brave new world book presentation

'Brave New World:' Questions for Study and Discussion

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• M.A., English Literature, California State University - Sacramento
• B.A., English, California State University - Sacramento

"Brave New World" is one of the most controversial and best-known works by Aldous Huxley, an English writer/philosopher who authored more than 50 books. In this dystopian novel first published in 1932, Huxley foretold many technological advances—including test-tube babies, immersive entertainment systems, and sleep-learning. Deepen your understanding of the book with these discussion questions.

'Brave New World' Study and Discussion Questions

• What is the importance of the title?
• Why is the society in "Brave New World" considered dystopian rather than utopian? Do you agree? Would you want to live in the World State? Why or Why not?
• How do you think the culture in Huxley's World State compares to our current culture? Why did John find the World State to be an empty society? 
• What are the main conflicts in the novel? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional) did you take note of?
• Does Aldous Huxley reveal his own character in his writing?
• What are some themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
• What are some symbols in "Brave New World"? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
• Is Bernard consistent in his actions? Who is he? How does he relate to others? What is his position in society? Is he a fully developed character? How? Why?
• Compare/contrast Bernard with John (the Savage).
• How does the Reservation compare with Bernard's society?
• How do you feel about the use of the drug soma in the novel? Would you take soma if it were available?
• Do you find the characters likable? Are the characters people you would want to meet?
• Does the story end the way you expected it would? What led you to this conclusion?
• What is the central or primary purpose of the story? Is the purpose important or meaningful?
• How essential is setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else?
• Why has the book been controversial?
• Is "Brave New World" believable? Do you think its main events could really take place?
• What is the role of women in the text? How are mothers represented? What about single/independent women?
• Do you think "Brave New World" exhibits feminist ideas ?
• Do you think the World Society has actually achieved the racial and gender equality it claims to have? Why or why not?
• What do you think of the roles of freemartins in the World State? Are they an oppressed group?
• Would you recommend this novel to a friend?
• 'Brave New World' Overview
• 'Wuthering Heights' Questions for Study and Discussion
• 'Brave New World' Quotes Explained
• '1984' Questions for Study and Discussion
• The Catcher in the Rye: Questions for Study and Discussion
• 'The Jungle' Questions for Study and Discussion
• 'Brave New World' Themes
• 'Brave New World' Characters
• 'Brave New World' Summary
• 'Invisible Man' Questions for Study and Discussion
• 'The Scarlet Letter' Questions for Discussion
• 'The Great Gatsby' Study Questions
• "Of Mice and Men"
• 'Robinson Crusoe' Questions for Study and Discussion
• Discussion Questions for 'A Christmas Carol'
• 'Things Fall Apart' Discussion Questions and Study Guide

Themes and Analysis

Brave new world, by aldous huxley.

'Brave New World' explores the perils of technological advancement, the consequences of sacrificing individuality for societal stability, and the ethical dilemmas of manipulating human nature.

Article written by Ebuka Igbokwe

Bachelor's degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

Aldous Huxley’s ‘ Brave New World ‘ is a thematically rich work and the author delivers a profound social commentary with satirical wit and distinctive style. Huxley references a wide range of literary works and philosophical ideas, a touch that gives the work literary weight and sets it in a broader intellectual context.

The story of ‘ Brave New World ’ deals with certain themes such as consumerism, technological control of society, immediate gratification, and loss of personal identity.

Consumerism and Capitalism

While Aldous Huxley’s ‘ Brave New World ’ primarily critiques totalitarian control and the sacrifice of individuality, it also provides commentary on the role of capitalism and consumerism in shaping the society of the World State. It invites readers to consider how unchecked production and excessive consumption can influence a society’s values, norms, and priorities, sometimes at the expense of genuine human connections and personal development. So central is this theme that Ford, the father of the assembly line and mass manufacture, assumes the figure of a deity in the story.

In the World State, humans are treated as products to be mass-produced and mere cogs in the wheel of society. Citizens are conditioned from birth to value material possessions and instant gratification over healthy and rich interpersonal relationships and individual experiences. The caste system, the technology for developing human embryos, and the conditioning process for the citizens are eerily similar to the manufacturing of goods in a factory.

The World State deliberately fosters a culture of constant consumption and dispensability. Citizens are conditioned to replace and put aside items and people without hesitation and discouraged from being attached to anything. The rapid turnover of possessions and relationships reflects the concept of planned obsolescence inherent in capitalist economies , where goods are designed to have short lifespans to encourage continuous purchasing.

