"Just under the crown of the arch dangled a pair of feet."
"Slowly, very slowly like two unhurried compass needles, the feet turned towards the right; north, north-east, east, south-east, south, south-south-west; then paused and after a few seconds, turned as unhurriedly back towards the left. South-south-west, south, south-east, east...." (259)
The above quote is an example of an explication. I had to read the last six paragraphs of the book multiple times before I actually understood what the author was implying. When I first read through it, I ended the book wondering how it mattered that he was sitting on the balcony moving his feet in circles and giving everybody the silent treatment. That did not seem anything like John, nor did it seem like a fitting way to end the book. Upon slow and careful reading of the passage, I finally understood what happened. John had finally had enough; he hung himself and died. This is not really a pleasant ending of the book unless you see it as a way for John to finally escape the contamination of civilized life. John believed that after he died he would be with God and finally be happy. I think that Huxley included this explication at the end of the novel to keep readers in deep thought all the way to the end. It is effective because it really does make readers stop and think about the book, rather than just reading through it quickly. Also, for me it makes me wonder if their are more of these explications throughout the book that I missed. I am sure I didn't because I read the book very carefully, but everybody makes mistakes.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Brave New World: 19
" 'Call it the fault of civilization. God isn't compatible with machinery and scientific medicine and universal happitnees. You must make your choice. Our civilization has chose machinery and medicine and happiness' " (234).
After reading this chapter, I am confident that the Controller has given serious thought to the question of religion. He seems to have a vast knowledge of the subject, but still thinks that God is not relevant in their modern society. I do not agree with him on this because if he really wanted God in his life and the lives of the people in the society, he could have made it work. God is a very flexible man. He can work with machinery and medicine and happieness; he just needs to be let into the hearts of the people.
While I do not agree with the above aspect of the Controller's reasoning, I do partially agree with something he said a little later. "People believe in God because they've been conditioned to believe in God." I think to some extent, Mond has a point here. In our society today, many children believe in God just because their parents have taught them to do so. From birth to probably the teenage years, children believe in God because their parents make them pray before meals and before bed and go to church on the weekends. Until people are able to make decisions for themselves, the decision concerning faith is up to the conditioning of the parents.
After reading this chapter, I am confident that the Controller has given serious thought to the question of religion. He seems to have a vast knowledge of the subject, but still thinks that God is not relevant in their modern society. I do not agree with him on this because if he really wanted God in his life and the lives of the people in the society, he could have made it work. God is a very flexible man. He can work with machinery and medicine and happieness; he just needs to be let into the hearts of the people.
While I do not agree with the above aspect of the Controller's reasoning, I do partially agree with something he said a little later. "People believe in God because they've been conditioned to believe in God." I think to some extent, Mond has a point here. In our society today, many children believe in God just because their parents have taught them to do so. From birth to probably the teenage years, children believe in God because their parents make them pray before meals and before bed and go to church on the weekends. Until people are able to make decisions for themselves, the decision concerning faith is up to the conditioning of the parents.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Brave New World: 18
" 'They're well off; they're safe; they're never ill; they're not afraid of death; they're blissfully ignorant of passion and old age; they're plagued with no mothers or fathers; they've got no wives, or children or lovers to feel strongly about; they're so conditioned that they practically can't help behaving as they ought to behave' " (220).
This quote in chapter sixteen is an anaphora. The word "they're" is repeated multiple lines in a row. Huxley's purpose in using an anaphora here is to emphasize the number of things that are going well for the people in the society. Mustapha Mond is explaining why their is nothing wrong with the way they do things because of all of these wonderful things that are a result of what they are doing. In a way, these things are Mustapha Mond's way of confirming (to himself and the three prisoners in front of him) that what they are doing is for the best interests of the people. The anaphora is effective because it draws the readers into this list and urges the readers to approve of what they are doing for the stability of the society. I think that the anaphora is also used because the quote sounds more impressive with the "they're" in front of the effects than just a plain list of the good effects of the society. When listed in this manner, they really do seem like characteristics of a stable society.
This quote in chapter sixteen is an anaphora. The word "they're" is repeated multiple lines in a row. Huxley's purpose in using an anaphora here is to emphasize the number of things that are going well for the people in the society. Mustapha Mond is explaining why their is nothing wrong with the way they do things because of all of these wonderful things that are a result of what they are doing. In a way, these things are Mustapha Mond's way of confirming (to himself and the three prisoners in front of him) that what they are doing is for the best interests of the people. The anaphora is effective because it draws the readers into this list and urges the readers to approve of what they are doing for the stability of the society. I think that the anaphora is also used because the quote sounds more impressive with the "they're" in front of the effects than just a plain list of the good effects of the society. When listed in this manner, they really do seem like characteristics of a stable society.
