"...that there are people out there... who nevertheless shudder at the very thought of you- of how you were brought into this world and why... The first time you glimpse yourself through the eyes of a person like that, it's a cold moment. It's like walking past a mirror you've walked past everyday of your life, and suddenly it shows you something else, something troubling and strange" (36).
I found this quote to be very interesting, not just for the figurative language it contains, but for the questions it elicits. Although I thought about what the entire quote could mean, I was especially drawn to the figurative language the author used, specifically a simile. The purpose of the figurative language is to make the characters' experience more personable to the reader. Most people reading the novel probably have never experienced being contained in a school while others "on the outside" dread them or the thought of coming in contact with them. This situation is unique to the students at Hailsham who are feared by those outside of the school. By giving the reader the mental picture of the mirror, the author provides an experience that is easier for the reader to visualize and understand. The author wants the reader to share in the emotions of the characters, so he uses figurative language to describe the emotions in a way the reader can understand. Also, the figurative language evokes an image in the reader's mind of an experience that could potentially be life changing. To have an idea of who you are or what your image in the mirror is and then have that picture forever altered in an abrupt and strange manner must be a pivotal point in one's life. This illustrates the magnitude of the effect the new knowledge had on the characters. In addition to helping me understand the characters' emotions on a deeper level, the figurative language prompted me to question why the students at Hailsham are so different and why others dread them.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Dynamic Character: Never Let Me Go
"'You've turned things around for yourself. I've been watching. So that's why I was asking.' Tommy shrugged. 'I've grown up a bit, I suppose...A couple of months back, I had this talk with Miss Lucy...But she said something, and it all felt much better'" (23).
Although dynamic characters are probably best identified later in the story when they have had more time to develop, I think that Tommy' evolution so early in the novel makes him a dynamic character. Perhaps he will change even more as the story progresses, but I consider the shift from his angry behavior to a calm demeanor very significant. The purpose of this change is probably to highlight the significance of his conversation with Miss Lucy. Something incredibly significant or meaningful must have happened for Tommy to suddenly abandon his temper tantrums and calmly handle potentially aggravating situations. The explanation he offers for this somewhat bizarre and sudden change is the conversation he shared with Miss Lucy. Although Tommy tells Kathy what the guardian said, both are still puzzled at the true meaning behind her words. Since the characters cannot decipher Miss Lucy's intentions, the reader cannot fully comprehend what she means either. I think the author's purpose behind Tommy's behavioral evolution and his conversation with Miss Lucy is to establish more pieces of this mystery. The characters struggle to connect the parts of this puzzle formed by conversations- like with Miss Lucy- and various events. The reader struggles along with the characters, not knowing what the puzzle really is. The purpose of Tommy's role as a dynamic character will probably become clearer as the story progresses.
Although dynamic characters are probably best identified later in the story when they have had more time to develop, I think that Tommy' evolution so early in the novel makes him a dynamic character. Perhaps he will change even more as the story progresses, but I consider the shift from his angry behavior to a calm demeanor very significant. The purpose of this change is probably to highlight the significance of his conversation with Miss Lucy. Something incredibly significant or meaningful must have happened for Tommy to suddenly abandon his temper tantrums and calmly handle potentially aggravating situations. The explanation he offers for this somewhat bizarre and sudden change is the conversation he shared with Miss Lucy. Although Tommy tells Kathy what the guardian said, both are still puzzled at the true meaning behind her words. Since the characters cannot decipher Miss Lucy's intentions, the reader cannot fully comprehend what she means either. I think the author's purpose behind Tommy's behavioral evolution and his conversation with Miss Lucy is to establish more pieces of this mystery. The characters struggle to connect the parts of this puzzle formed by conversations- like with Miss Lucy- and various events. The reader struggles along with the characters, not knowing what the puzzle really is. The purpose of Tommy's role as a dynamic character will probably become clearer as the story progresses.
Characterization: Never Let Me Go
"She was a tall, narrow woman with short hair, probably quite young still, though at the time we wouldn't have thought of her as such...She wouldn't talk to us and kept us at a distance with her chilly look. For years we thought of her as "snooty"..." (32).
The author uses characterization- both direct and indirect- early on in the novel, so the reader knows much about many of the characters. The personalities of Kathy, Ruth, Tommy, Laura, and some of the guardians like Miss Lucy, Miss Emily, and Miss Geraldine are revealed to the reader, and some of the physical characteristics are known as well. One character described through indirect characterization is Madame, and the use of characterization establishes not only her qualities, but also gives her an aura of mystery. She is portrayed as a severe, stern woman who drifts through Hailsham, selecting art in an arcane manner for this curious Gallery. Since the students do not know much about her, the description of Madame is brief. However, the characterization is effective because not much is said about Madame, but the reader is able to infer much about her through the descriptions given. Kathy repeatedly alludes to encounters with Madame and the Gallery, so the characterization could be very important. Knowing Madame's personality and relationship to the Hailsham students could help the reader understand the plot as the story unfolds. The author also reveals that Madame has an aversion to the children at Hailsham. Kathy likens Madame's feelings for the students to a person's fear of spiders. I think this is important, especially since Madame is not from Hailsham. Madame probably has a reason for these feelings, and her characterization can help the reader decipher her behavior.
