Man’s subjective attempts to define his and his society’s progress throughout history have often resulted in his detachment from the profound questions of his relationship to both physical nature and moral values. In Aldous Huxley’s 1932 satirical novel, Brave New World, he epitomizes his vision into an authentic reality, commenting on the dehumanizing notions associated with technology as a source of control. By doing so, he raises universal themes of individuality and morality, questioning the perceived need for humanity to conform as a single force, rather than a society of distinctive characteristics. Likewise, Dr Seuss’ 1984 childrens picture text and social commentary, The Butter Battle Book, reinforces this need for caution. Through
…show more content…
BNW is a satirical vision of the future that criticizes consumerism, mass production declining values and totalitarianism. The satire acts as a warning to his audience about the destructive tendencies of science, and what would happen if political systems adopted the notions used in the World State. Throughout his dystopia, Huxley emphasises that in order for a utopia to achieve stability, a loss of individuality must occur, evedent throughout Bernard’s drive to gain acceptance as he objectifies John the Savage for his own benefits. Huxley’s unconventional rivalry and contrast of the reservation and the World State strengthens his belief that life is neither attractive nor desirable; it is should just be a conscious …show more content…
In the World State, happiness derives from consuming mass-produced goods. Huxley questions the ultimate value of scientific advances and the advancements of science as it affects human individuality through the glorification of mass production. Huxley was aware of the conflicts within society, and within the individual, and he intended to make the reader aware of these conflicts through characterisation. John The Savage acts as a bridge between the two cultures. Having known both ways of life, he is able to compare and comment on them. Through John, Huxley represents the moral, social and emotional conflict one faces through the intense development of technology. John is seen as an outsider in both cultures, and resorts to suicide. His suicide symbolizes the hopelessness of life not only in BNW but Western Capitalism as well. Huxley allows the audience to feel sympathetic towards John as he struggles with his ambivalent feelings of the World State and his feelings as an outsider. By doing this, Huxley comments on the loss of morality and society visible to the totalitarian value system. Science and technology have replaced God as a source of meaning and purpose in life. Huxley believed that this shift in emphasis was catalyzed when Henry Ford revolutionized manufacturing. Huxley satirically stresses the need of religion for natural human emotions
BNW is a satirical vision of the future that criticizes consumerism, mass production declining values and totalitarianism. The satire acts as a warning to his audience about the destructive tendencies of science, and what would happen if political systems adopted the notions used in the World State. Throughout his dystopia, Huxley emphasises that in order for a utopia to achieve stability, a loss of individuality must occur, evedent throughout Bernard’s drive to gain acceptance as he objectifies John the Savage for his own benefits. Huxley’s unconventional rivalry and contrast of the reservation and the World State strengthens his belief that life is neither attractive nor desirable; it is should just be a conscious …show more content…
In the World State, happiness derives from consuming mass-produced goods. Huxley questions the ultimate value of scientific advances and the advancements of science as it affects human individuality through the glorification of mass production. Huxley was aware of the conflicts within society, and within the individual, and he intended to make the reader aware of these conflicts through characterisation. John The Savage acts as a bridge between the two cultures. Having known both ways of life, he is able to compare and comment on them. Through John, Huxley represents the moral, social and emotional conflict one faces through the intense development of technology. John is seen as an outsider in both cultures, and resorts to suicide. His suicide symbolizes the hopelessness of life not only in BNW but Western Capitalism as well. Huxley allows the audience to feel sympathetic towards John as he struggles with his ambivalent feelings of the World State and his feelings as an outsider. By doing this, Huxley comments on the loss of morality and society visible to the totalitarian value system. Science and technology have replaced God as a source of meaning and purpose in life. Huxley believed that this shift in emphasis was catalyzed when Henry Ford revolutionized manufacturing. Huxley satirically stresses the need of religion for natural human emotions