Brave New World: 17
" 'But as I make the laws here, I can also break them' " (219).
In this chapter I realized that Mustapha Mond is a round character. He speaks with authority to the people in his society about the importance of stability and doing everything as it is supposed to be done. In front of his people, he finds change and individualism as a threat to the stability of the society, so he has to squelch any signs of it before it gets too out of hand. In reality, we see from this quote that he is not just a dictator controlling all of these people for his own good. He actually breaks the rules and has his own individual spirit. In fact, at one point he was in jeopardy of being relocated to an island where the free spirits are sent to prevent corruption among the people. Rather than punishing the three men for their attempts disturbing the peace, he is in a way rewarding them. He is setting them free to an island to live as individuals where their own ideas can flourish. Surprisingly, Mond envies the men and their relocation to the islands of unorthodoxy. I think the purpose of having Mond as a round character is Huxley's way of giving the readers multiple interpretations of the way things are done at the Centre. It is effective because Mond is able to give the readers and the characters explanations of why things are done certain ways from an all-knowing perspective because he has experienced both sides of the spectrum (from science, "the public danger," to the Controllership).
In this chapter I realized that Mustapha Mond is a round character. He speaks with authority to the people in his society about the importance of stability and doing everything as it is supposed to be done. In front of his people, he finds change and individualism as a threat to the stability of the society, so he has to squelch any signs of it before it gets too out of hand. In reality, we see from this quote that he is not just a dictator controlling all of these people for his own good. He actually breaks the rules and has his own individual spirit. In fact, at one point he was in jeopardy of being relocated to an island where the free spirits are sent to prevent corruption among the people. Rather than punishing the three men for their attempts disturbing the peace, he is in a way rewarding them. He is setting them free to an island to live as individuals where their own ideas can flourish. Surprisingly, Mond envies the men and their relocation to the islands of unorthodoxy. I think the purpose of having Mond as a round character is Huxley's way of giving the readers multiple interpretations of the way things are done at the Centre. It is effective because Mond is able to give the readers and the characters explanations of why things are done certain ways from an all-knowing perspective because he has experienced both sides of the spectrum (from science, "the public danger," to the Controllership).
Brave New World: 16
" 'They're done for,' said Bernard and, urged by a sudden impulse, ran forward to help them; then thought better of it and halted; then, ashamed, stepped forward again; then again thought better of it, and was standing in an agony of humiliated indecision-thinking that they might be killed if he did" (214).
Bernard is stuck with a very difficult decision when the Savage begins to throw out the Soma rations after a workday. The Savage is joined by Helmholtz. Bernard has an internal confict and cannot decide what to do. He could go support his friends (and really his belief about freedom). He could also stay back and blend in to the crowd because he is already seen as a corrupt man. He has a conflict in his mind and is stricked with indecision when trying to act on either one of his options. The purpose of the internal conflict within Bernard is to show that he is not as big of a jerk as he as seemed up to this point. He really does care about his friends, but apparently not enough to risk is life and reputation for them. The internal conflict is effective because readers get to see another more welcome side of Bernard. In the end, all three men are taken away by the police and readers are left wondering if or how they will be punished for their attempt at corruption.
Bernard is stuck with a very difficult decision when the Savage begins to throw out the Soma rations after a workday. The Savage is joined by Helmholtz. Bernard has an internal confict and cannot decide what to do. He could go support his friends (and really his belief about freedom). He could also stay back and blend in to the crowd because he is already seen as a corrupt man. He has a conflict in his mind and is stricked with indecision when trying to act on either one of his options. The purpose of the internal conflict within Bernard is to show that he is not as big of a jerk as he as seemed up to this point. He really does care about his friends, but apparently not enough to risk is life and reputation for them. The internal conflict is effective because readers get to see another more welcome side of Bernard. In the end, all three men are taken away by the police and readers are left wondering if or how they will be punished for their attempt at corruption.
Brave New World: 15
"Five khaki twins, each with the stump of a long eclair in his right hand, and their identical faces variously smeared with liquid chocolate, were standing in a row, puggily goggling at him" (207).
The above quote has detailed imagery to accurately describe the situation. The imagery places five innocent children dumbfounded at the way John is acting in response to his mother's death. This image is very disturbing because it shows that these children really are conditioned to not see death as a sad and tragic end. The imagery helps readers understand how the children are conditioned to see death as something that happens. They are reacting to the death as they would react to someone going to the bathroom. They except that it is something that happens to everyone so it is no big deal. They watch John like they are watching an animal at the zoo, enamored at his wailing and muttering of the word God. I think the imagery is effective because it shows another way in which John is different from everyone else at the Centre. The purpose of the image is to show that John's behavior is unexceptable and odd given the situation that seems totally normal to the children thanks to their training.