The author uses characterization- both direct and indirect- early on in the novel, so the reader knows much about many of the characters. The personalities of Kathy, Ruth, Tommy, Laura, and some of the guardians like Miss Lucy, Miss Emily, and Miss Geraldine are revealed to the reader, and some of the physical characteristics are known as well. One character described through indirect characterization is Madame, and the use of characterization establishes not only her qualities, but also gives her an aura of mystery. She is portrayed as a severe, stern woman who drifts through Hailsham, selecting art in an arcane manner for this curious Gallery. Since the students do not know much about her, the description of Madame is brief. However, the characterization is effective because not much is said about Madame, but the reader is able to infer much about her through the descriptions given. Kathy repeatedly alludes to encounters with Madame and the Gallery, so the characterization could be very important. Knowing Madame's personality and relationship to the Hailsham students could help the reader understand the plot as the story unfolds. The author also reveals that Madame has an aversion to the children at Hailsham. Kathy likens Madame's feelings for the students to a person's fear of spiders. I think this is important, especially since Madame is not from Hailsham. Madame probably has a reason for these feelings, and her characterization can help the reader decipher her behavior.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Questions about Hailsham: Never Let Me Go
"He wanted to hear about Hailsham...About our guardians, about how we each had our own collection chests under our beds, the football, the rounders, the little path that took you all round the outside of the main house, round all its nooks and crannies, the duck pond, the food, the view from the Art Room over the fields on a foggy morning" (5).
Once again I had questions arise in the midst of my reading. Since I have just begun the novel, I believe that these questions will be answered later, but now I have a focus and things to look for throughout my reading. This time I wondered about Hailsham, Kathy's school. She hinted at the fact that Hailsham is considered to be a privileged estate, so I assumed that it is some sort of boarding school. Kathy also mentioned guardians which I thought was a term for teachers. The term guardians implies much more than just teachers; however, since the word is synonymous with protectors. I wondered if this is just how the students refer to their teachers, or if the guardians have a much larger role. One thing I misinterpreted was the terms "Junior" and "Senior." I associated these terms with high school juniors and seniors, but apparently the juniors and seniors in the novel are middle school age. This could be due to the fact that the story takes place in London, and they may use different terms to describe their school levels. Since much of the novel seems to take place at Hailsham, I am sure that my questions will soon be answered.
Once again I had questions arise in the midst of my reading. Since I have just begun the novel, I believe that these questions will be answered later, but now I have a focus and things to look for throughout my reading. This time I wondered about Hailsham, Kathy's school. She hinted at the fact that Hailsham is considered to be a privileged estate, so I assumed that it is some sort of boarding school. Kathy also mentioned guardians which I thought was a term for teachers. The term guardians implies much more than just teachers; however, since the word is synonymous with protectors. I wondered if this is just how the students refer to their teachers, or if the guardians have a much larger role. One thing I misinterpreted was the terms "Junior" and "Senior." I associated these terms with high school juniors and seniors, but apparently the juniors and seniors in the novel are middle school age. This could be due to the fact that the story takes place in London, and they may use different terms to describe their school levels. Since much of the novel seems to take place at Hailsham, I am sure that my questions will soon be answered.
Questions about Kathy's Career: Never Let Me Go
"...I've been a carer now for over eleven years...My donors have always tended to do much better than expected. Their recovery times have been impressive, and hardly any of them have been classified as "agitated," even before fourth donation" (3).
When I began to read the background of Kathy and her career in the very beginning of the novel, I had some questions about some of the terms she used. She spoke about her career as a carer for donors, and I struggled to understand exactly what that meant. As I continued to read, I surmised that a carer was similar to a nurse, offering care and companionship to the donors. As for the donors, I wondered if that meant organ donors. I believe that it is some sort of medical procedure because Kathy mentioned recovery time. This seemed unusual to me because the donors are alive, and organ donations are done when a patient is deceased. Another term I questioned was "completing." Kathy spoke about one of her patients that was "close to completing" (5). I assumed this meant he was close to dying, but the term completing seems like a strange synonym for dying. Perhaps this is used as an euphemism so as not to agitate the donors, especially since Kathy mentioned that some donors get agitated around their fourth donation. Based on my theory that the patients are organ donors, I was surprised that they are able to endure four donations. I just do not see how that is possible to survive having organs removed on four separate occasions, and I wonder what organs are taken. I feel like the author was being intentionally vague with these terms, and everything will probably be clarified later in the novel.
