Bernard Brave New World Exile Analysis

Exile, as something that represents both alienation and enrichment, can be found throughout Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. However, the best example of a character’s experience with exile is Bernard Marx’s emotional detachment from society and his fellow citizens. Bernard’s detachment represents how an emotional exile can isolate one, but can ultimately also enrich one’s life. His detachment also makes clearer the meaning of the work as a whole. From this first chapter, the reader is aware of the significant grasp the state has on society. From controlling reproduction to dictating exposure to the outside world, it is apparent the state is involved in every aspect of one’s life, as shown in this quote: “It was decided to abolish the love …show more content…
“...‘as though I were more me, if you see what I mean. More on my own, not so completely a part of something else. Not just a cell in the social body. Doesn’t it make you feel like that, Lenina?,’” (page 90). This quote from Bernard is him describing his feelings after observing the sea. He feels more like himself, an emotion others don’t feel, as shown in this quote: “But Lenina was crying. ‘It’s horrible, it’s horrible,’ she kept repeating. ‘And how can you talk like that about not wanting to be a part of the social body?...,’” (page 91). Lenina is not only upset by the natural scenery (as mentioned above, the state abolished the love of nature), she is enraged that Bernard would not want to be a part of the “social body” or the society. Her hatred of nature and dedication to the state only further the meaning of the novel. She is so controlled by the state that she does not recognize beauty the way Bernard, or your average person, would. She recognizes natural beauty as horrifying and upsetting, this is because the state decided to “abolish the love of nature” and she is affected by that decision. Furthermore, the state’s grasp on society is made apparent here because Bernard wants nothing to do with the “social body,” this is because he feels emotions the way normal humans do. Lenina, …show more content…
Bernard represents a human like the ones today, with a wide range of emotions. But, he is the only one who feels these emotions. The boys on pages 44-45 and Lenina Crowne are prime examples of the people the state wants. This exiles Bernard because he feels more than they do. This isolation and detachment evokes negative emotions, but ultimately gives Bernard a better life. He is able to see nature and feel happiness, and he is able to feel love for others in a way no one else