The above quote has detailed imagery to accurately describe the situation. The imagery places five innocent children dumbfounded at the way John is acting in response to his mother's death. This image is very disturbing because it shows that these children really are conditioned to not see death as a sad and tragic end. The imagery helps readers understand how the children are conditioned to see death as something that happens. They are reacting to the death as they would react to someone going to the bathroom. They except that it is something that happens to everyone so it is no big deal. They watch John like they are watching an animal at the zoo, enamored at his wailing and muttering of the word God. I think the imagery is effective because it shows another way in which John is different from everyone else at the Centre. The purpose of the image is to show that John's behavior is unexceptable and odd given the situation that seems totally normal to the children thanks to their training.
Brave New World: 14
" 'But what is it, John?' she whispered. He did not answer, but only stared into her face with those mad eyes" (194).
The above quote is the beginning of a good situation turning sour. Everything was going great between John and Lenina who finally expressed their feelings for each other. At the point of the above quote, the different backgrounds of the two people becomes extremely evident. Lenina has always gone for whoever she wants. The whole process goes really fast and happens on a whim. For John, he was brought up on Catholic values that save sex for after marriage. He is aghast at Lenina's actions and does not want to be a part of it. John wanted Lenina to marry him, but marriage does not exist in the society they are in. One of the two will have to submit to the others wishes so that they can be happy and love each other.
The chapter also ends in suspense. It ends with a phone call to John and phrases like "I'll go at once" and "Oh, my God!" This leaves readers in suspense, wondering what has happened and what will happen in the coming chapters. The phrase "Oh, my God!" also demonstrates the different backgrounds because Lenina and all others use the phrase "Oh, my Ford!" when expressing astonishment. I personally think that "Oh, my Ford" sounds completely ridiculous, but that just be because I grew up hearing "Oh, my God(gosh)."
The above quote is the beginning of a good situation turning sour. Everything was going great between John and Lenina who finally expressed their feelings for each other. At the point of the above quote, the different backgrounds of the two people becomes extremely evident. Lenina has always gone for whoever she wants. The whole process goes really fast and happens on a whim. For John, he was brought up on Catholic values that save sex for after marriage. He is aghast at Lenina's actions and does not want to be a part of it. John wanted Lenina to marry him, but marriage does not exist in the society they are in. One of the two will have to submit to the others wishes so that they can be happy and love each other.
The chapter also ends in suspense. It ends with a phone call to John and phrases like "I'll go at once" and "Oh, my God!" This leaves readers in suspense, wondering what has happened and what will happen in the coming chapters. The phrase "Oh, my God!" also demonstrates the different backgrounds because Lenina and all others use the phrase "Oh, my Ford!" when expressing astonishment. I personally think that "Oh, my Ford" sounds completely ridiculous, but that just be because I grew up hearing "Oh, my God(gosh)."
Brave New World: 13
" 'I shall be seeing him, talking to him, telling him' (for she had come with her mind made up) 'that I like him-more than anybody I've ever known' " (174).
"The Savage was reading Romeo and Juliet aloud-reading (for all the time he was seeing himself as Romeo and Lenina as Juliet) with an intense and quivering passion" (184).
The above set of quotes from chapter twelve is an example of dramatic irony. Both characters like each other. John likes Lenina but is not sure if he could like a Savage so he is always shying away from Lenina. Lenina likes John but is convinced he does not like her back because he avoids her. Readers; however, are aware that the feelings are mutual because of these two quotes that are not spoken to the other character. It is ironic because readers know that John and Lenina like each other and are rooting them on to just tell each other already. The purpose of the dramatic irony is to let readers into the mind of each character. The dramatic irony is effective because readers know something that the characters don't, so the readers are drawn to see how everything will turn out when everything is said and done. It leaves us with suspense going into the next chapter.
"The Savage was reading Romeo and Juliet aloud-reading (for all the time he was seeing himself as Romeo and Lenina as Juliet) with an intense and quivering passion" (184).
The above set of quotes from chapter twelve is an example of dramatic irony. Both characters like each other. John likes Lenina but is not sure if he could like a Savage so he is always shying away from Lenina. Lenina likes John but is convinced he does not like her back because he avoids her. Readers; however, are aware that the feelings are mutual because of these two quotes that are not spoken to the other character. It is ironic because readers know that John and Lenina like each other and are rooting them on to just tell each other already. The purpose of the dramatic irony is to let readers into the mind of each character. The dramatic irony is effective because readers know something that the characters don't, so the readers are drawn to see how everything will turn out when everything is said and done. It leaves us with suspense going into the next chapter.