When I began to read the background of Kathy and her career in the very beginning of the novel, I had some questions about some of the terms she used. She spoke about her career as a carer for donors, and I struggled to understand exactly what that meant. As I continued to read, I surmised that a carer was similar to a nurse, offering care and companionship to the donors. As for the donors, I wondered if that meant organ donors. I believe that it is some sort of medical procedure because Kathy mentioned recovery time. This seemed unusual to me because the donors are alive, and organ donations are done when a patient is deceased. Another term I questioned was "completing." Kathy spoke about one of her patients that was "close to completing" (5). I assumed this meant he was close to dying, but the term completing seems like a strange synonym for dying. Perhaps this is used as an euphemism so as not to agitate the donors, especially since Kathy mentioned that some donors get agitated around their fourth donation. Based on my theory that the patients are organ donors, I was surprised that they are able to endure four donations. I just do not see how that is possible to survive having organs removed on four separate occasions, and I wonder what organs are taken. I feel like the author was being intentionally vague with these terms, and everything will probably be clarified later in the novel.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Overall Reaction towards Brave New World
"'We've gone on controlling every since. It hasn't been very good for truth, of course. But it's been very good for happiness. One can't have something for nothing. Happiness has got to be paid for. You're paying for it, Mr. Watson- paying because you happen to by much too interested in beauty. I was much too interested in truth; I paid too'" (228).
I disliked this statement when I read it, but then I realized the truth behind the words "happiness has got to be paid for." People must earn their happiness, but I disagree with Mond's belief that control harbors happiness. When people are controlled to that extent, they do not have expectations or goals; they are content with their way of life because that is all they know. True happiness is achieved through struggles and accomplishments, by working towards a purpose. The statement presents the biggest difference between the Old and New World, and it is also my biggest problem with the modern society. Also, Mond's words directly relates to the overall theme of the novel; the only way to achieve a utopia and happiness is to eliminate truth and purpose. My overall reaction towards the idea of a utopia is one with disagreement and disgust. I did not at all like the lack of individuality in most of the characters, the suffocating control of rulers like Mond, the apathetic processes like hatching, or the way of life in the New World. In fact, the New World did not appeal to me at all which was the author's intent. Aldous Huxley wanted to show the world the dangers of a utopia, like how much had to be sacrificed. He achieved his goal by presenting statements like these, forcing the reader to evaluate both worlds. I was able to see Huxley's warnings about utopias, and I fully appreciate the ways of the Old World, as "uncivilized" as they may be.
I disliked this statement when I read it, but then I realized the truth behind the words "happiness has got to be paid for." People must earn their happiness, but I disagree with Mond's belief that control harbors happiness. When people are controlled to that extent, they do not have expectations or goals; they are content with their way of life because that is all they know. True happiness is achieved through struggles and accomplishments, by working towards a purpose. The statement presents the biggest difference between the Old and New World, and it is also my biggest problem with the modern society. Also, Mond's words directly relates to the overall theme of the novel; the only way to achieve a utopia and happiness is to eliminate truth and purpose. My overall reaction towards the idea of a utopia is one with disagreement and disgust. I did not at all like the lack of individuality in most of the characters, the suffocating control of rulers like Mond, the apathetic processes like hatching, or the way of life in the New World. In fact, the New World did not appeal to me at all which was the author's intent. Aldous Huxley wanted to show the world the dangers of a utopia, like how much had to be sacrificed. He achieved his goal by presenting statements like these, forcing the reader to evaluate both worlds. I was able to see Huxley's warnings about utopias, and I fully appreciate the ways of the Old World, as "uncivilized" as they may be.
Resolution of Brave New World
"Slowly, very slowly, like two unhurried compass needles, the feet turned towards the right; north, north-east, east, south-east, south, south-west; then paused, and, after a few seconds, turned as unhurriedly back towards the left" (259).
The resolution of Brave New World came at the very end of the novel, when John hanged himself. He had previously said that he would not be an experiment, that he would go somewhere to be alone. Once his solitude had been compromised and he violently lashed out against a crowd, John must have felt that he deserved the ultimate punishment. His death could be viewed as his final punishment or his final escape. Either way, John's struggle against the evil of society and his own wickedness finally ended. This resolution was particularly sad but also very effective. The reader felt the strongest connection to John and hoped that he would overcome his internal battles to defeat society in his external struggle. This did not happen, and I felt saddened that the New World had driven John to such drastic measures. The resolution is the final and perhaps strongest point saying that the New World is not civilized, perfect, or even ideal. The resolution supported the theme and provoked emotions in the reader that would help he or she realize the true meaning of the theme. The reader saw the full extent of the power and evil of the society, enough to destroy a young man's life.
The resolution of Brave New World came at the very end of the novel, when John hanged himself. He had previously said that he would not be an experiment, that he would go somewhere to be alone. Once his solitude had been compromised and he violently lashed out against a crowd, John must have felt that he deserved the ultimate punishment. His death could be viewed as his final punishment or his final escape. Either way, John's struggle against the evil of society and his own wickedness finally ended. This resolution was particularly sad but also very effective. The reader felt the strongest connection to John and hoped that he would overcome his internal battles to defeat society in his external struggle. This did not happen, and I felt saddened that the New World had driven John to such drastic measures. The resolution is the final and perhaps strongest point saying that the New World is not civilized, perfect, or even ideal. The resolution supported the theme and provoked emotions in the reader that would help he or she realize the true meaning of the theme. The reader saw the full extent of the power and evil of the society, enough to destroy a young man's life.
