"Just under the crown of the arch dangled a pair of feet."
(pg.259)
Could this really be the end of the story? I think it's horrible. There were so many other places Huxley could have taken the story. The end really wasn't even exciting. Also, he didn't even explain or describe where Marx and Helmholtz had gone or what happened to them there. I felt as though this was a very sub-par ending to what could have otherwise been much more interesting. The end was just wierd anyway. Why would John try to kill Lenina and I'm not even sure if he did because Huxley never really said. Then he just hangs himself because he doesn't want people to bother him. It just seemed a rather strange, and in my opinion, bad ending which really never answered any questions I had as a reader or thoroughly resolved any conflicts and situations that came up in the book.
Friday, July 8, 2011
19-Brave New World-Climactic Ending?
"It was to escape further contamination by the filth of civilized life; it was to be purified and made good; it was actively to make amends."
(pg.247)
At the end of the talk with the World controller, John decided to leave civilized life behind and live in solitude. However, as I read a little further this apparently would not be the case. People are showing up and wanting interviews with him which he made it clear that he refused. I'm very interested to see how things will end up since there's only a few pages left. Will authorities come to take him away for his acts of violence or will more people still try to learn about him? Personally, I think that his "savage" ways of live will have repurcussions. Whether they come from the World controller or the people will be intersting to see. Huxley seems to have created a very climactic set up for the ending.
(pg.247)
At the end of the talk with the World controller, John decided to leave civilized life behind and live in solitude. However, as I read a little further this apparently would not be the case. People are showing up and wanting interviews with him which he made it clear that he refused. I'm very interested to see how things will end up since there's only a few pages left. Will authorities come to take him away for his acts of violence or will more people still try to learn about him? Personally, I think that his "savage" ways of live will have repurcussions. Whether they come from the World controller or the people will be intersting to see. Huxley seems to have created a very climactic set up for the ending.
18-Brave New World-Conditioning God
"'People believe in God because they've been conditioned to believe in God.'"
(pg.235)
I found this quote particularly interesting since it applies to me so much. Being raised in a catholic family and going to a catholic school all my life has had a profound impact on my religion. If I were not raised in a religious setting, would I believe in God? It is a very interesting question to think about. Why did Huxley include this statement into his book? I wonder if it was to reveal his own thinking and beliefs or to challenge the reader to think this way. We are all conditioned in our lives. Though it is not in the way the book describes, we are all conditioned to like or believe in certain things. Obviously, someone who grows up in a religious setting is going to be more likely to accept those beliefs than someone who did not grow up in that setting. This is the idea that the book is soley based upon and is what Huxley wants the reader to think about by writing what he did.
(pg.235)
I found this quote particularly interesting since it applies to me so much. Being raised in a catholic family and going to a catholic school all my life has had a profound impact on my religion. If I were not raised in a religious setting, would I believe in God? It is a very interesting question to think about. Why did Huxley include this statement into his book? I wonder if it was to reveal his own thinking and beliefs or to challenge the reader to think this way. We are all conditioned in our lives. Though it is not in the way the book describes, we are all conditioned to like or believe in certain things. Obviously, someone who grows up in a religious setting is going to be more likely to accept those beliefs than someone who did not grow up in that setting. This is the idea that the book is soley based upon and is what Huxley wants the reader to think about by writing what he did.
17-Brave New World-Mustapha Mond 2
"'But I was an inquisitive young scullion once. I started doing a bit of cooking on my own. Unorthodox cooking, illicit cooking. A bit of real science, in fact."
(pg.226)
Again, I keep getting lost in all the twists Huxley puts in the story. It is like he wrote the first story and then went back and changed all the plot to the opposite. Mustapha Mond's character is continuing to change from what I originally perceived. He now reveals that he was once like the three of them facing a potential removal from civilization to an island. Could this be a possible forshadowing that Mustapha Mond might try to change the world back to how it was? Also, I am wondering how could Mustapha Mond be given such a responsibility after he nearly got banished for disobeying what he would have to later enforce. It just seems peculiar that Huxley would continue with these unexpected events. I'm curious to see how he will end the book as I approach the final chapters. Will Mustapha Mond play a key role or will Huxley, again, include something unexpected to shock the reader?