Brave New World: 12
"Lenina was lucky; lucky in having shared with Bernard a generous portion of the Savage's immense celebrity, lucky in reflecting from her insignificant person the moment's supremely fashionable glory" (165).
Chapter eleven is where we read about John's introduction to the Centre in London and his resulting fame. John becomes somewhat of a celebrity around the Centre. He is the person that everyone wants to meet and hang out with. I think this is partly because he is a novelty around the Centre. This idea of John being a novelty is further established because he is not referred to by his name. John has gotten the name Savage and is referred to as the Savage by everyone around him. I do not think that John realizes the things he is being associated with; however, I find it rather rude. By calling him the Savage, the people see him as different and do not take the time to get to know him beyond the fact that he does not fit in with everyone else. The purpose of the metonymy is to highlight the idea that John is not like the others, he stands out and is an oddity that is not often experienced in the Centre. It is effective because readers know that the Savage is John and are able to recognize the association.
Chapter eleven is where we read about John's introduction to the Centre in London and his resulting fame. John becomes somewhat of a celebrity around the Centre. He is the person that everyone wants to meet and hang out with. I think this is partly because he is a novelty around the Centre. This idea of John being a novelty is further established because he is not referred to by his name. John has gotten the name Savage and is referred to as the Savage by everyone around him. I do not think that John realizes the things he is being associated with; however, I find it rather rude. By calling him the Savage, the people see him as different and do not take the time to get to know him beyond the fact that he does not fit in with everyone else. The purpose of the metonymy is to highlight the idea that John is not like the others, he stands out and is an oddity that is not often experienced in the Centre. It is effective because readers know that the Savage is John and are able to recognize the association.
Brave New World: 11
" 'What's in those' (remembering The Merchant of Venice) 'those caskets?' the Savage enquired when Bernard had rejoined him.
'The day's soma ration,' Bernard answered rather indistinctly" (164).
This above passage is basically foreshadowing every one's death as a result of this soma stuff. I am not exactly sure what it is, but I think its effects are comparable to those of drugs and alcohol without all of the bad stuff that usually follows drug and alcohol consumption. Anyways, Bernard is able to be oblivious or ignorant of the irony right in front of him. This irony is further confirmed earlier in the chapter when Dr. Shaw says that the soma will "finish off" Linda in a month or two. Apparently this soma that is used pretty much daily by nearly everyone to cope with the days afflictions is not as safe as I originally thought. Apparently this soma is so powerful that it must be rationed out and if taken in excessive amounts can leave someone in a vegetative state until they eventually die. The purpose of the foreshadowing is to discreetly warn the readers of what is to come. The foreshadowing also starts to explain the risks of the soma that up until this point has seemed like just a way to forget and avoid all of the troubles. The foreshadowing technique used here is effective because it foreshadows the people's fate through an ironic situation rather than a straight prophesy.
'The day's soma ration,' Bernard answered rather indistinctly" (164).
This above passage is basically foreshadowing every one's death as a result of this soma stuff. I am not exactly sure what it is, but I think its effects are comparable to those of drugs and alcohol without all of the bad stuff that usually follows drug and alcohol consumption. Anyways, Bernard is able to be oblivious or ignorant of the irony right in front of him. This irony is further confirmed earlier in the chapter when Dr. Shaw says that the soma will "finish off" Linda in a month or two. Apparently this soma that is used pretty much daily by nearly everyone to cope with the days afflictions is not as safe as I originally thought. Apparently this soma is so powerful that it must be rationed out and if taken in excessive amounts can leave someone in a vegetative state until they eventually die. The purpose of the foreshadowing is to discreetly warn the readers of what is to come. The foreshadowing also starts to explain the risks of the soma that up until this point has seemed like just a way to forget and avoid all of the troubles. The foreshadowing technique used here is effective because it foreshadows the people's fate through an ironic situation rather than a straight prophesy.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Brave New World: 10
" 'It is better that one should suffer than that many should be corrupted' " (148).