External Conflict: Chapter 18 of Brave New World
"The Savage nodded. 'I ate civilization.' 'What?' 'It poisoned me; I was defiled. And then,' he added, in a lower tone, 'I ate my own wickedness'" (241).
Throughout John's stay in London, he struggles against society. He is not able to fit in and conform to the ways of the New World. At first he tries to be "civilized" like the people in London, but then he realizes that he must help them attain their freedom from the modern society. This conflict between John and society is so effective because it is also the struggle of the reader against society. John is from the reader's world, and he does not find the New World to be appealing, much like the reader. I related most to John because I understood him better, and I was able to understand his struggle. The purpose of John's struggle is to show the reader that he or she would also struggle to live in the restrictive utopia and that the imperfections of today's society are far better than the perfection of the New World. The more John tried to live in London, the more it poisoned him. Once he realized his purpose and set out to free the people, John finally took control of his struggle. John would not let society defeat him; he would not be an experiment. He continued to fight society, but this time he fought for his own freedom and happiness.
Throughout John's stay in London, he struggles against society. He is not able to fit in and conform to the ways of the New World. At first he tries to be "civilized" like the people in London, but then he realizes that he must help them attain their freedom from the modern society. This conflict between John and society is so effective because it is also the struggle of the reader against society. John is from the reader's world, and he does not find the New World to be appealing, much like the reader. I related most to John because I understood him better, and I was able to understand his struggle. The purpose of John's struggle is to show the reader that he or she would also struggle to live in the restrictive utopia and that the imperfections of today's society are far better than the perfection of the New World. The more John tried to live in London, the more it poisoned him. Once he realized his purpose and set out to free the people, John finally took control of his struggle. John would not let society defeat him; he would not be an experiment. He continued to fight society, but this time he fought for his own freedom and happiness.
The Claim to the Old World: Chapter 17 of Brave New World
"'Not to mention the right to grow old and ugly and impotent; the right to have syphilis and cancer; the right to have too little to eat; the right to be lousy; the right to live in constant apprehension of what may happen tomorrow; the right to catch typhoid; the right to be tortured by unspeakable pains of every kind.' There was a long silence. 'I claim them all,' said the Savage at last" (240).
I found this quote to be the most significant because it describes our world today, the Old World in the novel. Mond described everything horrible in the Old World, trying to show the appeal of the New World to John. Despite these arguments, John laid claim to his way of life, the way of society before modern London was developed. John knew that although the world consisted of these plights, the Old World also had so much more beauty and freedom than the New World. John speaks for the reader when he rejects the modern society and claims the old society, troubles and all. He wants the right to believe in God, the right to read Shakespeare, the right to be an individual, the right to have a purpose in life, the right to enjoy beautiful things, and the right to create one's own happiness. It was at this moment that I was the most proud of John because he stood for what he knew was right and laid claim to what was his. He did not bend under the pressure from the New World, and he did not conform to the ways of the New World because that was the easiest thing to do. John knew that for every horrible thing that happened in the Old World, many more beautiful things happened as well. John not only laid claim on the Old World, but he also claimed his freedom and happiness. I really admired John's strength and his decision, and that was when he became the hero in my eyes.
I found this quote to be the most significant because it describes our world today, the Old World in the novel. Mond described everything horrible in the Old World, trying to show the appeal of the New World to John. Despite these arguments, John laid claim to his way of life, the way of society before modern London was developed. John knew that although the world consisted of these plights, the Old World also had so much more beauty and freedom than the New World. John speaks for the reader when he rejects the modern society and claims the old society, troubles and all. He wants the right to believe in God, the right to read Shakespeare, the right to be an individual, the right to have a purpose in life, the right to enjoy beautiful things, and the right to create one's own happiness. It was at this moment that I was the most proud of John because he stood for what he knew was right and laid claim to what was his. He did not bend under the pressure from the New World, and he did not conform to the ways of the New World because that was the easiest thing to do. John knew that for every horrible thing that happened in the Old World, many more beautiful things happened as well. John not only laid claim on the Old World, but he also claimed his freedom and happiness. I really admired John's strength and his decision, and that was when he became the hero in my eyes.
A Chance at Freedom: Chapter 16 of Brave New World
"'He's being sent to an island. That's to say, he's being sent to a place where he'll meet the most interesting set of men and women to be found anywhere in the world. All the people who, for one reason or another, have got too self-consciously individual to fit into community life'" (227).
Motivation: Chapter 15 of Brave New World
"Linda had been a slave, Linda had died; others should live in freedom, and the world be made beautiful. A reparation, a duty. And suddenly it was luminously clear to the Savage what he must do; it was as though a shutter had been opened, a curtain drawn back" (210).