(pg.226)
Again, I keep getting lost in all the twists Huxley puts in the story. It is like he wrote the first story and then went back and changed all the plot to the opposite. Mustapha Mond's character is continuing to change from what I originally perceived. He now reveals that he was once like the three of them facing a potential removal from civilization to an island. Could this be a possible forshadowing that Mustapha Mond might try to change the world back to how it was? Also, I am wondering how could Mustapha Mond be given such a responsibility after he nearly got banished for disobeying what he would have to later enforce. It just seems peculiar that Huxley would continue with these unexpected events. I'm curious to see how he will end the book as I approach the final chapters. Will Mustapha Mond play a key role or will Huxley, again, include something unexpected to shock the reader?
16-Brave New World-Reason for Banning Old Books
"The Controller shrugged his shoulders. 'Because its old that's the chief reason. We haven't any use for old things here.'"
(pg. 219)
I found this reference to why the new civilized world bans old books and things from the past very interesting. The Controller simply says that the main reason is because its old. I found it intersting that Huxley stated this rather than for the reason to keep from knowing or thinking freely for themselves. Also, the Controller, Mustapha Mond, is conveyed to be more personal than I expected someone who controls the world in conformity to be. Huxley has repeatedly included twists to his plot that I would have never expected or even thought of. It is actually a little frustrating becuase it just seems as though the plot does not make sense. The novel has taken a completely different direction to it than I expected. I expected Mustapha Mond to be an evil dictator like his job title implies. However, his newfound personality implies instead of a more benevolent ruler who seems to be a good person trying to keep people happy, though I disagree with the way in which it is done.
(pg. 219)
I found this reference to why the new civilized world bans old books and things from the past very interesting. The Controller simply says that the main reason is because its old. I found it intersting that Huxley stated this rather than for the reason to keep from knowing or thinking freely for themselves. Also, the Controller, Mustapha Mond, is conveyed to be more personal than I expected someone who controls the world in conformity to be. Huxley has repeatedly included twists to his plot that I would have never expected or even thought of. It is actually a little frustrating becuase it just seems as though the plot does not make sense. The novel has taken a completely different direction to it than I expected. I expected Mustapha Mond to be an evil dictator like his job title implies. However, his newfound personality implies instead of a more benevolent ruler who seems to be a good person trying to keep people happy, though I disagree with the way in which it is done.
15-Brave New World-Moral Character
"Linda had been a slave, Linda had died; others should live in freedom, and the world would be made beautiful. A reperation, a duty."
(pg.210)
This quote reveals a new moral character. I found it very interesting that Huxley included it so late in the novel. It is quite paradoxical that the "civilized" people refer to John as a savage. However, as a reader, I see it quite the opposite. John seems to be the only one normal in the story. He is the only character not conditioned to like what he is supposed to; he is the only person to think freely for himself. The quote from the passage foreshadows an overwhelming sense of duty to try to bring others into the same free-thinking state of mind he has. His frustration is completely understandable by me, the reader, but inconceivable by anyone "civilized" in the story with a few exceptions. This foreshadowed thinking brings him to try to help the children being conditioned but instead gets him into serious trouble.
(pg.210)
This quote reveals a new moral character. I found it very interesting that Huxley included it so late in the novel. It is quite paradoxical that the "civilized" people refer to John as a savage. However, as a reader, I see it quite the opposite. John seems to be the only one normal in the story. He is the only character not conditioned to like what he is supposed to; he is the only person to think freely for himself. The quote from the passage foreshadows an overwhelming sense of duty to try to bring others into the same free-thinking state of mind he has. His frustration is completely understandable by me, the reader, but inconceivable by anyone "civilized" in the story with a few exceptions. This foreshadowed thinking brings him to try to help the children being conditioned but instead gets him into serious trouble.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
14-Brave New World- Mustapha Mond
"'The author's mathematical treatment of the conception of purpose is novel and highly ingenious, but heretical and, so far as the present social order is concerned, dangerous and potentially subversive. Not to be published.'"