As soon as I read this sentence, I knew it sounded familiar; however, I could not place it. Luckily Google came to my rescue and I was able to find the similar phrase I was looking for. John 11:50 states: "It is better for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish." This allusion to the biblical passage can be interpretted in many ways. I myself have attributed this similarity to a couple of different things. First off, I believe that the biblical passage is referring to the death of Jesus that would happen later. I am in no way saying that Bernard Marx has any connection with Jesus. This is one time when the subjects in the alliteration are not the points of similarity. I do, however, believe that the similarity in the passages does show the religious background of the people in London. Also, I believe that the similarities connect the two into one meaning. The quote from the book ends with many being corrupted. The biblical quote ends with the perishing of the whole nation. I believe that the Director sees the two as generally the same thing. If their people are corrupted by Bernard or whoever else tries to tinker with the system, it will result in the perishing of their society and the end of their reign as the superior people. The Director sees Bernard as the expendable person that could prevent the masses from being corrupted and ultimately prevent the society from perishing.
As soon as I read this sentence, I knew it sounded familiar; however, I could not place it. Luckily Google came to my rescue and I was able to find the similar phrase I was looking for. John 11:50 states: "It is better for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish." This allusion to the biblical passage can be interpretted in many ways. I myself have attributed this similarity to a couple of different things. First off, I believe that the biblical passage is referring to the death of Jesus that would happen later. I am in no way saying that Bernard Marx has any connection with Jesus. This is one time when the subjects in the alliteration are not the points of similarity. I do, however, believe that the similarity in the passages does show the religious background of the people in London. Also, I believe that the similarities connect the two into one meaning. The quote from the book ends with many being corrupted. The biblical quote ends with the perishing of the whole nation. I believe that the Director sees the two as generally the same thing. If their people are corrupted by Bernard or whoever else tries to tinker with the system, it will result in the perishing of their society and the end of their reign as the superior people. The Director sees Bernard as the expendable person that could prevent the masses from being corrupted and ultimately prevent the society from perishing.
Brave New World: 9
" 'Yes, I do find it of sufficient scientific interest,' said the deep voice. 'Bring these two individuals back to London with you' " (141).
The above quote is the part of the discussion Bernard has with Mustapha Mond concerning bringing Linda and John back to London. I believe that this decision could be part of the rising action in the novel. I have a feeling that something big will happen because of this decision. This decision could potentially change many things about the secure society that have been in place for a very long time. Bernard and Lenina are about to return to London with two savages as their souvenirs. Judging from Bernard and Lenina's first reactions to Linda and John, I am guessing many people back home will have similar thoughts. I think that this decision also has the capability of producing a break through in the scientific world in London. This could be a great opportunity for the people in London to study new things like how having a child effects their own kind, how living with the savages alters the brain, and how a child of one of them is effected by being raised among the savages. I think that Linda and John (after everyone gets over the initial shock of their appearance and background) could provide significant information to the scientists behind the whole operation.
The above quote is the part of the discussion Bernard has with Mustapha Mond concerning bringing Linda and John back to London. I believe that this decision could be part of the rising action in the novel. I have a feeling that something big will happen because of this decision. This decision could potentially change many things about the secure society that have been in place for a very long time. Bernard and Lenina are about to return to London with two savages as their souvenirs. Judging from Bernard and Lenina's first reactions to Linda and John, I am guessing many people back home will have similar thoughts. I think that this decision also has the capability of producing a break through in the scientific world in London. This could be a great opportunity for the people in London to study new things like how having a child effects their own kind, how living with the savages alters the brain, and how a child of one of them is effected by being raised among the savages. I think that Linda and John (after everyone gets over the initial shock of their appearance and background) could provide significant information to the scientists behind the whole operation.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Brave New World: 8
" 'From the beginning. As far back as you can remember' " (123).
Pretty much the entirety of chapter eight is John's flashback to tell Bernard everything he can remember about his past with the Indians. The purpose of the flashback is to give readers a sense of how the Indians lived. It highlights the many differences and very few similarities between the two lifestyles. The flashback is effective because it gives the information from the point of view of someone who has lived one of the ways of life and has been exposed to information and stories about the other lifestyle. This two-sided knowledge gives John a unique point of view when telling the story of his childhood.
Also in chapter eight, we are introduced to the title of the book. John repeats "O brave new world" (139) multiple times to Bernard when Bernard offers to try to take John and Linda back to the civilized world in London. This is a peculiar choice of words because John has never been to the "Other Place" and has no idea if it is a brave new world. He has never experienced it for himself and only has his mother's interpretation to go off of. I am excited to see if his vision of a "brave new world" is really what John will find if he does get to go to London.
Pretty much the entirety of chapter eight is John's flashback to tell Bernard everything he can remember about his past with the Indians. The purpose of the flashback is to give readers a sense of how the Indians lived. It highlights the many differences and very few similarities between the two lifestyles. The flashback is effective because it gives the information from the point of view of someone who has lived one of the ways of life and has been exposed to information and stories about the other lifestyle. This two-sided knowledge gives John a unique point of view when telling the story of his childhood.
