"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
Disturbing. That's my description of the ending. John is so conflicted by the World State that he must purge himself of everything. He whipped himself to the point of puking and even threw himself in thorn bushes. The ways of the World State drove him insane. He was mad to the point of attacking people if they approached him. Then, last by not least he killed himself. Huxley made his death quite disturbing. He did not simply say that John hung himself; he used very descriptive words to describe exactly how he died, creating a gruesome image in my head. Imagery is great and all, but I think I could have done without so much detail. I get it; I don't need to know every direction his feet turn before he finally stopped moving. It kind of creeped me out.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Brave New World: Choosing Unhappiness
"'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
The Savage wants to live like we live today. He does not want to be controlled. The Controller thinks that he is choosing to be unhappy be choosing to live this way. I say good for him. He is standing up for what he believes in. He wants to be free. He wants to be able to make his own choices. People should experience pain and suffering, good and bad times, and believe in God if they want to. John stands for living like a real human. He has had enough of the World State and wants to return to his style of living, which the Controller believes is unhappiness. But that it what he chooses to do.
'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
The Savage wants to live like we live today. He does not want to be controlled. The Controller thinks that he is choosing to be unhappy be choosing to live this way. I say good for him. He is standing up for what he believes in. He wants to be free. He wants to be able to make his own choices. People should experience pain and suffering, good and bad times, and believe in God if they want to. John stands for living like a real human. He has had enough of the World State and wants to return to his style of living, which the Controller believes is unhappiness. But that it what he chooses to do.
Brave New World: An Attempt for Freedom
""Poison to soul as well as body.' ...'Throw it all away, that horrible poison.' ...'I come to bring you freedom,' said the Savage." pg. 211
Soma is poison. People need to stop taking soma. This is what John believes because the soma is what killed his mother. He wants to help free people and bring change. He begs people of the World State to stop taking soma. He even goes to the trouble of throwing it all out the window. John wants people to be free to know the truth and have real relationships. Citizens of the the World State take soma to escape all pain and responsibility. John wants people to feel pain and suffering and to take responsibility.
Soma is poison. People need to stop taking soma. This is what John believes because the soma is what killed his mother. He wants to help free people and bring change. He begs people of the World State to stop taking soma. He even goes to the trouble of throwing it all out the window. John wants people to be free to know the truth and have real relationships. Citizens of the the World State take soma to escape all pain and responsibility. John wants people to feel pain and suffering and to take responsibility.
Brave New World: Death...it's no big deal
"The Savage's voice was trembling with indignation. 'What are these filthy little brats doing here at all? It's disgraceful!'
'Disgraceful? But what do you mean? They're being death-conditioned. And I tell you,' she warned him truculently, ' if I have any more of your interference with their conditioning, I'll send for the porters and have you thrown out.'" pg. 202-203
Death is no big deal. That is what citizens of the World State believe because that is how they are conditioned. Since they can create more people with the slightest ease, death is not a big deal. If someone dies, it is alright because people are replaceable. Also, no one in the World State has any family to grieve for. However, John does not view death the same way. To him, death is a sad thing, a time for grief and remorse. So when his mother died, he was very upset. The nurses did not seem to understand what was wrong with him because no one ever came to visit people Hospital for the Dying. John was yelled at for his outburst when his mother died because he was interfering with the children's conditioning. Young children were brought to the Hospital for the Dying to get used to death. They played games and got treats in the hospital and John found it very disrespectful to the dying. This shows even more of a contrast between John and the World State. I hope that John can help bring about change, but I get a grim feeling that nothing is going to change.
'Disgraceful? But what do you mean? They're being death-conditioned. And I tell you,' she warned him truculently, ' if I have any more of your interference with their conditioning, I'll send for the porters and have you thrown out.'" pg. 202-203
Death is no big deal. That is what citizens of the World State believe because that is how they are conditioned. Since they can create more people with the slightest ease, death is not a big deal. If someone dies, it is alright because people are replaceable. Also, no one in the World State has any family to grieve for. However, John does not view death the same way. To him, death is a sad thing, a time for grief and remorse. So when his mother died, he was very upset. The nurses did not seem to understand what was wrong with him because no one ever came to visit people Hospital for the Dying. John was yelled at for his outburst when his mother died because he was interfering with the children's conditioning. Young children were brought to the Hospital for the Dying to get used to death. They played games and got treats in the hospital and John found it very disrespectful to the dying. This shows even more of a contrast between John and the World State. I hope that John can help bring about change, but I get a grim feeling that nothing is going to change.
