfully and only half-understadably." Years of reading Shakespeare have shaped John into who he is today. Rather than being conditioned, John was moreover taught by the works of Shakespeare. (The mentioning of Shakespeare is an allusion, by the way)
Also, I found a comparison--John compares Lenina to a dangerous bird. He feels ashamed of himself for looking at her, because it's not exactly, "Pure and vestal modesty," like Shakespeare would claim. She is beautiful, yet dangerous, because she might lead John into a situation that is not exactly moral. I hope John follows what he believes because otherwise he will not be happy with himself.
I'm glad Huxley included Shakespeare in this novel as well, because it shows that traditional beliefs do exist--even if it is outside of the utopia. I predict that John will get in trouble for his beliefs, because I doubt that this society will accept such old beliefs from thousands of years ago.
Onward
"O brave new world," he repeated. "O brave new world that has such people in it. Let's start at once." pg 139
I find it a little bit ironic that John sees The Other World, as exciting. First of all, he doesn't know the what it's like, other than what Linda has told him. I have a feeling that it is a bad idea to take John and Linda to London, mainly because of how Bernard thought Linda may be "an enormous asset." What does that mean? What is he going to do with Linda? Also...I wonder if Linda will conform back into the old ways of the Other World, since it is where she was raised.. If Bernard doesn't interfere that is. Hmm...In all, taking 'savages' out of the Reservation just is a terrible idea--I highly doubt that they will just fit in with all the conditioned robot beings in the utopia. Linda may be okay in the Other World, but John? John hasn't even been to the Other World, and he only has vague ideas of what it is like. I predict that there will be a culture shock for John, and that Linda will enjoy being back in the Other World, so she can finally have soma again. Well, time to read and see what happens when the savages leave the Reservation and travel to the brave new world !
I find it a little bit ironic that John sees The Other World, as exciting. First of all, he doesn't know the what it's like, other than what Linda has told him. I have a feeling that it is a bad idea to take John and Linda to London, mainly because of how Bernard thought Linda may be "an enormous asset." What does that mean? What is he going to do with Linda? Also...I wonder if Linda will conform back into the old ways of the Other World, since it is where she was raised.. If Bernard doesn't interfere that is. Hmm...In all, taking 'savages' out of the Reservation just is a terrible idea--I highly doubt that they will just fit in with all the conditioned robot beings in the utopia. Linda may be okay in the Other World, but John? John hasn't even been to the Other World, and he only has vague ideas of what it is like. I predict that there will be a culture shock for John, and that Linda will enjoy being back in the Other World, so she can finally have soma again. Well, time to read and see what happens when the savages leave the Reservation and travel to the brave new world !
Sunday, July 3, 2011
The Other Civilization
"Up there, in Malpais, the drums were being beaten. Their feet fell in with the rhythm of that mysterious heart; they quickened their pace. Their path led them to the foot of the precipice. The sides of the great mesa ship towered over them, three hundred feet to the gunwale." pg 108
In this chapter, we once again see the how hypnopaedia acts as a powerful mind controller upon those who have been conditioned. When Lenina and Linda [new character] came upon the uncivilized lifestyle of the Indians, they recited lines that had been impounded in their heads: 'Civilization is Sterilization', and 'Everybody belongs to everyone else.' The way that Lenina and Linda reacted to the lifestyle of the Indians shows how helpless they really are--the government tells them what's right, what the rules should be, how to live, and who to be with. I know in one of my previous blogs I wrote, "Science doesn't have the ability to interfere with human feelings," but now I don't even know if that is true anymore. The only feelings that these women seem to have are because of science and conditioning... Science has obviously controlled them to a pretty large extent.
Well anyway I found two similies that created imagery of this new place:
"The mesa was like a ship becalmed in a strait of lion-coloured dust."
"His face was profoundly wrinkled and black, like a mask of obsidian."
The first similie illustrates the scenery of the area. It appears as though it's untouched by man, and instead a natural site--surprising to those who live in a sterile and [practically] chrome world.
The second similie shows how dirty and unkempt the Indians were. Also, the fact that his face was wrinkled was something Lenina had a hard time accepting. She said "Lots of people are old; they're not like that." Their science has defied the odds of aging it appears, because wrinkles are not something that she is familiar with.
In this chapter, we once again see the how hypnopaedia acts as a powerful mind controller upon those who have been conditioned. When Lenina and Linda [new character] came upon the uncivilized lifestyle of the Indians, they recited lines that had been impounded in their heads: 'Civilization is Sterilization', and 'Everybody belongs to everyone else.' The way that Lenina and Linda reacted to the lifestyle of the Indians shows how helpless they really are--the government tells them what's right, what the rules should be, how to live, and who to be with. I know in one of my previous blogs I wrote, "Science doesn't have the ability to interfere with human feelings," but now I don't even know if that is true anymore. The only feelings that these women seem to have are because of science and conditioning... Science has obviously controlled them to a pretty large extent.
