brave new world

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UNIVERSIDAD DISTRITAL FRANCISCO JOSE DE CALDAS

SCHOOL OF SCIENCES AND EDUCATION

LICENCIATURA EN EDUCACION BASICA CON ENFASIS EN INGLES

ENGLISH COMPOSITION

TEACHER: SOFIA CASTAÑEDA

HERMAN MAURICIO MARTINEZ

20042165028

“Brave New world” by Aldous Huxley

The portrait of an imperfect flawless civilization

Introduction

The world is

The world is full of full of tragedytragedy. . HungerHunger, war, violence, crimes and an , war, violence, crimes and an endless chain of endless chain of sorrows, howeve

sorrows, howeverr, have , have you even thought of you even thought of a perfect civilization? Happy and freea perfect civilization? Happy and free people who live harmoniously taking pleasure in a world filled with bliss and joy. A people who live harmoniously taking pleasure in a world filled with bliss and joy. A utopia where pain and sickness do not exist at all. This is the “brave new world” utopia where pain and sickness do not exist at all. This is the “brave new world” most of us have dreamed about, portrayed exquisitely by the humanist Aldous most of us have dreamed about, portrayed exquisitely by the humanist Aldous Huxley who maybe not invented a new world, but probably was inspired by today´s Huxley who maybe not invented a new world, but probably was inspired by today´s civilization.

civilization.

In this book, Huxley constructs a whole world in

In this book, Huxley constructs a whole world in which technowhich technology and science arelogy and science are more important than humans. He fantastically describes a functional new society more important than humans. He fantastically describes a functional new society based in the essentials of industrialization. The humankind embraced in the path of based in the essentials of industrialization. The humankind embraced in the path of progress and success in which every individual is just a piece of the machinery. progress and success in which every individual is just a piece of the machinery. Sum up in a few words by Huxley “community, identity, stability” (1932:5) are the Sum up in a few words by Huxley “community, identity, stability” (1932:5) are the basis for a so called “perfect society”.

basis for a so called “perfect society”.

However, at the same time, the book itself is a testimony of what may happen to However, at the same time, the book itself is a testimony of what may happen to humanity if it is

humanity if it is focused too much in the pleasure and consumption rather than thefocused too much in the pleasure and consumption rather than the inner values. Furthermore, it encourages a deep reflection on our role as active inner values. Furthermore, it encourages a deep reflection on our role as active members of the society, not acting like a flock of sheep but as critical components members of the society, not acting like a flock of sheep but as critical components of the civilization.

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Plot

The novel opens in London in the year of 2540. The world is not divided anymore The novel opens in London in the year of 2540. The world is not divided anymore by countries, instead there is a unique territory called the World State’s. In this by countries, instead there is a unique territory called the World State’s. In this Pangaea, there is no much diversity; just one language is spoken, just one religion Pangaea, there is no much diversity; just one language is spoken, just one religion is approved (they believe in Ford instead of lord) and the heart of the society is approved (they believe in Ford instead of lord) and the heart of the society resides in the development of technology and sciences rather that the development resides in the development of technology and sciences rather that the development of individuals.

of individuals.

The values within the society promulgate can be summarized in this fragment: The values within the society promulgate can be summarized in this fragment: “stability. No civilization without social stability. No social stability without individual “stability. No civilization without social stability. No social stability without individual stability.”

stability.” (Huxley,1932: 31). The idea is that fragmentation in the society creates(Huxley,1932: 31). The idea is that fragmentation in the society creates vulnerable individuals incapable to think and to act. In fact one of the strategies to vulnerable individuals incapable to think and to act. In fact one of the strategies to break down the intrinsic arrangement of the society was to fracture the families, break down the intrinsic arrangement of the society was to fracture the families, taking control of the procreation process by opening breed laboratories in which taking control of the procreation process by opening breed laboratories in which people were “decanted” with the only purpose to serve to the clockwork system. people were “decanted” with the only purpose to serve to the clockwork system. This particular setting is essential in the development of the plot because it gives to This particular setting is essential in the development of the plot because it gives to the reader many elements of an alienated world in which one may reflect and the reader many elements of an alienated world in which one may reflect and contrast with the real world.

contrast with the real world.