(pg. 177)
Going along with my last post, it seems as though everyone in this book is kind of cynical. Whether that comes from Huxley himself, or is just a concept he implies that goes along with a conformed world can be speculated but not really answered. Mustapha Mond seems especially like he lacks true happiness. He is concerned so much with hindering social order that he seems to miss the bigger things in life. Whether it is, as this quote displays, an ingenious work of a scientist or simply a new idea, Mustapha Mond will do his best to insure the status quo is maintained. It's his job as a World Controller as the name implies...control, but he just comes across as especially controlling. I'm sure he will come to play a larger role deeper into the story. I am very interested to see if his personality stays the same as it appears to me so far or if he will change over time.
(pg. 177)
Going along with my last post, it seems as though everyone in this book is kind of cynical. Whether that comes from Huxley himself, or is just a concept he implies that goes along with a conformed world can be speculated but not really answered. Mustapha Mond seems especially like he lacks true happiness. He is concerned so much with hindering social order that he seems to miss the bigger things in life. Whether it is, as this quote displays, an ingenious work of a scientist or simply a new idea, Mustapha Mond will do his best to insure the status quo is maintained. It's his job as a World Controller as the name implies...control, but he just comes across as especially controlling. I'm sure he will come to play a larger role deeper into the story. I am very interested to see if his personality stays the same as it appears to me so far or if he will change over time.
13-Brave New World-Metaphor/Balloon Comparison Again
"The intoxication of success had evaporated; he was soberly his old slef; and by contrast with the temporary balloon of these last weeks, the old self seemed unprecedentedly heavier than the surrounding atmosphere."
(pg. 178)
Huxley, again metaphorically compares Marx with that of a balloon, constantly rising and falling. This time the balloon is described as "heavier than the surrounding atmosphere." One thing that frustrates me was that I previously thought that Bernard Marx had been the moral character in the story who wanted to change the conformity in the world. Now, it has been revealed that the only reason he wanted to change it was because he didn't fit in with the system. As soon as he became "well-liked", used would be a better term, he turned his back on his few, only true friends. However, no one actually liked him. He used John for popularity and others used him for John. Now that he abandoned his only friends and everyone else is back to hating him, what's supposed to happen next? I didn't see this coming and now I have no clue where Aldous Huxley plans to go from here since what seemed to be the protagonist who would change the horrors of the social system is no longer in any position to do so. Also, why is literally everyone in this book for the most part, for the lack of a better term, such jerks. There's really no one who has emerged as a strong moral character in this book. Huxley is a pretty wierd guy so I'm just wondering if anything in his personal life, like getting made fun of as a kid, might have caused him to make all people immoral jerks in his book.
(pg. 178)
Huxley, again metaphorically compares Marx with that of a balloon, constantly rising and falling. This time the balloon is described as "heavier than the surrounding atmosphere." One thing that frustrates me was that I previously thought that Bernard Marx had been the moral character in the story who wanted to change the conformity in the world. Now, it has been revealed that the only reason he wanted to change it was because he didn't fit in with the system. As soon as he became "well-liked", used would be a better term, he turned his back on his few, only true friends. However, no one actually liked him. He used John for popularity and others used him for John. Now that he abandoned his only friends and everyone else is back to hating him, what's supposed to happen next? I didn't see this coming and now I have no clue where Aldous Huxley plans to go from here since what seemed to be the protagonist who would change the horrors of the social system is no longer in any position to do so. Also, why is literally everyone in this book for the most part, for the lack of a better term, such jerks. There's really no one who has emerged as a strong moral character in this book. Huxley is a pretty wierd guy so I'm just wondering if anything in his personal life, like getting made fun of as a kid, might have caused him to make all people immoral jerks in his book.
12-Brave New World-Simile
"Like a pearl in the sky, high, high above them, the Weather Department's captive balloon shone rosily in the sunshine.
