Today, I will talk about Brave New World. It would be a brief review and introduction to this iconic dystopia. Maybe utopia for some.
Language and Readability
First and foremost, some readers have expressed difficulty understanding the book, particularly its first 60–70 pages—a valid complaint. The book begins with an introduction and a foreword that references other works and authors, which can be overwhelming. Additionally, unfamiliar terms may make the reading experience less engaging at first. These factors contribute to the initial struggle to get into the book. The language is not particularly fluid in the early chapters, and the narrative lacks gripping momentum. Exposition and description are abundant, with limited progression in the storyline. However, once the main events unfold, the book becomes significantly more accessible and engaging. Occasionally, the narrative adopts a philosophical tone, which is natural for a dystopian work.
Plot
As a dystopia, the book deviates from a traditional plot structure. Initially, the focus is on introducing the world rather than advancing the storyline. Events unfold gradually, and the perspective alternates between the two main characters. At certain points, the book shifts entirely to philosophical dialogues and monologues, which some readers may find thought-provoking or challenging.
Themes and Concepts
Written by Aldous Huxley in 1932, Brave New World reflects the author’s fears about the growing trends of mass production and consumerism at the time. Huxley sought to caution humanity through this work. In the novel, humans are not born but produced in hatcheries and factories using artificial fertilization. Only a select group retains reproductive abilities, and cells from these individuals are used to create others. Concepts like “mother,” “father,” and “family” are deemed obscene, even pornographic. Since most people are sterile, monogamy is also nonexistent. There’s even a societal motto: “Everyone belongs to everyone else.” Consequently, long-term relationships and love are impossible.
Absence of Emotions
In such a world, emotions are virtually nonexistent. Humans function like robots. If anyone begins to feel or question life, the solution is simple: SOMA. This drug, widely accessible, suppresses emotions and existential thoughts. Unsurprisingly, there is almost no one questioning the system. The novel also depicts a rigid caste system, where individuals are categorized by intelligence and physical traits.
A Modern Caste System
- Alpha++: These are the elite, the rarest, and most intelligent individuals who govern the world.
- Alpha+: Highly intelligent and athletic, they occupy key positions in society. Bernard Marx belongs to this group.
- Alpha-: Similar to Alpha+ but less sought after for prominent roles.
- Beta: Slightly above average, they serve as doctors and nurses. Lenina and Fanny are Betas.
- Gamma: Every day individuals with average intellect and physical capabilities who handle mundane tasks.
- Delta: Considered the lower class, many are clones. They possess below-average intelligence and work in factories.
- Epsilon: The lowest caste, physically weak and intellectually impaired, performing the simplest tasks.
Technology and Setting
While the book doesn’t explicitly detail advanced technologies, it reflects the limited imagination of the time, which is understandable given its 1930s context. The story is set in a future world, likely the 26th century. Political states are not explicitly defined, though there is mention of a separate area inhabited by “savages.”
Characters of Brave New World
- Bernard Marx: An Alpha+ whose height resembles that of a Gamma, rumored to be due to alcohol contamination during his development. This insecurity drives him to question the system. Bernard avoids SOMA but cannot fully rebel.
- John(The Savage): The protagonist, born naturally rather than through artificial means. He openly opposes the system
- .Mustapha Mond: One of the ten World Controllers. Despite his love for science, he prioritizes stability and fully understands the workings of the system.
- Helmholtz Watson: An Alpha+ and emotional engineer who writes poetry and explores unique feelings, leading him to question society. Unlike others, he is uninterested in sexuality and shares his thoughts with Bernard Marx and the Savage.
Some Quotes From Brave New World
“But I don’t want comfort. I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness. I want sin.”
“I want to know what passion is. I want to feel something strongly.”
You can read the original text from here