Technological Control Over Society

Aldous Huxley’s ‘ Brave New World ’ explores technocracy, a system of government where experts and technology are the driving forces behind social and political decisions. In this dystopian world, technocracy plays a central role in maintaining control and achieving social stability.

‘ Brave New World ’ shows the consequences of technocracy when taken to the extreme. While a technocracy can harness science and technology for the betterment of society, it can also lead to the objectification of its citizens.

In the World State, this system of government is evident in nearly every aspect of society. The government, composed of World Controllers like Mustapha Mond, is a technocratic elite that makes decisions based on scientific principles and advanced technology. Human life itself is highly controlled, with citizens created in hatcheries, conditioned for certain specific roles, and sorted into castes based on their preselected intelligence and potential functions.

Technocratic principles also guide the development of the ideas through which the society is stabilized. The World State utilizes reproductive technologies, genetic engineering, and behavioral conditioning to create a population that is docile, predictable, and content. The aim is to eliminate suffering, conflict, and dissatisfaction, and to create a clock-work, well-ordered society. Here, technical expertise is not merely an aid to governance but radically influences culture. The result is that every aspect of society is meticulously engineered and regulated as if the individual members were parts of a machine.

Immediate Gratification and Pleasure Seeking

Aldous Huxley’s ‘ Brave New World ’ presents a dystopian society where immediate gratification and pleasure-seeking are cardinal pursuits. The World State is a carefully constructed society that prioritizes shallow, hedonistic pleasures over deeper emotional connections and true intellectual and spiritual pursuits.

The drug “soma” is the primary instrument for immediate gratification in ‘ Brave New World ‘. It provides citizens with a quick and artificial sense of happiness, contentment, and emotional numbness. Whenever individuals in that society experience negative emotions, they are encouraged to consume soma, which promptly alleviates their discomfort.

The society of the World State is designed to stave off intense and prolonged desire through a culture of shallow pleasures and hedonism. Citizens are encouraged to frequently indulge in casual sex and recreational activities. There is a conspicuous absence of deeper, meaningful relationships, intellectually engaging activities, or character-building cultural experiences. For example, the Solidarity Service is a communal gathering that features group singing which ends in a sexual orgy.

By conditioning the citizens to avoid any form of suffering, they are prevented from experiencing the profound joys, sorrows, and personal growth that come from facing life’s challenges.

Loss of Humanity and Identity

The World State views individual agency as a potential threat to social stability. Its government fears that allowing people to make meaningful choices or experience genuine emotions and intellectual autonomy might lead to conflict, dissatisfaction, or nonconformity. Consequently, individual agency is curtailed in favor of a controlled, harmonious society.

Citizens of the World State lack the freedom to make significant life decisions, pursue deep emotional connections, or engage in intellectual exploration. In their society, happiness is a paramount objective. From birth, individuals are conditioned to accept their predetermined roles in society, conform to societal norms, and avoid discomfort or suffering. This conditioning fosters a conformist culture where citizens find happiness in their assigned roles and shallow pleasures, even if these dehumanize them.

Throughout ‘ Brave New World ,’ characters who exhibit any unsanctioned initiative or seek greater agency often face social disapproval and adverse consequences. Bernard Marx, for instance, questions the status quo and longs for more genuine human connections. His desire for agency leads to isolation and eventual exile.

John “the Savage” also embodies the tension between retaining a strong sense of self and succumbing to pressures to conform to the social mold. Raised outside the controlled society, he represents an admirable alternative answer to the question of what it means to be truly human. However, his rebellion comes at a cost. He tries to resist the dehumanizing influence of the society of World State, but he fails to fully resist its corruption, and he commits suicide.