Also in chapter eight, we are introduced to the title of the book. John repeats "O brave new world" (139) multiple times to Bernard when Bernard offers to try to take John and Linda back to the civilized world in London. This is a peculiar choice of words because John has never been to the "Other Place" and has no idea if it is a brave new world. He has never experienced it for himself and only has his mother's interpretation to go off of. I am excited to see if his vision of a "brave new world" is really what John will find if he does get to go to London.
Brave New World: 7
"Linda had come from the Other Place long ago, before he was born with a man who was his father. She had gone walking alone in those mountains over there to the North, had fallen down a steep place and hurt her head. Some hunters from Malpais had found her and brough her to the pueblo" (118).
The above quote is the anecdote that John tells to Lenina and Bernard. The purpose of the anecdote is for John to explain his origins. The anecdote relates to the Director's anecdote in chapter six. It is basically telling the same anecdote from the perspective of the person who knows what happened in the end. The anecdote is effective because it explains the end of the story that the Director started. It is an interesting anecdote because it continues to explain that John is the son of Linda and Thomas (the Director). This is strictly against the rules when it comes to the civilized society that Linda grew up in. It begs the question, Did Linda know she was pregnant when she wandered off into the unknown? Also, the anecdotes that are further in the chapter have the purpose of showing that the conditioning in the "Other Place" (116) is effective and life-long because Linda still sees the Indians as lunatics despite having lived in their culture for some time. She still believes in the things that were embedded into her mind as she slept and has tried to condition John to believe the same.
The above quote is the anecdote that John tells to Lenina and Bernard. The purpose of the anecdote is for John to explain his origins. The anecdote relates to the Director's anecdote in chapter six. It is basically telling the same anecdote from the perspective of the person who knows what happened in the end. The anecdote is effective because it explains the end of the story that the Director started. It is an interesting anecdote because it continues to explain that John is the son of Linda and Thomas (the Director). This is strictly against the rules when it comes to the civilized society that Linda grew up in. It begs the question, Did Linda know she was pregnant when she wandered off into the unknown? Also, the anecdotes that are further in the chapter have the purpose of showing that the conditioning in the "Other Place" (116) is effective and life-long because Linda still sees the Indians as lunatics despite having lived in their culture for some time. She still believes in the things that were embedded into her mind as she slept and has tried to condition John to believe the same.
Brave New World: 6
" 'You can't teach a rhinoceros tricks,' he had explained in his brief and vigorous stule. 'Some men are almost rhinocerouses; they don't respond properly to conditioning" (88).
Bernard Marx is a character that has been described in many ways by many people thus far in the book. In general, he is seen as an odd man who doesn't seem to gel with the rest of society. In this particular quote, an extended metaphor is used to describe Bernard as a rhinocerous through a couple of sentences of explanation after the initial comparison. The purpose of this extended metaphor is to explain why Henry Foster is like a rhinocerous. It is effective because without the additional explanation in the extended metaphor, many readers would not see the resemblance between Bernard Marx and a rhinocerous. Henry Fosters revelation about the similarities between Bernard and a rhinocerous has a great deal of truth to it from what I can tell so far. Bernard's attitude and thought process is very different from the rest of the people we have been introduced to. For example, he is the only one who thinks that it would be better to be free from the society and to be able to act, think, and live individually. He has not taken well to the conditioning and sees it more as an enslavement than a useful method of teaching. Like a rhinocerous, he has not responded to the training. Rhinocerouses can't learn tricks. Bernard Marx can't let himself be happy in a society that tries to condition his mind and body.
Bernard Marx is a character that has been described in many ways by many people thus far in the book. In general, he is seen as an odd man who doesn't seem to gel with the rest of society. In this particular quote, an extended metaphor is used to describe Bernard as a rhinocerous through a couple of sentences of explanation after the initial comparison. The purpose of this extended metaphor is to explain why Henry Foster is like a rhinocerous. It is effective because without the additional explanation in the extended metaphor, many readers would not see the resemblance between Bernard Marx and a rhinocerous. Henry Fosters revelation about the similarities between Bernard and a rhinocerous has a great deal of truth to it from what I can tell so far. Bernard's attitude and thought process is very different from the rest of the people we have been introduced to. For example, he is the only one who thinks that it would be better to be free from the society and to be able to act, think, and live individually. He has not taken well to the conditioning and sees it more as an enslavement than a useful method of teaching. Like a rhinocerous, he has not responded to the training. Rhinocerouses can't learn tricks. Bernard Marx can't let himself be happy in a society that tries to condition his mind and body.Brave New World: 5
" 'Ford, we are twelve; oh, make us one, Like drops within the Social River; Oh, make us now together run, As swiftly as thy shining Flivver' " (81).