Well anyway I found two similies that created imagery of this new place:
"The mesa was like a ship becalmed in a strait of lion-coloured dust."
"His face was profoundly wrinkled and black, like a mask of obsidian."
The first similie illustrates the scenery of the area. It appears as though it's untouched by man, and instead a natural site--surprising to those who live in a sterile and [practically] chrome world.
The second similie shows how dirty and unkempt the Indians were. Also, the fact that his face was wrinkled was something Lenina had a hard time accepting. She said "Lots of people are old; they're not like that." Their science has defied the odds of aging it appears, because wrinkles are not something that she is familiar with.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Conflicts
Lenina shrugged her shoulders. "A gramme is always better than a damn," she concluded with dignity, and drank the sundae herself. pg 90
Chapter six portrays just how much the characters depend on soma to be happy. Lenina believes that it's a miracle potion that cures everything. When Bernard starts talking about his feelings, Lenina keeps saying things like, "Why you don't take soma when you have these dreadful ideas of yours. You'd forget all about them." and "Remember one cubic centimetre cures ten gloomy sentiments." Throughout this chapter, Bernard experiences an external conflict with Lenina. He wants to show her his real thoughts about how he wishes to be free of the social caste system. He contradicts himself though by giving in and drinking the soma, a symbol of conformity in the book. Lenina experiences conflict as well-she wants to like Bernard but she just finds him so odd. So far, the two have a very complicated relationship...and I get the feeling that Bernard is using Lenina...We'll see how these conflicts will work themselves out as the book goes along.
Chapter six portrays just how much the characters depend on soma to be happy. Lenina believes that it's a miracle potion that cures everything. When Bernard starts talking about his feelings, Lenina keeps saying things like, "Why you don't take soma when you have these dreadful ideas of yours. You'd forget all about them." and "Remember one cubic centimetre cures ten gloomy sentiments." Throughout this chapter, Bernard experiences an external conflict with Lenina. He wants to show her his real thoughts about how he wishes to be free of the social caste system. He contradicts himself though by giving in and drinking the soma, a symbol of conformity in the book. Lenina experiences conflict as well-she wants to like Bernard but she just finds him so odd. So far, the two have a very complicated relationship...and I get the feeling that Bernard is using Lenina...We'll see how these conflicts will work themselves out as the book goes along.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Protagonist?
"Every one works for every one else. We can't do without any one..." pg 74
The different castes in this society illustrate how certain groups possess dynamic roles that other groups may not. Lenina says, "Even the Epsilons are useful," to imply that even though they are a lower caste, they serve an important purpose-- "[they] perform indispensable services." Also the above words, "Everyone works for everyone else, We can't do without any one," have apparently been ingrained in the citizen's minds since the beginning of their lives. Lenina has a brief flashback of being a little girl when she remembers the first time she heard this phrase. Since then, it's remained an ordinary saying in her mind. I think the leaders are trying to portray a false sense of security to everyone by saying things like this and, "Everybody's happy now." It's easy for people to accept what they want to hear.
Also, so far, it appears that Bernard is the protagonist. His real thoughts are unlike most of those he is surrounded by, so he is probably going to be one of the main focuses for the rest of the novel. When he goes to the Solidarity Service at the Fordson Community Singery, he feels rather alone and empty after all the soma and ..other stuff that happened, and he was 'utterly miserable.' It seems that he wishes that there was less focus on fitting in (since he doesn't) and more focus on individuality. Bernard is the only sane person in this book so far, so I hope he tries to fix the crazy world he's living in.
The different castes in this society illustrate how certain groups possess dynamic roles that other groups may not. Lenina says, "Even the Epsilons are useful," to imply that even though they are a lower caste, they serve an important purpose-- "[they] perform indispensable services." Also the above words, "Everyone works for everyone else, We can't do without any one," have apparently been ingrained in the citizen's minds since the beginning of their lives. Lenina has a brief flashback of being a little girl when she remembers the first time she heard this phrase. Since then, it's remained an ordinary saying in her mind. I think the leaders are trying to portray a false sense of security to everyone by saying things like this and, "Everybody's happy now." It's easy for people to accept what they want to hear.
Also, so far, it appears that Bernard is the protagonist. His real thoughts are unlike most of those he is surrounded by, so he is probably going to be one of the main focuses for the rest of the novel. When he goes to the Solidarity Service at the Fordson Community Singery, he feels rather alone and empty after all the soma and ..other stuff that happened, and he was 'utterly miserable.' It seems that he wishes that there was less focus on fitting in (since he doesn't) and more focus on individuality. Bernard is the only sane person in this book so far, so I hope he tries to fix the crazy world he's living in.
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