Key Moments in Brave New World

• The novel begins with a tour of a group of boys through the Hatchery and Conditioning Centre, where human life is artificially created, conditioned, and categorized into castes, led by the DHC and Mustapha Mond.
• Lenina Crowne and a co-worker discuss Lenina’s four-month monogamous relationship with Henry Foster, a situation frowned upon by their society which promotes promiscuity.
• Bernard Marx is introduced. He is a psychologist who has romantic feelings for Lenina and is offended when she is sexually objectified by her former partner.
• Benard and Lenina have a date and he invites her to go on a vacation to the reservation.
• Bernard and Lenina’s visit to the Savage Reservation introduces them to a world where people live outside the controlled society. Here, they encounter John “the Savage,” and Linda his mother.
• John “the Savage” is revealed to be the son of the Director of Hatchery and Conditioning who left his pregnant mother on the Savage Reservation.
• Bernard contrives to bring John over to the World State. His appearance causes a stir and the DHC’s resignation.
• While he gains popularity, John finds it increasingly hard to fit into the society of World State. He makes friends with Helmholtz Watson.
• Lenina tries to seduce John, but John attacks her and calls her a whore. He desists from attacking her when he learns that his mother has died.
• In grief at his mother’s death, John stirs up a minor riot at the hospital and is detained by the police.
• Mustapha Mond summons John, Helmholtz and Benard. In this meeting, Helmholtz and Benard are exiled.
• Mustapha Mond explains the principles behind the society to John, Bernard, and Helmholtz. He provides insight into the government’s use of technology and conditioning to eliminate suffering and conflict.
• Following Mond’s refusal to send John into exile like Bernard and Helmholtz, John is forced to remain in London.
• John’s self-flagellation to cleanse himself from the corruption of the civilization he joins draws a crowd, and in the ensuing chaos, he participates in an orgy. Overcome with guilt, John commits suicide.

Tone and Style of Brave New World

Aldous Huxley’s writing style in ‘ Brave New World ’ is marked by several key characteristics. First and foremost, he frequently adopts a satirical tone, using humor and irony to criticize social norms and to explore the unbridled use of technological and scientific advancements in managing society.

Furthermore, ‘Brave New World ’ is replete with literary, historical, and cultural references, encouraging readers to engage with a broader intellectual context. The narrative is character-driven, emphasizing personal development and psychological exploration. Aldous Huxley excels in world-building, creating immersive and believable environments that contribute to the depth of his story.

Huxley features dialogues that serve as a vehicle for philosophical and moral discussions. He also makes extensive use of irony, both situational and verbal, to underscore the absurdity of societal norms and critique certain aspects of human behavior presented in the story.

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About Ebuka Igbokwe

Ebuka Igbokwe is the founder and former leader of a book club, the Liber Book Club, in 2016 and managed it for four years. Ebuka has also authored several children's books. He shares philosophical insights on his newsletter, Carefree Sketches and has published several short stories on a few literary blogs online.

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Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World

Mar 29, 2019

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An Introduction. Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. Original Cover Art to Brave New World. Outline. Science Fiction Dystopian Literature Approaches to Reading Science Fiction Approaches to Reading Dystopian Literature Brave New World – Areas of Focus. Science Fiction.

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Presentation Transcript

An Introduction Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World Original Cover Art to Brave New World

Outline • Science Fiction • Dystopian Literature • Approaches to Reading Science Fiction • Approaches to Reading Dystopian Literature • Brave New World – Areas of Focus

Science Fiction Science Fiction (also Scifi, SF) Agenre of literature in which works are set in the future, or in a present time setting disrupted by a plot device (a new invention, an alien being). Science Fiction is also called speculative fiction, because it supposes what life might be like in the future or in an alternate past. In general, Science Fiction has the following characteristics: • Respects the limits of scientific or pseudoscientific possibility • Has a moral or ethical message • Tries to discern humanity’s role in the universe The value of Science Fiction lies in its ability to foresee tomorrow’s crises, to dramatize human implications and consequences, and to act out alternatives.

Types of Science Fiction Common topics: • Utopia/Dystopia • Apocalyptic/Post-Apocalyptic • Time Travel • Extraterrestrial Invasion/Contact • Humanity versus Technology • Other Creatures/Other Worlds Subgenres of Science Fiction include: • Hard Science Fiction • Cyberpunk • Dystopian • Alternate Universe • Space Opera

Science Fiction – History prior to Brave New World Scholars consider Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818) the first work of science fiction Late 19th Century: • Jules Verne (1828-1905) – Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864), From the Earth to the Moon (1865), Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (1869) • H.G. Wells (1866-1946) – The Time Machine (1895), The Island of Dr. Moreau (1896), The War of the Worlds (1898) 1900-1936: • The first magazines to feature science fiction - Amazing Stories (1926)and Weird Tales • First use of the word “robot”: Karl Čapek’sRUR (1921) • First film set in the future: Metropolis(1926) • 1930s comic strips: Superman, Flash Gordon, and Buck Rogers helped spread science fiction to a wider audience. • 1936: Aldous Huxley publishes Brave New World Front-page illustration to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein by Theodore Von Holst < http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/exhibitions/gothicnightmares/rooms/room2_works.htm>