Brave New World: Whao John!
"And as though awakened by her cry he caught her by the shoulders and shook her. 'Whore!' he shouted. 'Whore! Impudent strumpet!' ...The Savage pusher her away with such force that she staggered and fell. 'Go,' he shouted, standing over her menacingly, ' get out of my sight or I'll kill you.' He clenched his fists." pg. 194
Well John, is that how your really feel? What an outburst! I did not see that one coming. I was hoping that John would stay true to his morals, but I did not expect him to explode on Lenina. I am glad that John did not sleep with Lenina, but I was shocked by his reaction. It is not at all what I expected. I was also surprised that he told her loved her, especially because she did not have the same feelings. I know Lenina said she liked John a lot, but I do not believe she loved him. It just simply not in her to fall in love; it's against her conditioning. She believes that "everyone belongs to everyone." John, however, believes in love and marriage. He deserves to be with someone who feels the same way about him as he feels about her. Therefore, I am glad John turned Lenina down. He could have been a little nicer, but he did what he had to do.
Well John, is that how your really feel? What an outburst! I did not see that one coming. I was hoping that John would stay true to his morals, but I did not expect him to explode on Lenina. I am glad that John did not sleep with Lenina, but I was shocked by his reaction. It is not at all what I expected. I was also surprised that he told her loved her, especially because she did not have the same feelings. I know Lenina said she liked John a lot, but I do not believe she loved him. It just simply not in her to fall in love; it's against her conditioning. She believes that "everyone belongs to everyone." John, however, believes in love and marriage. He deserves to be with someone who feels the same way about him as he feels about her. Therefore, I am glad John turned Lenina down. He could have been a little nicer, but he did what he had to do.
Brave New World: Pop! His Bubble Burst!
"Punctured, utterly deflated, he dropped into a chair and, covering his face with his hands, began to weep. A few minutes later, however, he though better of it ant took four tablets of soma." pg. 176
Finally! Bernard's fame and success came to an end. His inconsideration towards John came back to bite him in the butt. Bernard never asked John what he wanted to do or who he wanted to meet. He just spoke for John and expected him to go along with it. Well Bernard you can't always get what you want, can you? Sometimes things just aren't going to go your way. And when you depend on another person to do what you want, you have to give a little in return. Bernard did nothing for John. He basically put John on display for everyone to see. So when John was finally tired of being used and he refused to be put on display, Bernard's success went down the drain. His bubble of success was popped. I say good for John. Way to go! He deserves better than how Bernard was treating him and Bernard got what he deserved.
Finally! Bernard's fame and success came to an end. His inconsideration towards John came back to bite him in the butt. Bernard never asked John what he wanted to do or who he wanted to meet. He just spoke for John and expected him to go along with it. Well Bernard you can't always get what you want, can you? Sometimes things just aren't going to go your way. And when you depend on another person to do what you want, you have to give a little in return. Bernard did nothing for John. He basically put John on display for everyone to see. So when John was finally tired of being used and he refused to be put on display, Bernard's success went down the drain. His bubble of success was popped. I say good for John. Way to go! He deserves better than how Bernard was treating him and Bernard got what he deserved.
Brave New World: 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.'" pg. 166
In this passage, Huxley made great use of dramatic irony. Lenina has a conversation with Fanny discussing John. As the reader, I am well aware that John likes Lenina. But Lenina is not sure if John likes her or not. The problem is that Lenina likes John alot, but he will not give her the time of day. So Lenina is very confused and wants to find out if he really likes her or not because it is driving her crazy. Meanwhile, I am reading this thinking, "Well, duh he likes you. Isn't it obvious. He avoids her but then she catches him staring at her. How is she unsure?" But at the same time, I do not really want them to get together because John really likes her and Lenina only wants him for sex. So, I think it would be best if John tried to stay away from her. But I don't know what's going to happen, so I guess i will have to wait and see if John comes around or if he keeps his distance.