(pg. 157)
The quote above contains a simile which aids the description of the balloon that Bernard Marx and John were riding around on. To me, the balloon seems too detailed to just be simply depicting an image. I feel as though the balloon represents Bernard Marx's newly aquired social status. Like a balloon that rises and falls, Bernard has went from a lonely man in near isolation to a popular figure that everyone wants to know. Right now, Bernard's life is seemingly great. He is having a more optimistic view of the world rather than his old cynical view. This could account for the description of the "rosily" shining balloon. It is much easier to be optimistic when everything is going great. However, Bernard seems to be abondoning his old character and becoming part of the conformed world around him.
(pg. 157)
The quote above contains a simile which aids the description of the balloon that Bernard Marx and John were riding around on. To me, the balloon seems too detailed to just be simply depicting an image. I feel as though the balloon represents Bernard Marx's newly aquired social status. Like a balloon that rises and falls, Bernard has went from a lonely man in near isolation to a popular figure that everyone wants to know. Right now, Bernard's life is seemingly great. He is having a more optimistic view of the world rather than his old cynical view. This could account for the description of the "rosily" shining balloon. It is much easier to be optimistic when everything is going great. However, Bernard seems to be abondoning his old character and becoming part of the conformed world around him.
11-Brave New World-Forshadowing
"Bernard meanwhile lay pensive and wide-eyed in the dark. It was long after midnight before he fell asleep. Long after midnight; but his insomnia had not been fruitless; he had a plan."
(pg. 140)
Aldous Huxley threw a couple of twists into this story that made it much more interesting. As previously revealed in a phone call, Bernard Marx was going to be relocated to Iceland by the Director. How severe of a punishment this is supposed to be I do not know. Iceland just sounds like a bad place to go to though. However, Huxley, in the quote above, foreshadows that Bernard Marx may have a trick up his sleeve to fight this punishment. I'm guessing that it obviously will incorporate the Director's son and Linda. One thing that is intriguing, however, is how swiftly the Director came to this decision. It was yet another one of Huxley's unexpected twists in the story. I thought that the Director's threats were just warnings and that Bernard would be given many chances especially since he was an alpha, a very important and intelligent person. I think Bernard thought that as well since he was so shocked when Helmholtz Watson told him the news. I wonder if Huxley will yet again incorporate another twist to the story in the upcoming forshadowed event.
(pg. 140)
Aldous Huxley threw a couple of twists into this story that made it much more interesting. As previously revealed in a phone call, Bernard Marx was going to be relocated to Iceland by the Director. How severe of a punishment this is supposed to be I do not know. Iceland just sounds like a bad place to go to though. However, Huxley, in the quote above, foreshadows that Bernard Marx may have a trick up his sleeve to fight this punishment. I'm guessing that it obviously will incorporate the Director's son and Linda. One thing that is intriguing, however, is how swiftly the Director came to this decision. It was yet another one of Huxley's unexpected twists in the story. I thought that the Director's threats were just warnings and that Bernard would be given many chances especially since he was an alpha, a very important and intelligent person. I think Bernard thought that as well since he was so shocked when Helmholtz Watson told him the news. I wonder if Huxley will yet again incorporate another twist to the story in the upcoming forshadowed event.
10-Brave New World- Indirect Characterization
"The dress of the young man who now stepped out on to the terrace was Indian; but his plaited hair was straw-coloured, his eyes a pale blue, and his skin a white skin, bronzed.
(pg. 116)
I have noticed in this quote as well as other frequent examples in the book that Huxley indirectly characterizes the people in the story. In this example, the author depicts a peculiar looking man who doesn't appear to be an Indian form the reservation. However, he is described as wearing Indian clothes in the quote. As I further read a few pages ahead, Huxley revealed that this character, John, was actually the son of the Director. One of my previous curiousities in a recent blog was answered in the fact that the Director's anecdote would play a quite significant role in the story. If the Director had not told Bernard Marx of his venture to the reservation and loss of the girl he arrived with, Bernard would have never made the connection that this was, in fact, the Director's son and that the girl, Linda, was alive. However, though it does answer one of my questions, it has also raised many questions as to how this will affect the future plot. I am very curious to see where and how Huxley will incorporate these new story changing characters into the plot.