A group of twelve people join to become one. They above quote is one of four apostrophes to Ford. Ford is being addressed in these apostrophes even though he is not physically at the meetings. This worship and calling upon Ford seems to be their version of religion. In many 
ways, this is similar to Catholicism. For example, we make the sign of the cross on ourselves to signify the Holy Trinity. These people make the sign of the T on themselves. These people pass "the loving cup of strawberry ice-cream soma" (80-81) from hand to hand as Catholics drink from the same cup of wine at church. They gather in small groups to become one with each other and call upon Ford. This is similar to a small celebration of the mass in which we become one with the Lord and one with each other. Another similarity is that their "greater being" (83) is named Ford while our greater being is Our Lord. The discrepancy between the first letter in each could just be a coincidence or a deeper connection, at this point I am not sure which. Another possible connection could be the phrase "Thank Ford" (79) that Bernard used to express thankfulness in not being the last to arrive at the meaning. This is similar to the phrase "Thank the Lord" that is sometimes used in our culture.
ways, this is similar to Catholicism. For example, we make the sign of the cross on ourselves to signify the Holy Trinity. These people make the sign of the T on themselves. These people pass "the loving cup of strawberry ice-cream soma" (80-81) from hand to hand as Catholics drink from the same cup of wine at church. They gather in small groups to become one with each other and call upon Ford. This is similar to a small celebration of the mass in which we become one with the Lord and one with each other. Another similarity is that their "greater being" (83) is named Ford while our greater being is Our Lord. The discrepancy between the first letter in each could just be a coincidence or a deeper connection, at this point I am not sure which. Another possible connection could be the phrase "Thank Ford" (79) that Bernard used to express thankfulness in not being the last to arrive at the meaning. This is similar to the phrase "Thank the Lord" that is sometimes used in our culture.Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Brave New World: 4
"But what? What is there more important to say? And how can one be violent about the sort of things one's expected to write about?" (70)
Rhetorical questions are used by Helmholtz Watson a few times through the course of the chapter. He is interested in something else, something more to say, but he doesn't know what. He asks questions during his discussion with Henry Foster, but they are more 
rhetorical than actual questions because there is no way that Henry can answer these questions for him. They are questions that Helmholtz has to answer himself because he is the only one who knows (or apparently right now, doesn't know) what he needs to satisfy himself. I think the purpose of the rhetorical questions is to give the reader the opportunity to think for themselves and try to determine what Helmholtz should do or say. The rhetorical questions are effective because they give insight into the mind of Helmholtz and reveal the things he is struggling with internally. Also, the rhetorical questions show that he is unsure about these things. This is uncharacteristic of the "Escalator-Squash champion, this indefatigable lover, this admirable committee man and best mixer" (67). The rhetorical questions show that even amongst the genetically engineered, everyone has their flaws.
rhetorical than actual questions because there is no way that Henry can answer these questions for him. They are questions that Helmholtz has to answer himself because he is the only one who knows (or apparently right now, doesn't know) what he needs to satisfy himself. I think the purpose of the rhetorical questions is to give the reader the opportunity to think for themselves and try to determine what Helmholtz should do or say. The rhetorical questions are effective because they give insight into the mind of Helmholtz and reveal the things he is struggling with internally. Also, the rhetorical questions show that he is unsure about these things. This is uncharacteristic of the "Escalator-Squash champion, this indefatigable lover, this admirable committee man and best mixer" (67). The rhetorical questions show that even amongst the genetically engineered, everyone has their flaws.Brave New World: 3
"The world was full of fathers-was therefore full of misery; full of mothers-therefore of every kind of perversion from sadism to chastity; full of brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts-full of madness and suicide" (39).
Chapter three includes a satirical aspect when the Controller, Mustapha Mond is describing to the boys our lives today. He is ridiculing our way of life from our familial structure to being viviparous to our governments. By ridiculing our way of life and the madness it brought, Mond is trying to confirm the superiority he believes their type of society has. This satire is effective because we are also able to read a little bit about how their society functions with the weaving of multiple points of view into one cohesive chapter. The interactions surrounding Lenina Crowne and Henry Foster and their co-workers offer readers some idea of how they think and act now as opposed to when we are living. The satire is also effective because we are able to compare the two societies in the areas that Mond believes we have madness and they have stability. The satire is also effective at making readers wonder if their society really is better than ours. If we should change the way we do things because this is all we have known and there could be a better way to do things. The satirical speech given by Mond highlights our shortcomings and insinuates that we should have changed earlier when their way of doing things was just beginning.