The second chapter introduces Berna

The second chapter introduces Bernard Marx, rd Marx, a psychologist who from the verya psychologist who from the very beginning of the story establishes certain feeling of reluctance towards the system. beginning of the story establishes certain feeling of reluctance towards the system. He wondered about the lack of sentiment in everyone´s doing. He was concerned He wondered about the lack of sentiment in everyone´s doing. He was concerned about everyone´s acting like machines.

about everyone´s acting like machines.

Afterwards, another character is introduced: Lenina Crowne, a woman who likes Afterwards, another character is introduced: Lenina Crowne, a woman who likes Bernard, because she considers he is a unique man. Equally, Bernard feels for her, Bernard, because she considers he is a unique man. Equally, Bernard feels for her, consequ

consequently he invites her to ently he invites her to a savage reservationa savage reservation, a , a place where time stood still,place where time stood still, a place where people still live in families, and there were diseases and pain, a a place where people still live in families, and there were diseases and pain, a place like the world we know.

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This happening has a strong function and connection with the development of the This happening has a strong function and connection with the development of the story, in words of Honeywell “The events which make up the progression must be story, in words of Honeywell “The events which make up the progression must be related in the more general sense off all belonging to the same “world” or “reality” related in the more general sense off all belonging to the same “world” or “reality” (1968). It is because the savage reservation is the opposite of the “civilization”. (1968). It is because the savage reservation is the opposite of the “civilization”. Hux

Huxley ley desdescricribebes s the the rereserservatvatioion n as as a a comcommumuninity ty of of totootothlehless ss nanativtiveses, , whwhoo believed strongly in God and made rituals. They represented the opposite values of believed strongly in God and made rituals. They represented the opposite values of the

the sosociecietyty. . ThThey ey bebelielieveved d in in the the fafamilmily y anand d thethey y stistill ll hahad d strstronong g feefeelinlings gs asas community. In that place, Bernard and Lenina met Linda, a middle age woman who community. In that place, Bernard and Lenina met Linda, a middle age woman who once lived in the “new world” but in an expedition separated from the group and once lived in the “new world” but in an expedition separated from the group and had to stay in the reservation. Linda has a child, his name is John, a young man had to stay in the reservation. Linda has a child, his name is John, a young man who really likes Shakespeare and whose ambition is to know that “brave new who really likes Shakespeare and whose ambition is to know that “brave new world”.

world”.

Bernard asks for permission for Linda and John to leave the reservation. As they Bernard asks for permission for Linda and John to leave the reservation. As they ar

are e coconsnsideidered “savred “savageages”, the s”, the tratravel to vel to ththe e nenew w woworld is rld is alalso so a a tratravevel l to to thethe unknown. As Honeywell claims, the modern novel must meet certain criteria and unknown. As Honeywell claims, the modern novel must meet certain criteria and one of

one of the aspects he highlights is the aspects he highlights is that “it must that “it must be sequential” (1968) Adbe sequential” (1968) Admittedlymittedly, it, it is a logical manner of continue with the story while catching the reader’s attention is a logical manner of continue with the story while catching the reader’s attention be

becacaususe e in in ththe e prprevevioious us evevenents ts onone e cocoululd d sesee e a a cicivivililizezed d maman n in in ththe e wiwildld,, consequently one expects to see its counterpart: a “savage” living in the so called consequently one expects to see its counterpart: a “savage” living in the so called “brave new world”.

“brave new world”.