'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.'" pg. 166
In this passage, Huxley made great use of dramatic irony. Lenina has a conversation with Fanny discussing John. As the reader, I am well aware that John likes Lenina. But Lenina is not sure if John likes her or not. The problem is that Lenina likes John alot, but he will not give her the time of day. So Lenina is very confused and wants to find out if he really likes her or not because it is driving her crazy. Meanwhile, I am reading this thinking, "Well, duh he likes you. Isn't it obvious. He avoids her but then she catches him staring at her. How is she unsure?" But at the same time, I do not really want them to get together because John really likes her and Lenina only wants him for sex. So, I think it would be best if John tried to stay away from her. But I don't know what's going to happen, so I guess i will have to wait and see if John comes around or if he keeps his distance.
Brave New World: Fame...but how long will it last
"The days passed. 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. In so far as it recognized him as important, the order of things was good." pg. 157
After news of Bernard's encounter with the Director and news of the savages spread, people wanted to see the savages. Bernard was becoming very popular. All the sudden the society he hated was not so bad because he was accepted. He was considered important and people wanted to meet him. His fame completely change him (and not for the better). As expressed in the quote above, Bernard's fame and success went to his head. He was insensitive and used John to get attention and "scientific purposes" (whatever that means). For some reason I get the feeling that Bernard's fame will not last for long. So, I'll be waiting to see it his luck runs out and he returns to his old life as an outsider. I guess I will just have to wait and see what happens.
After news of Bernard's encounter with the Director and news of the savages spread, people wanted to see the savages. Bernard was becoming very popular. All the sudden the society he hated was not so bad because he was accepted. He was considered important and people wanted to meet him. His fame completely change him (and not for the better). As expressed in the quote above, Bernard's fame and success went to his head. He was insensitive and used John to get attention and "scientific purposes" (whatever that means). For some reason I get the feeling that Bernard's fame will not last for long. So, I'll be waiting to see it his luck runs out and he returns to his old life as an outsider. I guess I will just have to wait and see what happens.
Brave New World: A Bit of Confidence
"'Marx,' he said, 'can you show any reason why I should not now execute the judgement passed upon you?'
'Yes, I can,' Bernard answered in a very loud voice.
Somewhat taken aback, but still majestically, ' then show it,' said the Director." pg. 149
After Bernard returned from holiday, the Director tried to make an example of him. He called out Bernard on his strange habits in front of the workers and declared that he was being transferred to Iceland. However, Bernard had other ideas. Bernard returned from holiday with a surprise for the Director. He brought out Linda and John and completely humiliated the Director. Bernard had returned for the Savage Reservation with a new-found confidence. He stood up to the Director and proved he had a reason to stay. I think knowing something about the Director that no one else knew is what gave Bernard the confidence to stand up for himself. I do not think that he needed to embarrass the Director in front of the whole staff, but it was good that he finally stood up for himself.
'Yes, I can,' Bernard answered in a very loud voice.
Somewhat taken aback, but still majestically, ' then show it,' said the Director." pg. 149
After Bernard returned from holiday, the Director tried to make an example of him. He called out Bernard on his strange habits in front of the workers and declared that he was being transferred to Iceland. However, Bernard had other ideas. Bernard returned from holiday with a surprise for the Director. He brought out Linda and John and completely humiliated the Director. Bernard had returned for the Savage Reservation with a new-found confidence. He stood up to the Director and proved he had a reason to stay. I think knowing something about the Director that no one else knew is what gave Bernard the confidence to stand up for himself. I do not think that he needed to embarrass the Director in front of the whole staff, but it was good that he finally stood up for himself.
Brave New World: Lyric Poem
"'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
While she is on the reservation, John takes a liking to Lenina. John looks upon her while she sleeps and Shakespeare comes to mind. He wants to touch her hand so badly, but he does not feel worthy of her. The use of this lyric poem, excerpted from Romeo and Juliet, sheds light on his feelings for Lenina. It also shows the difference between John and people of the World State. Someone from the World State would go for instant gratification. However, John did not his morals and views on sex are different from those of the World State. The lyric poem from Shakespeare also shows how different John is. In the World State, nobody even knows what Shakespeare is, but John practically lives by what he learned from reading Shakespeare. I think it is nice that Shakespeare comes to mind when John thinks of Lenina, that he does not just think about having sex with her. It is kind of refreshing to have a character who has strong morals and lives by them. I hope that John will continue to hold strong to his morals throughout the book and not give into the ways of the World State.