John's motivation to change the modern society was revealed shortly after Linda's death while he was in the midst of a soma distribution. John's sudden clarity about his purpose probably was fueled by his loss of Linda, caused by society and aided by soma. John, being decent and loving, felt he must help others escape the society that had failed Linda, and those people must not suffer Linda's fate. Since he could not save Linda, John must save the rest of the people trapped by society and reliant on poison. The purpose of John's motivation is to further the theme that this utopia is far from perfect. In fact, the people are enslaved in this utopia. John was motivated by Linda's demise to make the world beautiful and offer people freedom. If this was truly a utopia, such actions would not be necessary. John felt that his duty was to fix this "perfect" society, to free the "happy" people. The author effectively showed that a utopia can never exist, for a society will always have flaws. John wanted to open the people's eyes to this truth.
John's motivation to change the modern society was revealed shortly after Linda's death while he was in the midst of a soma distribution. John's sudden clarity about his purpose probably was fueled by his loss of Linda, caused by society and aided by soma. John, being decent and loving, felt he must help others escape the society that had failed Linda, and those people must not suffer Linda's fate. Since he could not save Linda, John must save the rest of the people trapped by society and reliant on poison. The purpose of John's motivation is to further the theme that this utopia is far from perfect. In fact, the people are enslaved in this utopia. John was motivated by Linda's demise to make the world beautiful and offer people freedom. If this was truly a utopia, such actions would not be necessary. John felt that his duty was to fix this "perfect" society, to free the "happy" people. The author effectively showed that a utopia can never exist, for a society will always have flaws. John wanted to open the people's eyes to this truth.
The Irony of Reality: Chapter 14 of Brave New World
"...that beautiful, beautiful Other Place, whose memory, as of a heaven, a paradise of goodness and loveliness, he still kept whole and intact, undefiled by contact with the reality of this real London, these actual civilized men and women" (201).
I found this line to be incredibly ironic, especially when John still refers to the people in London as "actual civilized men and women." John was known as the savage, and those in London were considered civilized which I thought was not only ironic but also a bit saddening. The reality of this paradise took a toll on John, who was able to see through London's perfect front. To John, the imperfections were glaringly obvious. The people in London are the true savages, taking as many women as they please, burning their dead and using them to grow plants, and not having a purpose to life, living life they way they were instructed. Those savages are educated only on the social caste, not the classics like Shakespeare. Those savages do not appreciate the beauty of books and flowers. John is the civilized man, daring to challenge the modern society and pointing out its flaws. John understands Shakespeare, is able to love, and knows beauty when he sees it. John acts with decency and acknowledges his emotions. The real London did not live up to Linda's stories and John's expectations, so John chooses to remember it as a true paradise, an actual utopia.
I found this line to be incredibly ironic, especially when John still refers to the people in London as "actual civilized men and women." John was known as the savage, and those in London were considered civilized which I thought was not only ironic but also a bit saddening. The reality of this paradise took a toll on John, who was able to see through London's perfect front. To John, the imperfections were glaringly obvious. The people in London are the true savages, taking as many women as they please, burning their dead and using them to grow plants, and not having a purpose to life, living life they way they were instructed. Those savages are educated only on the social caste, not the classics like Shakespeare. Those savages do not appreciate the beauty of books and flowers. John is the civilized man, daring to challenge the modern society and pointing out its flaws. John understands Shakespeare, is able to love, and knows beauty when he sees it. John acts with decency and acknowledges his emotions. The real London did not live up to Linda's stories and John's expectations, so John chooses to remember it as a true paradise, an actual utopia.
Clash of Two Cultures: Chapter 13 of Brave New World
"'Hug me, honey, snuggly...' The Savage caught her by the wrists, tore her hands from his shoulders, thrust her roughly away at arm's length. 'Ow, you're hurting me, you're... oh!' She was suddenly silent. Terror had made her forget the pain" (194).
This is a very important scene because it shows how two cultures of Lenina and John are so incompatible. Since the modern culture did its best to distance itself from the past, the two societies are too different. The people of Lenina's society see John as a savage and mock his way of life. Once John was exposed to Lenina's culture, he was horrified by what he saw. I wanted John and Lenina to be able to be together, but they could not overcome what their prospective cultures had taught them. I thought that if John and Lenina could form a relationship, some sort of change within London would occur. However, John was disgusted with Lenina's promiscuous behavior, and Lenina was confused and then terrified by John's response to her. Lenina's actions were probably so repulsive to John because that was how his mother behaved, and she was ostracized by the community. This probably triggered his frightening outburst because it brought back the memories of the pain he and Linda endured due to her promiscuity. I think this was the point when John began to see how this world was not as brave as he once thought.