In this episode, the struggle between man and society is evident. As John the In this episode, the struggle between man and society is evident. As John the sa

savavage ge exexpeperirimementnts s a a nenew w lilife fe in in an an arartitifificicial al sosociciety ety whwhicich h fufulflfilills ls alall l ththee requirements to be happy. There is no need for individuals to think, the arts and the requirements to be happy. There is no need for individuals to think, the arts and the sc

scienienceces s wewere re ababoliolisheshed. d. “Ev“Everyerybobodydy’s ’s hahappy ppy nonoww.” .” (H(Huxluxleyey, , 19193232: : 5151). ). ThThee savage shows symptoms of illness, there is a strong moral and emotional conflict savage shows symptoms of illness, there is a strong moral and emotional conflict between him and the civilized world. He believed in nobility, heroism and wisdom, between him and the civilized world. He believed in nobility, heroism and wisdom, but all what society reflected was lack of morality, consumerism and pleasure.

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Ultimately, the savage desperately to find a way out of the “system” moves to a Ultimately, the savage desperately to find a way out of the “system” moves to a lilighghththououse se in in ththe e cocoununtrytrysiside de to to pupurirify fy hihis s bobody dy anand d sosoulul, , “H“He e papacicifified ed hihiss co

consnscicienence ce by by prpromomisisining g hihimsmselelf f a a cocompmpenensasatitingngly ly hahardrder er seselflfdidiscscipiplilinene,, purifications the more complete and thorough” (Huxley, 1932: 167).

purifications the more complete and thorough” (Huxley, 1932: 167). Afte

Afterwarrwards, ds, somsomethiething ng unexunexpectpected ed haphappenspens, , as as the the savasavage ge is is alonalone e tryitrying ng toto redeem his soul he is disturbed by curious reporters and citizens of the World redeem his soul he is disturbed by curious reporters and citizens of the World State’s, who feel interested for his living in hermitage. They want John to whip State’s, who feel interested for his living in hermitage. They want John to whip himself for purification; it was a spectacle for them. John troubled sees in the crowd himself for purification; it was a spectacle for them. John troubled sees in the crowd of people Lenina, the girl he

of people Lenina, the girl he has always been in love with, has always been in love with, but due to their but due to their differedifferentnt ide

ideoloology gy thethey y coucould ld nonot t be be totogegethetherr. . In In a a momomement nt of of exexcitcitememenent, t, JohJohn n ststartartss whipping himself, and as Lenina approaches, he whips her too. In this moment of whipping himself, and as Lenina approaches, he whips her too. In this moment of intensity, the multitude starts an orgy, in which he takes part too.

intensity, the multitude starts an orgy, in which he takes part too.

This sudden event contributes in showing the reader that although John really This sudden event contributes in showing the reader that although John really wanted to purify his soul, the civilization and modernization is everywhere and digs wanted to purify his soul, the civilization and modernization is everywhere and digs the deeper hole in the mind of the individuals. It is very difficult to separate the the deeper hole in the mind of the individuals. It is very difficult to separate the essence of the

essence of the individuaindividual away l away from the societyfrom the society. At the . At the end, John overwhelmed byend, John overwhelmed by the modern civilization, powerless and miserable, hangs himself. Altought, it is a the modern civilization, powerless and miserable, hangs himself. Altought, it is a very sad ending, it shows clearly the focus of the novel, which is that one as very sad ending, it shows clearly the focus of the novel, which is that one as individual has to know oneself deeply and truly understand what it is to be a human individual has to know oneself deeply and truly understand what it is to be a human being but not apart from the society, but as a part of it.

being but not apart from the society, but as a part of it.

Characterization

William Gass claims that

William Gass claims that “A great characte“A great character r has an has an endless interest; its fascinationendless interest; its fascination never wanes” 1970, It is relevant in “brave new world” as

never wanes” 1970, It is relevant in “brave new world” as It is a It is a novel about a mannovel about a man against society

against society, John , John the savage is the savage is a fascinating round charactera fascinating round character. He . He was born onwas born on the Savage Reservation, but his mother Linda was a civilized woman. One of the the Savage Reservation, but his mother Linda was a civilized woman. One of the most important aspects of John the Savage is that he is an outsider both on the most important aspects of John the Savage is that he is an outsider both on the Reservation and on the civilized Brave New World. He disagrees with two worlds Reservation and on the civilized Brave New World. He disagrees with two worlds because they are totally opposites, he does not find a balance.

