Friday, July 8, 2011
Final Reflection
"'In fact,' said Mustapha Mond, 'you're claiming the right to be unhappy." Page 240
The title of this book is entirely relevant to its outcome. At the beginning of the book, Bernard and Helmholtz are themselves searching for a new world to live and develop in. When Bernard and Lenina go to the Indian Reservation, they are travelling into a new world. John, on his trip to London, is on his way to a new world. Even up to the end, when John commits suicide, he is yet travelling again to a Brave New World. Yet in the end, despite John's tragic end, one must wonder who was truly happier. John felt human emotions and lived through human experiences. Although his life was shorter, he knew more of happiness than most people ever would.
The title of this book is entirely relevant to its outcome. At the beginning of the book, Bernard and Helmholtz are themselves searching for a new world to live and develop in. When Bernard and Lenina go to the Indian Reservation, they are travelling into a new world. John, on his trip to London, is on his way to a new world. Even up to the end, when John commits suicide, he is yet travelling again to a Brave New World. Yet in the end, despite John's tragic end, one must wonder who was truly happier. John felt human emotions and lived through human experiences. Although his life was shorter, he knew more of happiness than most people ever would.
An End to Savagery
"Like a madman, he was slashing at her with his whip of small cords." Page 257
John was a pitiful creature throughout this story. He was an outcast growing up at the reservation. None of the other boys accepted him because of his light skin and hair. When he finally came into the civilized world that his mother Linda had told him of, he was again an outcast, called a savage for his upbringing. No one accepted John for the individual he was. Perhaps this was a message Huxley was trying to convey. Either way, this constant disowning from the two extremes of human existence caused John to eventually take his own life.
John was a pitiful creature throughout this story. He was an outcast growing up at the reservation. None of the other boys accepted him because of his light skin and hair. When he finally came into the civilized world that his mother Linda had told him of, he was again an outcast, called a savage for his upbringing. No one accepted John for the individual he was. Perhaps this was a message Huxley was trying to convey. Either way, this constant disowning from the two extremes of human existence caused John to eventually take his own life.
New vs. Old
"'But the tears are necessary.'" Page 238
John brings up an excellent point. To those living in it, the stable, civilized world seems perfect. No discomfort, no suffering, no want for anything. However, John sees it as it really is. He sees it as boring and who dwell in it as slaves. He tells the Controller that he would rather have suffering because it meant happiness. Without unhappiness, how could one ever be truly happy? How can you be happy if you've never cried?
John brings up an excellent point. To those living in it, the stable, civilized world seems perfect. No discomfort, no suffering, no want for anything. However, John sees it as it really is. He sees it as boring and who dwell in it as slaves. He tells the Controller that he would rather have suffering because it meant happiness. Without unhappiness, how could one ever be truly happy? How can you be happy if you've never cried?
The Truth Comes Out
"'Universal happiness keeps the wheels steadily turning; truth and beauty can't.'" Page 228
The Controller finally speaks the truth. I believe that Huxley's concept presented here is extremely interesting. In our society today, we have truth and beauty. However, we ALL yearn for happiness. And the concept of being transferred to an island for individuality is ingenious. More ingenious is the concept that the World Controllers are Alphas who cannot accept happiness, and yearn for truth and beauty. Unfortunately, we see Bernards true character in this chapter: what a humiliating episode for him in front of the Controller.
The Controller finally speaks the truth. I believe that Huxley's concept presented here is extremely interesting. In our society today, we have truth and beauty. However, we ALL yearn for happiness. And the concept of being transferred to an island for individuality is ingenious. More ingenious is the concept that the World Controllers are Alphas who cannot accept happiness, and yearn for truth and beauty. Unfortunately, we see Bernards true character in this chapter: what a humiliating episode for him in front of the Controller.
Ford Helps Those...
"'Good old Helmholtz!' -also punching- 'Men at last!'" Page 213
I feel as though this is the beginning of the end. John, from the moment he arrived in London, has done nothing but cause trouble. He has broken the rules. He has destroyed social order. He single-handedly put the city into an uproar. Now, John is taking on the whole established authority. Fortunately, he is bringing Bernard and Helmholtz with him on his quest. The unfortunate circumstance is that I don't believe they can possibly win.