This is a very important scene because it shows how two cultures of Lenina and John are so incompatible. Since the modern culture did its best to distance itself from the past, the two societies are too different. The people of Lenina's society see John as a savage and mock his way of life. Once John was exposed to Lenina's culture, he was horrified by what he saw. I wanted John and Lenina to be able to be together, but they could not overcome what their prospective cultures had taught them. I thought that if John and Lenina could form a relationship, some sort of change within London would occur. However, John was disgusted with Lenina's promiscuous behavior, and Lenina was confused and then terrified by John's response to her. Lenina's actions were probably so repulsive to John because that was how his mother behaved, and she was ostracized by the community. This probably triggered his frightening outburst because it brought back the memories of the pain he and Linda endured due to her promiscuity. I think this was the point when John began to see how this world was not as brave as he once thought.
Life Without Purpose: Chapter 12 of Brave New World
"'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'" (177).
This was one of the most profound scenes to me because it truly demonstrated the amount of control rulers had over the public. Mustapha Mond was able to censor literature to keep certain ideals from the people in order to maintain the "perfection" of society. Also, I was able to see what the characters were missing in their lives: purpose. This saddened and surprised me because I can not imagine living without purpose. This is why men like Bernard and Helmholtz are so displeased with their lives; lives without purpose often lack meaning. The fact that rulers considered an analysis of purpose to be heretical fully illustrated the sad state of the society. The reason society believes that everyone is happy is because no one knows anything different. They were taught to be satisfied with life and not to strive to be greater or to find a purpose to their existence. I think that this is the greatest difference between our society and the modern society, between a chaotic world and a utopia. Considering what I have learned about this fictional utopia, I prefer the chaos and imperfections of the world around me. I believe that the author's goal was to illustrate how unappealing the quest towards perfection is and that perfection can never really be achieved; even a utopia has flaws.
This was one of the most profound scenes to me because it truly demonstrated the amount of control rulers had over the public. Mustapha Mond was able to censor literature to keep certain ideals from the people in order to maintain the "perfection" of society. Also, I was able to see what the characters were missing in their lives: purpose. This saddened and surprised me because I can not imagine living without purpose. This is why men like Bernard and Helmholtz are so displeased with their lives; lives without purpose often lack meaning. The fact that rulers considered an analysis of purpose to be heretical fully illustrated the sad state of the society. The reason society believes that everyone is happy is because no one knows anything different. They were taught to be satisfied with life and not to strive to be greater or to find a purpose to their existence. I think that this is the greatest difference between our society and the modern society, between a chaotic world and a utopia. Considering what I have learned about this fictional utopia, I prefer the chaos and imperfections of the world around me. I believe that the author's goal was to illustrate how unappealing the quest towards perfection is and that perfection can never really be achieved; even a utopia has flaws.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Allusion: Chapter 11 of Brave New World
"'O brave new world...' By some malice of his memory the Savage found himself repeating Miranda's words" (160).
The author alludes to Shakespeare's The Tempest when John utters these words. John returns to Shakespeare for comfort during times of duress, and in this situation he finds Miranda's words in The Tempest to be appropriate. These words are also the source of the novel's title which is very ironic. John finds this society to be a "brave new world," but the world is quite the opposite of that phrase. John- the one considered to be a savage- sees the modern advancements and the lack of emotion or individuality and deems it brave. The society in which John finds himself is not at all brave; they cower behind their social statuses and soma. This allusion is effective because the reader should be able to see the irony in John's choice of Shakespeare. The people in London avoid conflicts and feelings and instead rely on drugs to make them happy. That society is in no way brave, and John will soon come to realize that. He does not depend on society's training or pills, and he soon sees the imperfections surrounding him which those in the "brave" society avoid.
The author alludes to Shakespeare's The Tempest when John utters these words. John returns to Shakespeare for comfort during times of duress, and in this situation he finds Miranda's words in The Tempest to be appropriate. These words are also the source of the novel's title which is very ironic. John finds this society to be a "brave new world," but the world is quite the opposite of that phrase. John- the one considered to be a savage- sees the modern advancements and the lack of emotion or individuality and deems it brave. The society in which John finds himself is not at all brave; they cower behind their social statuses and soma. This allusion is effective because the reader should be able to see the irony in John's choice of Shakespeare. The people in London avoid conflicts and feelings and instead rely on drugs to make them happy. That society is in no way brave, and John will soon come to realize that. He does not depend on society's training or pills, and he soon sees the imperfections surrounding him which those in the "brave" society avoid.
Verbal Irony: Chapter 10 of Brave New World
"The word (for "father" was not so much obscene as -- with its connotation of something at one remove from the loathsomeness and moral obliquity of child-bearing -- merely gross, a scatological rather than a pornographic impropriety); the comically smutty word relieved what had become a quite intolerable tension" (151).