And steal immortal blessing from her lips,
Who, even in pure and vestal modesty,
Still blush, as thinking their own kisses sin.'" pg.144
While she is on the reservation, John takes a liking to Lenina. John looks upon her while she sleeps and Shakespeare comes to mind. He wants to touch her hand so badly, but he does not feel worthy of her. The use of this lyric poem, excerpted from Romeo and Juliet, sheds light on his feelings for Lenina. It also shows the difference between John and people of the World State. Someone from the World State would go for instant gratification. However, John did not his morals and views on sex are different from those of the World State. The lyric poem from Shakespeare also shows how different John is. In the World State, nobody even knows what Shakespeare is, but John practically lives by what he learned from reading Shakespeare. I think it is nice that Shakespeare comes to mind when John thinks of Lenina, that he does not just think about having sex with her. It is kind of refreshing to have a character who has strong morals and lives by them. I hope that John will continue to hold strong to his morals throughout the book and not give into the ways of the World State.
Brave New World: John's Flashback
"'But I can read,' he said to himself, 'and they can't. They don't even know what reading is.' It was fairly easy, if he thought hard enough about the reading, to pretend that he didn't mind when they made fun of him." pg 130
On the reservation, Bernard mets a young man named John. He is different from the other savages. Bernard learns that John's mother is not from the reservation; she is from the "Other Place." When Bernard met John's mother, Linda, he put two and two together and realized Linda came to the reservation with the Director. Bernard wanted to learn more about John and hear his story. So John told Bernard about himself through a series of flashbacks. As Bernard listened to John, he came to notice that they were very similar. They were both alone. Bernard was not accepted because he was short and spent time by himself. John was alone because he was different: his mother was for the "Other Place," he didn't have a father, and his mom was useless on the reservation. Unlike Bernard, John found a way around being alone; he learned to read. Somehow, this comforted John to know that he could read and the other boys could not and it helped him to ignore their teasing. Huxley's use of flashbacks were a success in letting the reader get to know John.
On the reservation, Bernard mets a young man named John. He is different from the other savages. Bernard learns that John's mother is not from the reservation; she is from the "Other Place." When Bernard met John's mother, Linda, he put two and two together and realized Linda came to the reservation with the Director. Bernard wanted to learn more about John and hear his story. So John told Bernard about himself through a series of flashbacks. As Bernard listened to John, he came to notice that they were very similar. They were both alone. Bernard was not accepted because he was short and spent time by himself. John was alone because he was different: his mother was for the "Other Place," he didn't have a father, and his mom was useless on the reservation. Unlike Bernard, John found a way around being alone; he learned to read. Somehow, this comforted John to know that he could read and the other boys could not and it helped him to ignore their teasing. Huxley's use of flashbacks were a success in letting the reader get to know John.
Brave New World: Linda's shame and Lenina's disgust
"'And I was so ashamed. Just think of it: me, a Beta-having a baby: put yourself in my place.' (The mere suggestion made Lenina shudder.)" pg. 120
Disgust! That was Lenina reaction to Linda. She could not believe a Beta gave birth to a child. However, Linda was also disgusted and ashamed with herself for having a son. They was also disgusted by the savages. After all, Lenina and Linda were both conditioned to be repulsed by the savages. I think the way they feel about the savages is probably the same as I feel about they way they live. I do not understand it and I find it confusing. Just as the women do not understand the savages, I do not understand this Brave New World. They live in a society with progress and do not understand how people can live as savages do when there is something better. But why must everything be their way? Why can't they just accept that some people are different? Well, they are conditioned to think that way for the sake of peace and stability. But I don't understand why no one has an real independent thinking. I mean, the savages do not all think the same things and they seem to have peace and stability on the reservation. I just don't understand it, but I might eventually because I am not conditioned to hate things I do not understand.
Disgust! That was Lenina reaction to Linda. She could not believe a Beta gave birth to a child. However, Linda was also disgusted and ashamed with herself for having a son. They was also disgusted by the savages. After all, Lenina and Linda were both conditioned to be repulsed by the savages. I think the way they feel about the savages is probably the same as I feel about they way they live. I do not understand it and I find it confusing. Just as the women do not understand the savages, I do not understand this Brave New World. They live in a society with progress and do not understand how people can live as savages do when there is something better. But why must everything be their way? Why can't they just accept that some people are different? Well, they are conditioned to think that way for the sake of peace and stability. But I don't understand why no one has an real independent thinking. I mean, the savages do not all think the same things and they seem to have peace and stability on the reservation. I just don't understand it, but I might eventually because I am not conditioned to hate things I do not understand.