Chapter three includes a satirical aspect when the Controller, Mustapha Mond is describing to the boys our lives today. He is ridiculing our way of life from our familial structure to being viviparous to our governments. By ridiculing our way of life and the madness it brought, Mond is trying to confirm the superiority he believes their type of society has. This satire is effective because we are also able to read a little bit about how their society functions with the weaving of multiple points of view into one cohesive chapter. The interactions surrounding Lenina Crowne and Henry Foster and their co-workers offer readers some idea of how they think and act now as opposed to when we are living. The satire is also effective because we are able to compare the two societies in the areas that Mond believes we have madness and they have stability. The satire is also effective at making readers wonder if their society really is better than ours. If we should change the way we do things because this is all we have known and there could be a better way to do things. The satirical speech given by Mond highlights our shortcomings and insinuates that we should have changed earlier when their way of doing things was just beginning.
Brave New World: 2
"INFANT NURSERIES. NEO-PAVLOVIAN CONDITIONING ROOMS" (19)
The above quote in chapter two features an allusion to Ivan Pavlov, the Russian physiologist, who used dogs to study the associations that our minds create. The purpose of this allusion is to be able to describe
the process the nurses are using on the babies without going into extreme detail because most people know of Pavlov and his experiments. The allusion is effective because it gives readers a comparison for what is happening to the babies. The allusion to Pavlov is important because it is less confusing and more relatable to the readers than all of this other information about adding things at certain meters and testing for this and
preventing that in chapter one. Even though the allusion to Pavlov helps readers understand the process, the auther effectively demonstrates how it is used in this particular instance. The author also explains why it is used to attain certain associations for certain groups like how the Deltas are bred to associate "books and loud noises, flowers and electric shocks" (21). The chapter also goes on to describe another unconventional method of teaching the children certain things, including Elementary Class Consciousness which gives children "words without reason" (28).
The above quote in chapter two features an allusion to Ivan Pavlov, the Russian physiologist, who used dogs to study the associations that our minds create. The purpose of this allusion is to be able to describe
the process the nurses are using on the babies without going into extreme detail because most people know of Pavlov and his experiments. The allusion is effective because it gives readers a comparison for what is happening to the babies. The allusion to Pavlov is important because it is less confusing and more relatable to the readers than all of this other information about adding things at certain meters and testing for this and
preventing that in chapter one. Even though the allusion to Pavlov helps readers understand the process, the auther effectively demonstrates how it is used in this particular instance. The author also explains why it is used to attain certain associations for certain groups like how the Deltas are bred to associate "books and loud noises, flowers and electric shocks" (21). The chapter also goes on to describe another unconventional method of teaching the children certain things, including Elementary Class Consciousness which gives children "words without reason" (28).
Brave New World: 1
" 'Just to give you a general idea,' he would explain to them. For of course some sort of general idea they must have, if they were to do their work intelligently-though as little of one, if they were to be good and happy mempers of society, as possible" (4).
Now that I have completed Never Let Me Go, I begin the journey through Brave New World. I am already able to already realize a similarity between the two. It seems that like Never Let Me Go, Brave New World is a novel with genetically enginerred beings as the main subjects. Brave New World seems to start at the beginning of the whole process rather than just jumping into the plot and filling in the gaps as the story progresses like Never Let Me Go. This first chapter begins with a tour of the facilities with explanation of the process for the new students. I think that this is also (if not more) to give readers an idea of what goes on at the Central London Hatchery and Conditioning Centre. The purpose of this introduction to the new students and the readers of the 21st century is to give general information about the happenings in the Hatchery so that we will be able to better understand what the coming chapters have to offer. Also, the confusing introduction to all of the unfamiliar processes is a way to lead into the action where we will discover more about these things, the purposes, and what is really going on here.
Now that I have completed Never Let Me Go, I begin the journey through Brave New World. I am already able to already realize a similarity between the two. It seems that like Never Let Me Go, Brave New World is a novel with genetically enginerred beings as the main subjects. Brave New World seems to start at the beginning of the whole process rather than just jumping into the plot and filling in the gaps as the story progresses like Never Let Me Go. This first chapter begins with a tour of the facilities with explanation of the process for the new students. I think that this is also (if not more) to give readers an idea of what goes on at the Central London Hatchery and Conditioning Centre. The purpose of this introduction to the new students and the readers of the 21st century is to give general information about the happenings in the Hatchery so that we will be able to better understand what the coming chapters have to offer. Also, the confusing introduction to all of the unfamiliar processes is a way to lead into the action where we will discover more about these things, the purposes, and what is really going on here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)