(pg. 116)
I have noticed in this quote as well as other frequent examples in the book that Huxley indirectly characterizes the people in the story. In this example, the author depicts a peculiar looking man who doesn't appear to be an Indian form the reservation. However, he is described as wearing Indian clothes in the quote. As I further read a few pages ahead, Huxley revealed that this character, John, was actually the son of the Director. One of my previous curiousities in a recent blog was answered in the fact that the Director's anecdote would play a quite significant role in the story. If the Director had not told Bernard Marx of his venture to the reservation and loss of the girl he arrived with, Bernard would have never made the connection that this was, in fact, the Director's son and that the girl, Linda, was alive. However, though it does answer one of my questions, it has also raised many questions as to how this will affect the future plot. I am very curious to see where and how Huxley will incorporate these new story changing characters into the plot.
9-Brave New World-Anecdote
"'I actually dream about it sometimes,' the Director went on in a low voice. 'Dream of being woken up by that peal of thunder and finding her gone; dream of searching and searching for her under the trees.' He lapsed into the silence of reminiscence."
(pg. 97)
In this quote, Huxley incorporates an anecdote into the story. The Director, when given a document from Bernard Marx for his travels to New Mexico, reminisces upon a past event when he had actually travelled to New Mexico. Another side to the Director, previously seen as only a powerful and professional character, is revealed through the anecdote. The Director begins to tell Bernard of the horrors he experienced on the reservation in which the girl he travelled there with got lost in a storm. The author, I feel, uses great imagery in depicting the details of the setting as well as the Director's feelings. The Director is shown to feel guilt and responsibility for her death. I'm curious to know the purpose for Huxley's inclusion of this anecdote. Whether it was an attempt to make the Director a more personable character or for some other purpose, I am interested to learn as I read further into the story.
(pg. 97)
In this quote, Huxley incorporates an anecdote into the story. The Director, when given a document from Bernard Marx for his travels to New Mexico, reminisces upon a past event when he had actually travelled to New Mexico. Another side to the Director, previously seen as only a powerful and professional character, is revealed through the anecdote. The Director begins to tell Bernard of the horrors he experienced on the reservation in which the girl he travelled there with got lost in a storm. The author, I feel, uses great imagery in depicting the details of the setting as well as the Director's feelings. The Director is shown to feel guilt and responsibility for her death. I'm curious to know the purpose for Huxley's inclusion of this anecdote. Whether it was an attempt to make the Director a more personable character or for some other purpose, I am interested to learn as I read further into the story.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
8-Brave New World- Rhetorical Question
"He laughed, 'Yes, Everybody's happy nowadays. We begin giving the children that at five. But wouldn't you like to be free to be happy in some other way, Lenina? In your own way, for example; not in everybody else's way.'"
(pg. 91)
Huxley utilizes a rhetorical question to further develop Bernard Marx's ideas about happiness and the current state of their world. In his conversation with Lenina, he strongly voices his "radical" ideas about how he wants to be free to like what he chooses rather than what he is conditioned to like. This quote marks a key turning point in creating what appears to be the protagonist of the story who seems to fight against the universal conformity. Marx is recognized to be the outcast in his world in both his appearance and his thinking. The reader can develop a connection with Bernard because he represents the views of the society in which the reader lives. However, though the views we have on society align with those of Bernard Marx, they are virtually nonexistant in any other character in the book. Will Bernard try to change the world around him back to a society where individuals are free, or will he remain passive throughout the story and even come to accept conformity? I am very interested to see how the author will incorporate Marx's contrasting views into the plot.
(pg. 91)
Huxley utilizes a rhetorical question to further develop Bernard Marx's ideas about happiness and the current state of their world. In his conversation with Lenina, he strongly voices his "radical" ideas about how he wants to be free to like what he chooses rather than what he is conditioned to like. This quote marks a key turning point in creating what appears to be the protagonist of the story who seems to fight against the universal conformity. Marx is recognized to be the outcast in his world in both his appearance and his thinking. The reader can develop a connection with Bernard because he represents the views of the society in which the reader lives. However, though the views we have on society align with those of Bernard Marx, they are virtually nonexistant in any other character in the book. Will Bernard try to change the world around him back to a society where individuals are free, or will he remain passive throughout the story and even come to accept conformity? I am very interested to see how the author will incorporate Marx's contrasting views into the plot.