I feel as though this is the beginning of the end. John, from the moment he arrived in London, has done nothing but cause trouble. He has broken the rules. He has destroyed social order. He single-handedly put the city into an uproar. Now, John is taking on the whole established authority. Fortunately, he is bringing Bernard and Helmholtz with him on his quest. The unfortunate circumstance is that I don't believe they can possibly win.
Circle of Society
"The circle was disintegrating." Page 207
John's mother was dying. To all people living in London, death was an inevitability. Yet death was an accepted part of life, just as the sky is blue and that gravity cannot be shattered. They thought nothing of death because of their conditioning to its horrors. John yet again broke social etiquette when he showed anger and sadness for his dying mother. The head nurse in the death ward was confused by his actions, and even noted that the "circle was disintegrating". She recognized the danger of John's reaction to death, and was afraid that the children would begin to associate negative thoughts and feelings with death. John, the savage, doesn't care. He is grieving, and will break any social barrier he needs to to get over it.
John's mother was dying. To all people living in London, death was an inevitability. Yet death was an accepted part of life, just as the sky is blue and that gravity cannot be shattered. They thought nothing of death because of their conditioning to its horrors. John yet again broke social etiquette when he showed anger and sadness for his dying mother. The head nurse in the death ward was confused by his actions, and even noted that the "circle was disintegrating". She recognized the danger of John's reaction to death, and was afraid that the children would begin to associate negative thoughts and feelings with death. John, the savage, doesn't care. He is grieving, and will break any social barrier he needs to to get over it.
The Impudent Strumpet
"'Go,' he shouted, standing over her menacingly, 'get out of my sight or I'll kill you.'" Page 194
It has become apparent that the worlds cannot meet in the middle. John, hard as he tried, could not change Lenina. Lenina, hard as she tried, could not have John. Her drugged up visit to him only made matters much much worse than they were before. John is now furious with Lenina, and discovers that his "Brave New World" is perhaps not what he wanted. Perhaps it isn't the paradise his mother Linda made it out to be.
It has become apparent that the worlds cannot meet in the middle. John, hard as he tried, could not change Lenina. Lenina, hard as she tried, could not have John. Her drugged up visit to him only made matters much much worse than they were before. John is now furious with Lenina, and discovers that his "Brave New World" is perhaps not what he wanted. Perhaps it isn't the paradise his mother Linda made it out to be.
The Lonely Hearts
"Helmholtz and the Savage took to each other at once." Page 182
Yet again, Huxley shows his common theme of loneliness. It would seem as if at one point or another in his life, Huxley experienced the isolation these characters felt. Helmholtz and Bernard developed a friendship based on their shared feeling of being different somehow. Then, Bernard and John connected because of their similar feelings of being an outcast. Finally, Helmholtz and John take to each other right away. It now appears as if a group of three loners have found a comfort for themselves. It makes one wonder what sorts of trouble they could stir up....
Yet again, Huxley shows his common theme of loneliness. It would seem as if at one point or another in his life, Huxley experienced the isolation these characters felt. Helmholtz and Bernard developed a friendship based on their shared feeling of being different somehow. Then, Bernard and John connected because of their similar feelings of being an outcast. Finally, Helmholtz and John take to each other right away. It now appears as if a group of three loners have found a comfort for themselves. It makes one wonder what sorts of trouble they could stir up....
Romance
"'He's terribly good-looking. No need for him to be shy like Bernard. And yet...any other man would have done it long ago.'" Page 170
It seems as though a romance is springing up. We have known that John has feelings for Lenina. Now, though, we see that maybe she likes him back...and more than she should. John grew up learning of love and monogomy. Lenina, however, grew up conditioned not to love at all. Yet we see that she notices something in John unlike that of any other man. Perhaps this is yet another way John's presence can rock the stability of society, by making Lenina love him.
