¨We know what we are, but not what we may be”: the future of society remains a constant area of speculation among literature. Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World explores this territory, presenting to readers a future in which society is profoundly changed by advancements in technology. Written amidst the global financial depression of the 1930s, it provides a chilling prediction of a possible future to come. Nearly every facet of life, from birth to death, is controlled by the World State, an all powerful government which retains its power through general lack of opposition. However, there are those who reject the high consumption, pleasure driven society of the World State, among them Bernard Marx and the Savage, John, whom he introduces to civilized life. John the Savage is
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Both the characterization of John and the symbolism of soma work to develop this conflict. However, the motif of religion only serves to blur the conflicting line established between the previous two elements. Perhaps the greatest strength of Brave New World lies in its speculative power. The novel is, at times, genuinely unsettling to read due to the sense that its predictions were entirely correct. All these factors make for a thought-provoking novel with an intelligent, complete air to it, and a highly enjoyable read for any fan of science fiction or philosophy. As Huxley was a contemporary of Orwell, many parallels can be drawn between Brave New World and 1984. However, Brave New World often gives a deeper sense of foreboding, a sense that what Huxley presents could very possibly happen in the near future. When comparing the technologies predicted in the novel to those existing today, it can become disquieting. The choice between individuality and unity may very well lie ahead in the near future, and perhaps Brave New World can shed some light on which is
Both the characterization of John and the symbolism of soma work to develop this conflict. However, the motif of religion only serves to blur the conflicting line established between the previous two elements. Perhaps the greatest strength of Brave New World lies in its speculative power. The novel is, at times, genuinely unsettling to read due to the sense that its predictions were entirely correct. All these factors make for a thought-provoking novel with an intelligent, complete air to it, and a highly enjoyable read for any fan of science fiction or philosophy. As Huxley was a contemporary of Orwell, many parallels can be drawn between Brave New World and 1984. However, Brave New World often gives a deeper sense of foreboding, a sense that what Huxley presents could very possibly happen in the near future. When comparing the technologies predicted in the novel to those existing today, it can become disquieting. The choice between individuality and unity may very well lie ahead in the near future, and perhaps Brave New World can shed some light on which is