7-Brave New World- Allusion (Henry Ford)
"'Ford,' sang out an immense bass voice from all the golden trumpets. 'Ford, Ford, Ford..." Nine times. Bernard ran for the lift. The great auditorium for Ford's Day celebrations and other massed Community Sings was at the bottom of the building."
(pg. 79)
Throughout the novel, I have realized that the characters continue to reference Henry Ford. Whether it is in reference to his Model T car or years in A.F, (which I'm guessing stands for After Ford since they're so obsessed with him) Henry Ford seems to be at the center of the peoples' lives. All the characters revere him as somewhat of a god and there is even "Ford's Day." Obviously, Henry Ford had a profound impact on Aldous Huxley and his life if he would go as far to create a cult or religion dedicated to him in his book. It is actually really creepy in a way that Huxley admires him so much. One question that I am wondering is why Ford plays such a key role in the story other than due to Huxley's obvious admiration. Was he the man in the book who had the idea for mass producing people since he was the first to mass produce cars? It would be very interesting to see if Huxley reveals the reason for Ford's importance.
(pg. 79)
Throughout the novel, I have realized that the characters continue to reference Henry Ford. Whether it is in reference to his Model T car or years in A.F, (which I'm guessing stands for After Ford since they're so obsessed with him) Henry Ford seems to be at the center of the peoples' lives. All the characters revere him as somewhat of a god and there is even "Ford's Day." Obviously, Henry Ford had a profound impact on Aldous Huxley and his life if he would go as far to create a cult or religion dedicated to him in his book. It is actually really creepy in a way that Huxley admires him so much. One question that I am wondering is why Ford plays such a key role in the story other than due to Huxley's obvious admiration. Was he the man in the book who had the idea for mass producing people since he was the first to mass produce cars? It would be very interesting to see if Huxley reveals the reason for Ford's importance.
6-Brave New World- Alliteration
"The air seemed hot and somehow breathless with the scent of ambergris and sandalwood."
(pg. 76)
In this quote, the author utilizes alliteration to emphasize the images he depicts in the setting. The alliteration gets the reader's attention to recognize the details in the scene in which Linina and Henry went out on a date to dance. Also, throughout the book so far and in this scene as well, it appears as though everyone except Bernard Marx is taking a thing called soma. It seems as though it's a drug of some sort, and the characters always say it "cures ten gloomy sentiments." I am thinking that it may possibly be a drug designed to keep people happy with their place in society. Everyone who takes it is happy with the exception of Bernard Marx who also seems to contrast the normal by almost isolating himself from everyone. Also, Huxley reveals Bernard's dislike for the current social system he lives in which, again, is in contrast with all the other characters in the story. Whether there is a real connection with the drug and this way of thinking will be interesting to learn later in the story.
(pg. 76)
In this quote, the author utilizes alliteration to emphasize the images he depicts in the setting. The alliteration gets the reader's attention to recognize the details in the scene in which Linina and Henry went out on a date to dance. Also, throughout the book so far and in this scene as well, it appears as though everyone except Bernard Marx is taking a thing called soma. It seems as though it's a drug of some sort, and the characters always say it "cures ten gloomy sentiments." I am thinking that it may possibly be a drug designed to keep people happy with their place in society. Everyone who takes it is happy with the exception of Bernard Marx who also seems to contrast the normal by almost isolating himself from everyone. Also, Huxley reveals Bernard's dislike for the current social system he lives in which, again, is in contrast with all the other characters in the story. Whether there is a real connection with the drug and this way of thinking will be interesting to learn later in the story.
5-Brave New World- Programmed Prejudice?
"'What a hideous colour khaki is,' remarked Lenina, voicing the hypnopaedic prejudices of her caste."