It seems as though a romance is springing up. We have known that John has feelings for Lenina. Now, though, we see that maybe she likes him back...and more than she should. John grew up learning of love and monogomy. Lenina, however, grew up conditioned not to love at all. Yet we see that she notices something in John unlike that of any other man. Perhaps this is yet another way John's presence can rock the stability of society, by making Lenina love him.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Conflict
"Pale, wild-eyed, the Director glared about him in an agony of bewildered humiliation." Page 152
The conflict is now in full swing. Before Bernard arrived back, life was all stability and orderliness. However, their world is about to be turned upside down. The director, a man so confident before, is reduced to nothing in front of all of his colleagues. The order of social stability has been shattered with the arrival of his ex lover and his son. The city is taken up in a buzz and everyone wants to see how this mistake-this discovery- will turn out.
The conflict is now in full swing. Before Bernard arrived back, life was all stability and orderliness. However, their world is about to be turned upside down. The director, a man so confident before, is reduced to nothing in front of all of his colleagues. The order of social stability has been shattered with the arrival of his ex lover and his son. The city is taken up in a buzz and everyone wants to see how this mistake-this discovery- will turn out.
Allusion
"'On the white wonder of dear Juliet's hand, may seize
And steal immortal blessing from her lips,'" Page 144
It is apparent that Huxley is a fan of Shakespeare. He intentionally put a book consisting of his works in the story. Additionally, he made a key character, John, speak as though from Shakespeare's time. He also uses it to show John's care for Lenina. Everyone knows the story of Romeo and Juliet. This is why Huxley had John recite a stanza from the play. In fact, John himself is a good symbol of a modern age (or age of Ford at least) Romeo.
And steal immortal blessing from her lips,'" Page 144
It is apparent that Huxley is a fan of Shakespeare. He intentionally put a book consisting of his works in the story. Additionally, he made a key character, John, speak as though from Shakespeare's time. He also uses it to show John's care for Lenina. Everyone knows the story of Romeo and Juliet. This is why Huxley had John recite a stanza from the play. In fact, John himself is a good symbol of a modern age (or age of Ford at least) Romeo.
Flashback
"'As far back as I can remember.' John frowned. There was a long silence." Page 123
John relives his whole childhood, starting from when he was a very young boy. Huxley fills this flashback with mostly bad memories. Memories filled with loneliness and solitary times. However this is exactly what Bernard likes to hear. He finally feels a connection. Huxley perhaps put these painful plashbacks in to show the link between the two worlds, savage and civilized. He bridged two seemingly entirely different characters. Furthermore, this connection already began evolving into a new turn in the plot.
John relives his whole childhood, starting from when he was a very young boy. Huxley fills this flashback with mostly bad memories. Memories filled with loneliness and solitary times. However this is exactly what Bernard likes to hear. He finally feels a connection. Huxley perhaps put these painful plashbacks in to show the link between the two worlds, savage and civilized. He bridged two seemingly entirely different characters. Furthermore, this connection already began evolving into a new turn in the plot.
Juxtaposition
"...hundreds of male voices crying out fiercely in harsh metallic unison. A few long notes and silence, the thunderous silence of the drums;" Page 113
Huxley yet again finds a literary device to enhance his descriptive writing. By placing two contrasting adjectives by each other, he emphasizes the sounds heard by Bernard and Lenina. The "harsh metallic unison" of the men's shrill cries emphasize the grinding, squeaking sound of their yelling. They yell in dissonant unison together. The "thunderous silence" emphasizes the extent of the lack of noise. It is thunderous in proportion, monstrous in size and therefore more descriptive. Huxley ingeniously incorporates contrasting things to effectively engage the reader. He challenges us to wrap our minds around the picture he is trying to paint.
Huxley yet again finds a literary device to enhance his descriptive writing. By placing two contrasting adjectives by each other, he emphasizes the sounds heard by Bernard and Lenina. The "harsh metallic unison" of the men's shrill cries emphasize the grinding, squeaking sound of their yelling. They yell in dissonant unison together. The "thunderous silence" emphasizes the extent of the lack of noise. It is thunderous in proportion, monstrous in size and therefore more descriptive. Huxley ingeniously incorporates contrasting things to effectively engage the reader. He challenges us to wrap our minds around the picture he is trying to paint.
