“Brave New World” is a dystopian novel written by Aldous Huxley and published in 1932. The story is set in a future society where people are artificially created and conditioned to fulfill predetermined roles in the social order. The society is governed by a group of scientists and philosophers who use advanced technologies, such as hypnopaedia (sleep teaching) and psychological conditioning, to control the population and maintain social stability.
The main characters in the story are Bernard Marx, John the Savage, and Lenina Crowne. Bernard is an outsider in the society because he is not satisfied with his predetermined social role and is critical of the society’s values. John is a native of the New World who was raised on a reservation and is unfamiliar with the society’s practices. Lenina is a high-ranking member of the society and is responsible for bringing John back to the New World.
The story follows the experiences of these characters as they navigate the society of the New World and confront the challenges and conflicts that arise. Through their experiences, the novel explores themes of individuality, freedom, and control, and raises questions about the role of technology in shaping society. In the end, John the Savage kills himself, symbolizing the death of the traditional values and ways of life represented by the Savage Reservation.
Memorable quotes
“Community, Identity, Stability.” - This is the motto of the society of the New World, and it reflects the values that the society places on social cohesion, conformity, and stability.
“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.” - This quote, spoken by John the Savage, reflects his desire for a more authentic and meaningful life, and his rejection of the superficial and controlled society of the New World.
“The more stitches, the less riches.” - This quote is a play on the saying “the more riches, the more stitches,” and it reflects the value placed on simplicity and minimalism in the society of the New World.
“Words can be like X-rays if you use them properly – they’ll go through anything. You read and you’re pierced.” - This quote, spoken by Bernard Marx, reflects the power of language and the idea that words have the ability to penetrate and reveal deeper truths.
“There’s always something they forget to tell you.” - This quote, spoken by John the Savage, reflects the idea that every society has its own biases and limitations, and that there are always aspects of reality that are hidden or overlooked.