The author uses irony often in the novel in order to be satirical, and he uses verbal irony when referring to "mother" and "father." In the world of the reader, these words have no negative connotation; they refer to the parents of children and are often terms of love and endearment. In modern London, the words are "smutty" and "pornographic," descriptions that would never be applied to parents in today's society. The author uses verbal irony to show the repercussions of a utopia. In their perfect society, all love and emotions have been stripped away from one of the most miraculous moments in today's society: the creation of life. Instead, creating life is simply a scientific process performed in a test tube. Words associated with childbirth- mother, father, baby- create disgust when uttered. The author shows that a drive towards a modern utopia can force people to sacrifice unimaginable things like love and even childbirth. The meanings of "mother" and "father" could not be more different in today's society and modern London. In the modern society, those terms are disgusting and imply childbirth, and outdated and taboo practice. In the reader's world, these words are still very much endearing, and the effect of the verbal irony is great.
The author uses irony often in the novel in order to be satirical, and he uses verbal irony when referring to "mother" and "father." In the world of the reader, these words have no negative connotation; they refer to the parents of children and are often terms of love and endearment. In modern London, the words are "smutty" and "pornographic," descriptions that would never be applied to parents in today's society. The author uses verbal irony to show the repercussions of a utopia. In their perfect society, all love and emotions have been stripped away from one of the most miraculous moments in today's society: the creation of life. Instead, creating life is simply a scientific process performed in a test tube. Words associated with childbirth- mother, father, baby- create disgust when uttered. The author shows that a drive towards a modern utopia can force people to sacrifice unimaginable things like love and even childbirth. The meanings of "mother" and "father" could not be more different in today's society and modern London. In the modern society, those terms are disgusting and imply childbirth, and outdated and taboo practice. In the reader's world, these words are still very much endearing, and the effect of the verbal irony is great.
Source of Strength: Chapter 9 of Brave New World
"'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'" (144).
John often recites lines from Shakespeare to himself, drawing from the verses inspiration and strength. The words of Shakespeare have always served as a comfort to John, either on the Reservation or in London. When John struggles for words, he uses Shakespeare to explain his thoughts and feelings. He does this throughout the end of the novel, further alienating himself from others. People do not understand Shakespeare since they have never been exposed to his work, so they find the John's words strange and incomprehensible. John's love and understanding of Shakespeare further illustrates his individuality and his inability to fit into society. Although John sees the words of Shakespeare as inspirational, others cannot comprehend the meaning of the verses. The words from which John draws strength also cause him to become more separated from society, but the reader finds him more poetic and complex. The reader is probably familiar with Shakespeare and would find it shocking that classics like Shakespeare have been hidden from the people of London. The reader would also see that John is capable of understanding the deep emotions and themes within Shakespeare, making him more interesting to the reader.
And steal immortal blessing from her lips,
Who, even in pure and vestal modesty,
Still blush, as thinking their own kisses sin'" (144).
John often recites lines from Shakespeare to himself, drawing from the verses inspiration and strength. The words of Shakespeare have always served as a comfort to John, either on the Reservation or in London. When John struggles for words, he uses Shakespeare to explain his thoughts and feelings. He does this throughout the end of the novel, further alienating himself from others. People do not understand Shakespeare since they have never been exposed to his work, so they find the John's words strange and incomprehensible. John's love and understanding of Shakespeare further illustrates his individuality and his inability to fit into society. Although John sees the words of Shakespeare as inspirational, others cannot comprehend the meaning of the verses. The words from which John draws strength also cause him to become more separated from society, but the reader finds him more poetic and complex. The reader is probably familiar with Shakespeare and would find it shocking that classics like Shakespeare have been hidden from the people of London. The reader would also see that John is capable of understanding the deep emotions and themes within Shakespeare, making him more interesting to the reader.
Anecdote: Chapter 8 of Brave New World
"'I shall never understand, unless you explain.' 'Explain what?' 'This.' He indicated the pueblo. 'That.' And it was the little house outside the village. 'Everything. All your life'" (123).
Once Bernard is able to speak to John alone outside, he asks John to explain his way of life. Everything on the Reservation- John's home- is foreign to Bernard, but he longs to understand. John then gives a lengthy anecdote about his life as far back as he can remember. The purpose of John's story is to not only give the reader details about John and Linda and the Reservation, but also to illustrate how different John is from everyone else. John mentions that he is not accepted at the Reservation, and later he will not be accepted in the modern society. For instance, John reads Shakespeare which is highly taboo in both the Reservation and modern society. This establishes John as the protagonist, the one who tries to fight society. John's story prompts Bernard to bring him to London, giving John the opportunity to experience a life he had only heard about from Linda. John is also given the opportunity to attempt to initiate change and to challenge the ideals of the "utopia."
Once Bernard is able to speak to John alone outside, he asks John to explain his way of life. Everything on the Reservation- John's home- is foreign to Bernard, but he longs to understand. John then gives a lengthy anecdote about his life as far back as he can remember. The purpose of John's story is to not only give the reader details about John and Linda and the Reservation, but also to illustrate how different John is from everyone else. John mentions that he is not accepted at the Reservation, and later he will not be accepted in the modern society. For instance, John reads Shakespeare which is highly taboo in both the Reservation and modern society. This establishes John as the protagonist, the one who tries to fight society. John's story prompts Bernard to bring him to London, giving John the opportunity to experience a life he had only heard about from Linda. John is also given the opportunity to attempt to initiate change and to challenge the ideals of the "utopia."