Brave New World: The Savage Reservation
"'But cleanliness is next of fordliness,' she (Lenina) insisted.
'Yes, and civilization is sterilization,' Bernard went on..." pg. 110
Bernard took Lenina on holiday with him to the Savage Reservation. Before they went, he asked her is she was sure that she wanted to go because things were very different on the reservation. Lenina was sure she could handle anything she saw on the reservation, but she was wrong. She was shocked and disgusted by how the "savages" lived. She asked, "how can they live like this?" Lenina could not imagine anyone living where in a place without progress. Bernard, however, had a much different response. He was fascinated by their lifestyle. While Lenina tried to ignore what she saw, Bernard made open comments about his surroundings. Their different reactions to the reservation give the reader more insight on each character. I will continue to watch for their different reactions and learn more about each character.
'Yes, and civilization is sterilization,' Bernard went on..." pg. 110
Bernard took Lenina on holiday with him to the Savage Reservation. Before they went, he asked her is she was sure that she wanted to go because things were very different on the reservation. Lenina was sure she could handle anything she saw on the reservation, but she was wrong. She was shocked and disgusted by how the "savages" lived. She asked, "how can they live like this?" Lenina could not imagine anyone living where in a place without progress. Bernard, however, had a much different response. He was fascinated by their lifestyle. While Lenina tried to ignore what she saw, Bernard made open comments about his surroundings. Their different reactions to the reservation give the reader more insight on each character. I will continue to watch for their different reactions and learn more about each character.
Brave New World: Anecdote on the Director
"'Twenty years, I suppose. Nearer twenty-five. I must have been your age...' He sighed and shook his head."
"'I had the same idea as you, ' the Director was saying. 'Wanted to have a look at the savages. Got a permit for New Mexico and went there for my summer holiday.'" pg. 96
In chapter six, the Director gave the reader a little glimpse into his past. When Bernard went to the Director to sign a permit, it brought back old memories for the Director. Then the he started talking about his past almost forgetting that Bernard was in the room. Through this short anecdote, we learn that the director went to the Savage Reservation when he was younger and something happened to him while he was there. But what happened and why was the girl missing? And why did he get so defensive when he remembered Bernard was listening? It was rather strange for the Director to talk with Bernard for so long and then even weirder when he got angry with Bernard for listening. So, I will be paying attention to see if something more is revealed about the Director's past father along in the book.
"'I had the same idea as you, ' the Director was saying. 'Wanted to have a look at the savages. Got a permit for New Mexico and went there for my summer holiday.'" pg. 96
In chapter six, the Director gave the reader a little glimpse into his past. When Bernard went to the Director to sign a permit, it brought back old memories for the Director. Then the he started talking about his past almost forgetting that Bernard was in the room. Through this short anecdote, we learn that the director went to the Savage Reservation when he was younger and something happened to him while he was there. But what happened and why was the girl missing? And why did he get so defensive when he remembered Bernard was listening? It was rather strange for the Director to talk with Bernard for so long and then even weirder when he got angry with Bernard for listening. So, I will be paying attention to see if something more is revealed about the Director's past father along in the book.
Brave New World: Ford = God?
"'Oh, for Ford's sake, be quiet!' he shouted." pg. 90
"'Thank Ford,' she said to herself, 'he's all right again.'" pg. 92
Ford is a common reaccuring theme in the novel. The allusion is to Henry Ford, who designed the Ford Model T automobile and is credited with establishing the assembly line. The World State is based on Ford and his assembly line. It seems to me that Ford takes the place of a higher power. The time period is even A.F. (After Ford), establishing that he was really important. The whole society of "community, identity, stability" is based on consumerism, which would not have been possible without the assembley line and Ford himself. Therefore, society holds Ford in high regard, possibly even in place of God. People in Brave New World use Ford in places where people today would use God or Lord. For a society with no religion, it certainly follows Fordism very religiously.