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Linda taught John the Savage to read, but, as long as they had few books on the Linda taught John the Savage to read, but, as long as they had few books on the reservation, he has read nothing but Shakespeare. Trough the novel he contrast reservation, he has read nothing but Shakespeare. Trough the novel he contrast Shakespeare writing with the “brave new world”.

Shakespeare writing with the “brave new world”.

John morality is superior, he respects freedom and wisdom. When he arrives to John morality is superior, he respects freedom and wisdom. When he arrives to Lo

Londondon, n, he he falfalls ls roromamantinticacally lly in in lovlove e wiwith th LeLeninina, na, he he thithinks nks ababouout t heherr, , anandd compares their love with “Romeo and Juliet” by Shakespeare:

compares their love with “Romeo and Juliet” by Shakespeare:

“On the white wonder of dear Juliet

“On the white wonder of dear Juliet’s hand, may seize’s hand, may seize And steal immortal blessing from her lips,

And steal immortal blessing from her lips, Who, even in pure and

Who, even in pure and vestal modestyvestal modesty,, Still blush, as thinking their own kisses sin.”

Still blush, as thinking their own kisses sin.” (Huxley, 1932: 97).(Huxley, 1932: 97).

After his mother Linda dies, the Savage turns more disenchanted with utopian After his mother Linda dies, the Savage turns more disenchanted with utopian society. Technology and consumerism are nothing compared to individual freedom society. Technology and consumerism are nothing compared to individual freedom and human integrity. And its nature leads him to go to a solitary lighthouse and and human integrity. And its nature leads him to go to a solitary lighthouse and living as a hermit to face his destination.

living as a hermit to face his destination.

The other characters do not develop during the novel, they are flat characters. The other characters do not develop during the novel, they are flat characters. Bernard Marx is a character not satisfied with conditioned happiness who goes Bernard Marx is a character not satisfied with conditioned happiness who goes through the story tiring to find his way in a

through the story tiring to find his way in a society whersociety where he is e he is not accepted due tonot accepted due to a physical difference. Helmholtz Watson, is a good looking man who shares his a physical difference. Helmholtz Watson, is a good looking man who shares his thoughts w

thoughts with Bernard, he is alsith Bernard, he is also unsatisfieo unsatisfied with his role in societyd with his role in society. . They bothThey both play the role of guiding john trough his discovery.

play the role of guiding john trough his discovery.

Theme

Th

The e mamain in ididea ea of of the novethe novel l is is to to poportrrtraiait t a a sasarcarcastistic c crcritiitic c of of the advathe advancnces es of of civilization. Huxley, by means of the art of fiction gives us a look to the future, civilization. Huxley, by means of the art of fiction gives us a look to the future, allowing the reader to peek how things would be. A glance of a future filled with allowing the reader to peek how things would be. A glance of a future filled with

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tech

technicanical l and and sciescientifntific ic discdiscoveoveries ries whicwhich h atteattempt mpt to to provprovide ide satsatisfaisfactioction n andand comfort to humanity, but affecting social and sociologic aspects.

comfort to humanity, but affecting social and sociologic aspects.

Huxl

Huxleyey, , gregreatly atly critcritic ic the the way way in in whicwhich h contcontempemporary advancorary advances es are are supsupplyiplyingng comfort, stability and pleasure but in exchange of human freedom and ability to comfort, stability and pleasure but in exchange of human freedom and ability to think critically, this aspect is portrayed in the scene when John talks with Mustapha think critically, this aspect is portrayed in the scene when John talks with Mustapha Mond, one of the world´s controllers as follows:

Mond, one of the world´s controllers as follows:

“Because our world is not the

“Because our world is not the same as Othello’s world. Ysame as Othello’s world. You can’t make flivversou can’t make flivvers without steel-and you ca

without steel-and you can’t make tragedies without n’t make tragedies without social instabilitysocial instability. The. The

world’s stable now. People are happy; they get what they want, and they never world’s stable now. People are happy; they get what they want, and they never want what they can’t get”

want what they can’t get” (Huxley, 1932: 151).(Huxley, 1932: 151).