Anthropomorphism
"...by the pale face of the moon, so haggard and distracted among the hastening clouds." Page 90
The moon was haggard and distracted by the clouds. This example of Huxley's personification helps the reader get a feel for what the scene looks like. The moon is big, bright and vivid in the night sky. The clouds are swiftly moving overhead, passing in front of the illuminated surface of the moon. Huxley easily could have described the scene like this, but instead chose to personify the moon to create his desired effect. Yet again, his use of an anthropomorphism is another literary tool used to enhance his imagery. His personified details help paint a more clear picture than simply describing ever could. Additionally, his use of the word "haggard" implies that in this world of injustice and harshness, there is much left to be desired and perhaps this stability is not all it looks to be.
The moon was haggard and distracted by the clouds. This example of Huxley's personification helps the reader get a feel for what the scene looks like. The moon is big, bright and vivid in the night sky. The clouds are swiftly moving overhead, passing in front of the illuminated surface of the moon. Huxley easily could have described the scene like this, but instead chose to personify the moon to create his desired effect. Yet again, his use of an anthropomorphism is another literary tool used to enhance his imagery. His personified details help paint a more clear picture than simply describing ever could. Additionally, his use of the word "haggard" implies that in this world of injustice and harshness, there is much left to be desired and perhaps this stability is not all it looks to be.
Simile
"The sexophones wailed like melodious cats under the moon, moaned into the alto and tenor registers as though little death were upon them." Page 76
The sounds produced by the sexophones is being compared to that of wailing cats. Huxley intriguingly compared a melodious noise with a harsh and dissonant sensation many are familiar with. Why did he combine these two anomalies of auditory pleasure and pain? It isn't apparent right now. However, it does make one wonder at this incredible sound. Is it pleasant? Or is it rough and loud? Yet again Huxley effectively helps the reader immerse themselves in the scene, even to the point of hearing this music. His use of similes is just another of his tools for his deeply descriptive writing.
The sounds produced by the sexophones is being compared to that of wailing cats. Huxley intriguingly compared a melodious noise with a harsh and dissonant sensation many are familiar with. Why did he combine these two anomalies of auditory pleasure and pain? It isn't apparent right now. However, it does make one wonder at this incredible sound. Is it pleasant? Or is it rough and loud? Yet again Huxley effectively helps the reader immerse themselves in the scene, even to the point of hearing this music. His use of similes is just another of his tools for his deeply descriptive writing.
Alliteration
"The summer afternoon was drowsy with the hum of helicopters; and the deeper drone of the rocket-planes," Page 59
Huxley, as previously stated, is incredibly gifted in his talent with writing. He is able to create detailed and vivid mental images through his descriptive words. In the quote above, Huxley uses an alliteration to describe the scene on the roof on a beautiful sunny day. The repetition of the "h" helps to emphasize the sound of the helicopter. The back-to-back "d" in the description of the sound of the rockets helps to bring the noise to life. This is a common tool Huxley uses in his imagery and descriptive writing. He uses them in his writing about surroundings and things that can be concretely observed and seen. No doubt this isn't the last we'll see of Huxley's awesomely amazing alliterations.
Huxley, as previously stated, is incredibly gifted in his talent with writing. He is able to create detailed and vivid mental images through his descriptive words. In the quote above, Huxley uses an alliteration to describe the scene on the roof on a beautiful sunny day. The repetition of the "h" helps to emphasize the sound of the helicopter. The back-to-back "d" in the description of the sound of the rockets helps to bring the noise to life. This is a common tool Huxley uses in his imagery and descriptive writing. He uses them in his writing about surroundings and things that can be concretely observed and seen. No doubt this isn't the last we'll see of Huxley's awesomely amazing alliterations.
Motif
"'The introduction of Our Ford's first T-Model...chosen as the opening date of the new era.'" Page 52
Huxley has repeatedly referred to the "Year of our Ford". One would wonder why every phrase involving the word Lord was replaced with Ford. It is a common theme; however, I am still not sure whether or not this is the replacement for religion or whether religion is completely abolished. This Motif of Ford is finally explained in this chapter. After an era of horrendous destruction, the release date for the first Model-T Ford car was chosen as the beginning of a new age, an age of machines and technology. Huxley also cleverly stated how the tops were cut off of all crosses to make the "T", which is a sign treated reverently. I have no doubt that this is not the last i'll see of the Ford theme in this story. It is evident that Huxley was awesomely impacted by this real world event.