"'Thank Ford,' she said to herself, 'he's all right again.'" pg. 92
Ford is a common reaccuring theme in the novel. The allusion is to Henry Ford, who designed the Ford Model T automobile and is credited with establishing the assembly line. The World State is based on Ford and his assembly line. It seems to me that Ford takes the place of a higher power. The time period is even A.F. (After Ford), establishing that he was really important. The whole society of "community, identity, stability" is based on consumerism, which would not have been possible without the assembley line and Ford himself. Therefore, society holds Ford in high regard, possibly even in place of God. People in Brave New World use Ford in places where people today would use God or Lord. For a society with no religion, it certainly follows Fordism very religiously.
Brave New World: Indirect Characterization
"For whatever the cause (and the current gossip about the alcohol in his blood-surrogate may very likely for accidents will happen have been true) Bernard's physique was hardly better than that of the average Gamma. He stood eight centimetres short of the standard Alpha height and was slender in proportion. Contact with members of the lower castes always reminded him painfully of this physical inadequacy." pg.64
In chapter three, the reader is introduced to Bernard Marx, a very interesting character. Huxley uses indirect characterization quite often to help the reader get to know Bernard. He is a very strange character compared to the others. He is described as "ugly" and "small" by the other characters. He also developed a bad reputation for spending most of his time alone. Not only does the author show what the other characters think of Bernard, Huxley reveals Bernard's inner thoughts and feelings to the reader. Bernard is different and as a result he feels alone. He feels like an outsider because he is physically small for his caste. he is humiliated around people of lower castes because he has to look level instead of downward on them. As an Alpha, Bernard is superior, but due to his physical inadequacy he feels like he has to give orders in a sharp, arrogant, and offensive tone when dealing with members of a lower caste. Huxley does a great job of providing the reader with a better understanding of Bernard through indirect characterization. Throughout chapters three and four, the reader begins to see who Bernard is through his own thoughts and feelings and through the other characters reactions to him.
In chapter three, the reader is introduced to Bernard Marx, a very interesting character. Huxley uses indirect characterization quite often to help the reader get to know Bernard. He is a very strange character compared to the others. He is described as "ugly" and "small" by the other characters. He also developed a bad reputation for spending most of his time alone. Not only does the author show what the other characters think of Bernard, Huxley reveals Bernard's inner thoughts and feelings to the reader. Bernard is different and as a result he feels alone. He feels like an outsider because he is physically small for his caste. he is humiliated around people of lower castes because he has to look level instead of downward on them. As an Alpha, Bernard is superior, but due to his physical inadequacy he feels like he has to give orders in a sharp, arrogant, and offensive tone when dealing with members of a lower caste. Huxley does a great job of providing the reader with a better understanding of Bernard through indirect characterization. Throughout chapters three and four, the reader begins to see who Bernard is through his own thoughts and feelings and through the other characters reactions to him.
Brave New World: Style
"'I simply must get one like it,' said Fanny
'There were some things called the pyramids, for example.'
'My old black-patent bandolier...'" pg. 51
My reaction to the style of this novel is confused. I feel like half the stuff I am reading I do not understand. I have also had to look a few words up, especially the scientific mumbo-jumbo in the first few chapters. Reading the first chapter was a nightmare; I did not want to continue reading. I even considered reading the other book first, but I decided I better get this book out of the way. I also do not like how it jumps back and forth from three different conversations simultaneously. The quote, for example, is more than one conversation and it continues to skip back and forth between conversations for about ten pages. Sometimes when I was reading, I did not know which conversation I was in because it skipped around so much. I had to go back and reread so I knew what was happening. It is frustrating to reread things multiple times before I understand what is happening. I feel like the last few chapters may have made a bit more sense if things were arranged a little differently. However, I adjusted to the style and am I am trying my best to understand it.
'There were some things called the pyramids, for example.'
'My old black-patent bandolier...'" pg. 51
My reaction to the style of this novel is confused. I feel like half the stuff I am reading I do not understand. I have also had to look a few words up, especially the scientific mumbo-jumbo in the first few chapters. Reading the first chapter was a nightmare; I did not want to continue reading. I even considered reading the other book first, but I decided I better get this book out of the way. I also do not like how it jumps back and forth from three different conversations simultaneously. The quote, for example, is more than one conversation and it continues to skip back and forth between conversations for about ten pages. Sometimes when I was reading, I did not know which conversation I was in because it skipped around so much. I had to go back and reread so I knew what was happening. It is frustrating to reread things multiple times before I understand what is happening. I feel like the last few chapters may have made a bit more sense if things were arranged a little differently. However, I adjusted to the style and am I am trying my best to understand it.