Wo

Worrrried ied by by ththe e “ci“civilvilizized” ed” woworldrld, , HuHuxlexley y wawakekes s ouour r coconcncernern, , wiwith th ththis is novnovel.el. Enables the possibility to reflect upon our own lives, to think carefully what would Enables the possibility to reflect upon our own lives, to think carefully what would happen in this world if we consider luxury and pleasure as number one instead of happen in this world if we consider luxury and pleasure as number one instead of freedom and integrity.

freedom and integrity.

Language technique

Huxley make use of a very scientifically and technical Language to describe the Huxley make use of a very scientifically and technical Language to describe the “brave new world”. Words like “embryo” “decant” and “Fertilizer” are common in the “brave new world”. Words like “embryo” “decant” and “Fertilizer” are common in the first chapter to represent the process in which new individuals came to the world. first chapter to represent the process in which new individuals came to the world. Even tough, he included many references about History and literature.

Even tough, he included many references about History and literature.

For example, he used the work of Shakespeare as a bridge for John the savage to For example, he used the work of Shakespeare as a bridge for John the savage to the new world. In fact, the name of the novel “Brave new world” derives from the new world. In fact, the name of the novel “Brave new world” derives from Miranda's speech in

Miranda's speech in ShakespShakespeare's The Teare's The Tempest, Acempest, Act V, and it t V, and it is used is used for the for the firstfirst time on the novel when John the savage knows that he will visit the civilization.

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“O wonder! “O wonder!

How many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave How many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world! That has such people in't!”

new world! That has such people in't!” (Huxley, 1932: 93).(Huxley, 1932: 93).

The whole novel embraces the figure of

The whole novel embraces the figure of paradox becauparadox because the se the earth was divided inearth was divided in two totally opposite scenarios, the part civilized wealthy and functional, and the two totally opposite scenarios, the part civilized wealthy and functional, and the part of filthy, freedom and disease, but there was not a balance among them which part of filthy, freedom and disease, but there was not a balance among them which is clearly a paradoxical situation.

is clearly a paradoxical situation.

The endin

The ending g of the of the novnovel embracel embraces the es the figufigure re of irony becausof irony because e JohJohn n the savagethe savage went through the whole process, first he lived peacefully in the reservation tainted went through the whole process, first he lived peacefully in the reservation tainted to know the new world. Secondly, he could visit and discover all the elements of to know the new world. Secondly, he could visit and discover all the elements of the new civilization only to find out that it was repulsive and alienated. Finally, he the new civilization only to find out that it was repulsive and alienated. Finally, he decided to live in completely solitude to purify his body and soul, however, the decided to live in completely solitude to purify his body and soul, however, the people of the civilized disturb his hermitage, and drive him to despair, as a result people of the civilized disturb his hermitage, and drive him to despair, as a result he committed suicide which is a total satire of what he really wanted.

he committed suicide which is a total satire of what he really wanted.

Effect or responses

Brav

Brave e new world is new world is defidefinitenitely ly one of one of thosthose e boobooks ks you alwayyou always s remremembemberer. . It It isis extraordinary how the author catches one´s attention and open one´s eyes to extraordinary how the author catches one´s attention and open one´s eyes to certain realities. I do not conceive it as “fiction” because many of the aspects certain realities. I do not conceive it as “fiction” because many of the aspects Hux

Huxley ley poportrrtraiaits ts arare e rerealialitieties s in in my my woworldrld: : ClClononatiationon, , inindusdustritrialializazatiotion, n, lalack ck of of morality, etc. And I think, that is exactly what he wanted to do, he wanted to make morality, etc. And I think, that is exactly what he wanted to do, he wanted to make one as reader reflect, and rethink what is your role or position as individual, and one as reader reflect, and rethink what is your role or position as individual, and what can one do to change the world. Not just make part of it, but critically be what can one do to change the world. Not just make part of it, but critically be aware of everyone´s function in this world.