(pg. 62)
This quote reveals a key component of the world's social system Huxley developes in this book. Frankly, the characters in this book are prejudice. It seems they are always concerned with their social superiority by making it known how happy they are to belong to their social class and not to another. The narrator reveals that these prejudices were created through the hypnopaedic process. This simply is voicing a statement so that people hear it as they sleep for periods of time, described in the book as being many years, until that statement becomes a fundamental belief and fact to those who have heard it. However, I am confused with why Huxley would include these prejudices in his book. They don't seem to be important to the plot really in any significant way so far. Also, I don't understand why programming these people to be prejudice would be helpful or important in any way to the people in the story other than just attempting to make themselves feel superior. Was it just a random thing Huxley added to the traits of his characters he created, or will it come to play a key role later in the story?
(pg. 62)
This quote reveals a key component of the world's social system Huxley developes in this book. Frankly, the characters in this book are prejudice. It seems they are always concerned with their social superiority by making it known how happy they are to belong to their social class and not to another. The narrator reveals that these prejudices were created through the hypnopaedic process. This simply is voicing a statement so that people hear it as they sleep for periods of time, described in the book as being many years, until that statement becomes a fundamental belief and fact to those who have heard it. However, I am confused with why Huxley would include these prejudices in his book. They don't seem to be important to the plot really in any significant way so far. Also, I don't understand why programming these people to be prejudice would be helpful or important in any way to the people in the story other than just attempting to make themselves feel superior. Was it just a random thing Huxley added to the traits of his characters he created, or will it come to play a key role later in the story?
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
4-Brave New World-Anaphora
"Their world didn't allow them to take things easily, didn't allow them to be sane, virtuous, happy. What with mothers and lovers, what with the prohibitions they were not conditioned to obey, what with the temptations and the lonely remoreses, what with all the diseases and the endless isolating pain, what with the uncertainties and the poverty-they were forced to feel strongly. And feeling strongly (and strongly, what was more, in solitude, in hopelessly individual isolation), how could they be stable?" (pg. 41)
I found this quote quite interesting. Huxley uses anaphora to convey his point in the quote and get the readers attention. However, I honestly have no clue what he is trying to say here though. It's not even a character talking but rather the narrator addressing the reader. Could this be Huxley's attempt to tell the reader of his disgust with the normal social order of the world at his time? We already know this guy had a pretty sick mind to be writing this "interesting" story, so maybe he does want a society like he depicts in his book. His diction is very interesting in the quote though. I don't even think its a sentence or even a complete thought, but from the anaphora, he just states that humans were forced to feel strongly, and therefore, could not be stable. Whether this is his own personal view of his world or some character's in the book, I am unsure of.
I found this quote quite interesting. Huxley uses anaphora to convey his point in the quote and get the readers attention. However, I honestly have no clue what he is trying to say here though. It's not even a character talking but rather the narrator addressing the reader. Could this be Huxley's attempt to tell the reader of his disgust with the normal social order of the world at his time? We already know this guy had a pretty sick mind to be writing this "interesting" story, so maybe he does want a society like he depicts in his book. His diction is very interesting in the quote though. I don't even think its a sentence or even a complete thought, but from the anaphora, he just states that humans were forced to feel strongly, and therefore, could not be stable. Whether this is his own personal view of his world or some character's in the book, I am unsure of.
3-Brave New World-Onomatopoeia
"The nurses obeyed; but at the approach of the roses, at the mere sight of those gaily-coloured images of pussy and cock-a-doodle-doo and baa-baa black sheep, the infants shrank away in horror; the volme of their howling suddenly increased." (pg. 21)
Huxley reveals the power of the Director in this chapter as well as the processes involved in programming people to like certain things. The Director is implied as having absolute control over people where he works. The nurses always obey his commands swiftly and silently. In this chapter, the Director shows how they train people, starting as babies, to grow to like or dislike certain things. In the quote, Huxley uses onomatopoeia to convey the images of harmless animals and flowers that children would most certainly love. However, he contrasts these happy images with the horror and fear the children have at the sight of these images. Due to the programming efforts, the babies now associate those images with pain and loud, frightening noises. What I do not understand is how the Director, nurses, or students, don't see anything wrong with hurting children pyschologically. I mean someone has to see something wrong with it. I wonder how Huxley could address this if he even addresses it at all.