Brave New World: Situational Irony
"'What's the matter?' asked the Director. The nurse shrugged her shoulders. 'Nothing much,' she answered. 'It's just that this little boy seems rather reluctant to join in the ordinary erotic play.'" pg. 31-32
If I were to describe this novel in one word so far, it would be strange. Many things in this novel are very different from our modern world. One thing in particular that I find so strange is that young children are expected to join in erotic play and if they don't the nurses think something is wrong with the child. This provides a bit of situational irony for the reader. Today in our society it is considered wrong and immoral for young children to be sexual active. However, in Brave New World, things are the exact opposite. The Ford society is completely different from what is expected. The use of situational irony helps establish the differences between this utopian society and our modern society. It is also quite effective because there are many things about this novel that stray from the norm and the irony makes it more interesting because it is not what the reader expects.
If I were to describe this novel in one word so far, it would be strange. Many things in this novel are very different from our modern world. One thing in particular that I find so strange is that young children are expected to join in erotic play and if they don't the nurses think something is wrong with the child. This provides a bit of situational irony for the reader. Today in our society it is considered wrong and immoral for young children to be sexual active. However, in Brave New World, things are the exact opposite. The Ford society is completely different from what is expected. The use of situational irony helps establish the differences between this utopian society and our modern society. It is also quite effective because there are many things about this novel that stray from the norm and the irony makes it more interesting because it is not what the reader expects.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Brave New World: Allusion
"INFANT NURSERIES. NEO-PAVLOVIAN CONDITIONING ROOMS, announced the notice board." pg. 19
At the beginning of chapter two, Huxley makes a reference to Pavlov. Ivan Pavlov was a famous scientist who conditioned dogs to drool at the sound of a dinner bell. In the same sense, humans are conditioned to passively serve the Ford community in Brave New World. Each person is born into a caste with a respective job. As humans grow up, they are conditioned to do their jobs and live by the rules of society. For example, a group of Delta babies were conditioned to hate books and flowers. The babies were taken into a room with books and flowers and when they got excited an alarm sounded, frightening them and then they were shocked to reinforce the lesson. Just as Pavlov conditioned the response of his dogs, humans were conditioned for certain things according to their castes.
At the beginning of chapter two, Huxley makes a reference to Pavlov. Ivan Pavlov was a famous scientist who conditioned dogs to drool at the sound of a dinner bell. In the same sense, humans are conditioned to passively serve the Ford community in Brave New World. Each person is born into a caste with a respective job. As humans grow up, they are conditioned to do their jobs and live by the rules of society. For example, a group of Delta babies were conditioned to hate books and flowers. The babies were taken into a room with books and flowers and when they got excited an alarm sounded, frightening them and then they were shocked to reinforce the lesson. Just as Pavlov conditioned the response of his dogs, humans were conditioned for certain things according to their castes.
Brave New World: Onomatopoeia
"Whiz and then, click! the lift-hatches flew open...whiz, click!" pg. 9
In the first chapter of Brave New World, the Director shows a group of boys around the Hatchery and Conditioning Centre. As they walked through different sections of the centre, the director explains what certain machines are and what they do. One of the rooms they entered was the Bottling Room. When describing the bottling room, the author used an onomatopoeia. It allows the reader not only to see the words but also hear the sounds. I felt as though I was in the factory watching the bottles pass by on a conveyor belt and hearing the clicking sounds they made. The use of the onomatopoeia effectively helps the reader imagine the workings of the factory. It provides the reader with an image of how the system works and how it is constantly moving.
In the first chapter of Brave New World, the Director shows a group of boys around the Hatchery and Conditioning Centre. As they walked through different sections of the centre, the director explains what certain machines are and what they do. One of the rooms they entered was the Bottling Room. When describing the bottling room, the author used an onomatopoeia. It allows the reader not only to see the words but also hear the sounds. I felt as though I was in the factory watching the bottles pass by on a conveyor belt and hearing the clicking sounds they made. The use of the onomatopoeia effectively helps the reader imagine the workings of the factory. It provides the reader with an image of how the system works and how it is constantly moving.
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