Dystopian Literature Dystopian (sometimes “anti-utopian”) fiction is a sub-genre of science fiction. The word dystopia derives from combining the prefix dys- ; Latin for “bad” with the Greek topos “place”

Dystopia - Derivation The word “dystopia” developed as a contrast to Utopia - a word coined by Sir Thomas More for his 1516 work of the same name. Greek ou- “no/not” Greek eu- “good” In modern English, utopia came to mean “a perfect place.” Illustration from Sir Thomas More’sUtopia <http://www.hughpearman.com/illustrations3/utopiaold.jpg>

Dystopian Literature In dystopian fiction, the futuristic society featured is incredibly imperfect. The purpose of dystopian works is didactic. • Often written in reaction against movements • Propaganda that “points fearfully” at the future “for a change of attitude in the present” (The Science Fiction Encyclopedia) Dystopias often feature: • A totalitarian regime oppressing members of the society • Societal rejection of the past • Strict conformity • A character or group of characters hoping to reform the society • Radically different technology

Dystopian Novels The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (1898) We by YevgenyZamiatin (1920) Anthem by Ayn Rand 1984 by George Orwell (1948) Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut (1952) Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953) A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess (1962) Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick (1968) The Running Man by Richard Bachman (1982) The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985) The Children of Men by P.D. James (1992) The Giver by Lois Lowry (1993) – Newbery Medal Winner Feed by M.T. Anderson (2002) Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood (2003) Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (2005) First edition cover of The Time Machine.<http://www.wikipedia.org> First edition dust jacket from A Clockwork Orange.<http://www.wikipedia.org>

Dystopian Films Metropolis (1927) THX 1138 (1971) Soylent Green (1973) Mad Max (1979) Blade Runner (1982) Brazil (1985) Akira (1988) The City of Lost Children (1995) Twelve Monkeys (1995) Ghost in the Shell (1995) Gattaca (1997) The Matrix (1999) Minority Report (2002) V for Vendetta (2005) Album Cover Art for Aldous Huxley’s BBC narration of Brave New World <http://recordbrother.typepad.com/imagesilike/2005/03/a_brave_new_wor.html>

Approaches to Reading Science Fiction Strategies to keep in mind. Be Patient: You may have to read several pages before you start “getting it.” Suspend Your Disbelief: Accept the universe the author presents. Reread: If you’re confused, acknowledge it and reread the challenging sections of text. Build your Vocabulary Skills: Rely on contextual clues for unfamiliar terminology. Synthesize: You have to remember content across numerous passages in order to make meaning out of the entire work.

Approaches to Reading Dystopian Novels In addition to applying the strategies for reading SF, the following ideas should help: • Author’s Purpose – What lesson is being taught? • Conventions – How does the work fit or differ from the conventions of the subgenre? • Prepare to Be Offended – The ideas presented in dystopian literature are not pleasant

Brave New World: Tips for Reading • Keep in mind that Huxley’s objective is to make the reader think about his own world. • There will be many words you don’t recognize, and you won’t find them in a dictionary. • The Complete Works of Shakespeare influences much of what John Savage says, does and thinks. Keep in mind that he is parroting words that he doesn’t necessarily fully understand and he’s taking those words out of context. Aldous Huxley, reading despite his near-blindness. The London Times http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/article3602725.ece

Brave New World: Areas of Focus • Structure of the Society: Keep track of the caste system • Figuring out not just Who’s Who, but Who’s Important… • Word Games: Look out for allusions, mottoes, cliches, and neologisms adapted from familiar English words and phrases

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"The primary way plants communicate with each other is through a language, so to speak, of chemical gasses," journalist Zoë Schlanger says. Mohd Rasfan/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Author Interviews

Plants can communicate and respond to touch. does that mean they're intelligent.

Climate journalist Zoë Schlanger says research suggests that plants are indeed "intelligent" in complex ways that challenge our understanding of agency and consciousness. Her book is The Light Eaters.

by  Tonya Mosley

'A Man in Full' chronicles the final 10 days of a wealthy, charismatic villain

by  David Bianculli

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