Huxley reveals the power of the Director in this chapter as well as the processes involved in programming people to like certain things. The Director is implied as having absolute control over people where he works. The nurses always obey his commands swiftly and silently. In this chapter, the Director shows how they train people, starting as babies, to grow to like or dislike certain things. In the quote, Huxley uses onomatopoeia to convey the images of harmless animals and flowers that children would most certainly love. However, he contrasts these happy images with the horror and fear the children have at the sight of these images. Due to the programming efforts, the babies now associate those images with pain and loud, frightening noises. What I do not understand is how the Director, nurses, or students, don't see anything wrong with hurting children pyschologically. I mean someone has to see something wrong with it. I wonder how Huxley could address this if he even addresses it at all.
2-Brave New World-"The Secret of Happiness"
"'And that,' put in the Director sententiously, 'that is the secret of happiness and virtue-liking what you've got to do. All conditioning aims at that: making people like their unescapable social destiny.'" (pg. 16)
This quote reveals much about the storyline and actually answers one of my previous questions. The Director explains that they condition people to like what they are destined to do. I'm guessing this is how they are able to keep order in their social system. If everyone is happy, why would they want to change? However, I am wondering if all the people who control and program these people such as the Director agree with it since they know what truly happens. Do those in power agree with the way in which they were programmed to enjoy their work, or does knowing this system change their original feelings? I have a lot of questions right now and am interested in seeing how Huxley goes about answering these questions he has planted in the reader's thoughts. So far, the book has really shocked me with the grim details of Huxley's future world.
This quote reveals much about the storyline and actually answers one of my previous questions. The Director explains that they condition people to like what they are destined to do. I'm guessing this is how they are able to keep order in their social system. If everyone is happy, why would they want to change? However, I am wondering if all the people who control and program these people such as the Director agree with it since they know what truly happens. Do those in power agree with the way in which they were programmed to enjoy their work, or does knowing this system change their original feelings? I have a lot of questions right now and am interested in seeing how Huxley goes about answering these questions he has planted in the reader's thoughts. So far, the book has really shocked me with the grim details of Huxley's future world.
1-Brave New World-Predetermined Social Destiny
"'We also predestine and condition. We decant our babies as socialized human beings, as Alphas or Epsilons, as future sewage workers or future. . .' He was going to say 'future World controllers,' but correcting himself, said 'future Directors of hatcheries,' instead." (pg. 13)
As I began to read the novel, I was very shocked at the storyline in which I realized humans had been bred for specific purposes in a system of predetermined social heirarchy. One of the biggest questions that I have so far is how humans could accept this system. How could the world transition into this system without extreme resistance? Will there be some kind of resistance group that fights against this unprecedented social structure or is everyone brainwashed into following it? Also, I have noticed that Mr. Foster and the students regard the director very highly. The students would write down nearly every word he said. Also, Mr. Foster in this quote is somewhat sucking up to the Director comparing him with a "World controller." Whether it is a select group or even as small as one person, regarding the Director with one of these people seems like quite a compliment just from the title alone. I am very interested to see where Huxley will take the reader further into the plot.
As I began to read the novel, I was very shocked at the storyline in which I realized humans had been bred for specific purposes in a system of predetermined social heirarchy. One of the biggest questions that I have so far is how humans could accept this system. How could the world transition into this system without extreme resistance? Will there be some kind of resistance group that fights against this unprecedented social structure or is everyone brainwashed into following it? Also, I have noticed that Mr. Foster and the students regard the director very highly. The students would write down nearly every word he said. Also, Mr. Foster in this quote is somewhat sucking up to the Director comparing him with a "World controller." Whether it is a select group or even as small as one person, regarding the Director with one of these people seems like quite a compliment just from the title alone. I am very interested to see where Huxley will take the reader further into the plot.
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