Analogy: Chapter 7 of Brave New World
"The mesa was like a ship becalmed in a strait of lion-coloured dust" (107).
The author employs analogies and imagery to describe things the reader would consider beautiful: the ocean, flowers, and various landscapes. Although the reader finds these descriptions appropriate, most characters in the novel do not appreciate the beauty in the scenery. Since they have been trained to disregard such beauty, characters find these things uninteresting or strange. The purpose of this particular analogy is to show the reader how lovely the Reservation is, but it goes unnoticed by Lenina and Bernard. The reader is able to picture the natural landscape, untouched by modern society. In contrast to modern London, the Reservation's natural beauty has been preserved. This is a place where modern advancements have not taken over, plowing away nature to make room for modern conveniences. The characters find this place strange, but this is how the world was before the utopia was created. This further shows how the characters find the reader's entire world so unusual and outdated which distances the reader from the characters. At least one of these natural places still exist, preserving the ways of the old world.
The author employs analogies and imagery to describe things the reader would consider beautiful: the ocean, flowers, and various landscapes. Although the reader finds these descriptions appropriate, most characters in the novel do not appreciate the beauty in the scenery. Since they have been trained to disregard such beauty, characters find these things uninteresting or strange. The purpose of this particular analogy is to show the reader how lovely the Reservation is, but it goes unnoticed by Lenina and Bernard. The reader is able to picture the natural landscape, untouched by modern society. In contrast to modern London, the Reservation's natural beauty has been preserved. This is a place where modern advancements have not taken over, plowing away nature to make room for modern conveniences. The characters find this place strange, but this is how the world was before the utopia was created. This further shows how the characters find the reader's entire world so unusual and outdated which distances the reader from the characters. At least one of these natural places still exist, preserving the ways of the old world.
Aphorism: Chapter 6 of Brave New World
"'A gramme in time saves nine,' said Lenina, producing a bright treasure of sleep-taught wisdom" (89).
Many instances of aphorisms are shared by the characters in the novel. Those people often spurt these wise words from memory, as if the phrases were ingrained in their minds, ready for use. This of course is true since the people in the modern society are trained at birth with such phrases pounded into their minds for many years while they sleep. The aphorisms are effective because the reader realizes how delusional these people have become. They are brainwashed and lack wisdom of their own; they just recite what they have been taught. This further chips away at the idea of an utopia, revealing its imperfections. The people of society are not individuals; they are in essence trained robots. Whenever a hint of conflict arises, most characters resort to an aphorism and some soma to calm their nerves. The aphorisms make it quite clear that most people in society have been trained to the point of being brainwashed of all individual thoughts.
Many instances of aphorisms are shared by the characters in the novel. Those people often spurt these wise words from memory, as if the phrases were ingrained in their minds, ready for use. This of course is true since the people in the modern society are trained at birth with such phrases pounded into their minds for many years while they sleep. The aphorisms are effective because the reader realizes how delusional these people have become. They are brainwashed and lack wisdom of their own; they just recite what they have been taught. This further chips away at the idea of an utopia, revealing its imperfections. The people of society are not individuals; they are in essence trained robots. Whenever a hint of conflict arises, most characters resort to an aphorism and some soma to calm their nerves. The aphorisms make it quite clear that most people in society have been trained to the point of being brainwashed of all individual thoughts.
Colloquialism: Chapter 5 of Brave New World
"Thank Ford! he was not the last" (79).
Throughout the novel, many characters use Henry Ford's name much like people use God's name in vain. This is an example of colloquialism since many of the characters use Ford's name in various phrases but is not appropriate in formal settings, much like taking God's name in vain. Because Henry Ford is held in the highest regard in the society, he is probably perceived as a god. The colloquialism is effective because the reader is able to see how important Henry Ford is to the people of modern London. Throughout the novel, characters refer to Ford in various manners. The reader realizes how important Ford and his inventions and improvements are to the people. Since the society is consumed by processes, they probably appreciate Ford's improvements on processes, like with the assembly line. The people are produced in a complicated assembly line, so the reverence for Ford makes sense. The meaning behind the colloquialisms becomes apparent as they are used often in the novel.
Throughout the novel, many characters use Henry Ford's name much like people use God's name in vain. This is an example of colloquialism since many of the characters use Ford's name in various phrases but is not appropriate in formal settings, much like taking God's name in vain. Because Henry Ford is held in the highest regard in the society, he is probably perceived as a god. The colloquialism is effective because the reader is able to see how important Henry Ford is to the people of modern London. Throughout the novel, characters refer to Ford in various manners. The reader realizes how important Ford and his inventions and improvements are to the people. Since the society is consumed by processes, they probably appreciate Ford's improvements on processes, like with the assembly line. The people are produced in a complicated assembly line, so the reverence for Ford makes sense. The meaning behind the colloquialisms becomes apparent as they are used often in the novel.
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