Huxley has repeatedly referred to the "Year of our Ford". One would wonder why every phrase involving the word Lord was replaced with Ford. It is a common theme; however, I am still not sure whether or not this is the replacement for religion or whether religion is completely abolished. This Motif of Ford is finally explained in this chapter. After an era of horrendous destruction, the release date for the first Model-T Ford car was chosen as the beginning of a new age, an age of machines and technology. Huxley also cleverly stated how the tops were cut off of all crosses to make the "T", which is a sign treated reverently. I have no doubt that this is not the last i'll see of the Ford theme in this story. It is evident that Huxley was awesomely impacted by this real world event.
Mood
"'Moral education, which ought never, in any circumstances, to be rational.'" Page 26
Huxley emphasizes the mood of the story. He shows that it is anything but jolly or relaxed. Humans are divided and fertilized into different social classes. Alphas are the smartest of the classes, and conditioned to believe they are better than everyone else. Huxley used the situation of shock therapy on infants to show a ruthlessness in this future that seems disturbing and unacceptable to us. He says that this is the stable way of life, and shows how the Alphas don't feel bad at all to see this abuse, setting a mood of hopelessness and a certain barbarianism in this so called "stable" age. The atmosphere Huxley creates is one of swift, ruthless efficiency.
Huxley emphasizes the mood of the story. He shows that it is anything but jolly or relaxed. Humans are divided and fertilized into different social classes. Alphas are the smartest of the classes, and conditioned to believe they are better than everyone else. Huxley used the situation of shock therapy on infants to show a ruthlessness in this future that seems disturbing and unacceptable to us. He says that this is the stable way of life, and shows how the Alphas don't feel bad at all to see this abuse, setting a mood of hopelessness and a certain barbarianism in this so called "stable" age. The atmosphere Huxley creates is one of swift, ruthless efficiency.
First Reaction
"...in this year of stability, A.F. 632, it didn't occur to you to ask it." Page 4
Upon the completion of chapter one, I am left mildly confused and interested. The book states that it takes place in a "year of stability". What does this mean? Stability as opposed to our world? Or perhaps stability from a previous crisis? Either way, the "figures" given here by Mr. Foster are mind blowing. This fertilization center is creagting humans at an alarmingly fast rate. Furthermore, it is creating them to be conditioned for certain types of work and environments. I am definitely yearning to understand the plot.
Upon the completion of chapter one, I am left mildly confused and interested. The book states that it takes place in a "year of stability". What does this mean? Stability as opposed to our world? Or perhaps stability from a previous crisis? Either way, the "figures" given here by Mr. Foster are mind blowing. This fertilization center is creagting humans at an alarmingly fast rate. Furthermore, it is creating them to be conditioned for certain types of work and environments. I am definitely yearning to understand the plot.
Imagery
"Wintriness responded to wintriness. The overalls of the workers were white, their hands gloved with a pale corpse-coloured rubber. The light was frozen, dead, a ghost." Page 3
This book opens with vivid and intense imagery. Incredibly, however, Huxley manages to paint scrupulously detailed pictures of very bleak and boring environments. He effectively sets the mood for the novel with his use of imagery to make sure the reader knows exactly what sort of world the book is set in. Even Huxley's description of the characters, such as the Director, are incredibly detailed. His ability to create a scene, even down to the tone of voice a speaker is using, enhances the reading experience to the fullest. Huxley uses many opposing details to describe different places, such as the "darkness" that is "visible". This is also very interesting in the mental images it creates. I look forward to hearing his descriptions of other people and places.
This book opens with vivid and intense imagery. Incredibly, however, Huxley manages to paint scrupulously detailed pictures of very bleak and boring environments. He effectively sets the mood for the novel with his use of imagery to make sure the reader knows exactly what sort of world the book is set in. Even Huxley's description of the characters, such as the Director, are incredibly detailed. His ability to create a scene, even down to the tone of voice a speaker is using, enhances the reading experience to the fullest. Huxley uses many opposing details to describe different places, such as the "darkness" that is "visible". This is also very interesting in the mental images it creates. I look forward to hearing his descriptions of other people and places.
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