Although Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and Equilibrium share common themes, comparable methods to suppress others, and similar characters, the two are entirely different. In fact, one distinction between the novel and movie is the severity of discipline. The Director reprimands Bernard for his rebellious attitude when he tells him, “‘If ever I hear again of any lapse from a proper standard of infantile decorum, I shall ask for your transference to a Sub-Centre — preferably to Iceland’” (Huxley 98). This is quite different from the punishment a citizen of Libria faces if an authority figure arrests him or her for disobedience. In the film, sense offenders are shot or incinerated without a trial, but analogous crimes in the book result in
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One such connection is the parallels between some of the characters. For instance, John Preston is a high-ranking Cleric, which means he is powerful in Libria. He is well-respected by others because of his status. In the same regard, Bernard is an Alpha-Plus, the highest caste in the World State. As the Director makes an example out of Marx in front of the other workers, he remarks, “‘This man,’ he pointed accusingly at Bernard, ‘this man who stands before you here, this Alpha-Plus to whom so much has been given, and from whom, in consequence, so much must be expected, this colleague of yours — or should I anticipate and say this ex-colleague? — has grossly betrayed the trust imposed in him’” (Huxley 149). Since Bernard is so highly regarded, the Director expects him to act in a certain way. He should be a role model for the other workers and lower castes, but he never fulfills those expectations. Father, in the movie, also considers Preston a disappointment because John opposes the values in his society. He even commits several sense offenses, such as when he saves a dog’s life. Although some resist adhering to these ideals, like Preston and Marx, others accept their destiny by taking soma or prozium. In fact, after Lenina flies away with Henry on a helicopter, Benito sees Bernard’s sullen expression and comments, “‘You do look glum! What you need is a
One such connection is the parallels between some of the characters. For instance, John Preston is a high-ranking Cleric, which means he is powerful in Libria. He is well-respected by others because of his status. In the same regard, Bernard is an Alpha-Plus, the highest caste in the World State. As the Director makes an example out of Marx in front of the other workers, he remarks, “‘This man,’ he pointed accusingly at Bernard, ‘this man who stands before you here, this Alpha-Plus to whom so much has been given, and from whom, in consequence, so much must be expected, this colleague of yours — or should I anticipate and say this ex-colleague? — has grossly betrayed the trust imposed in him’” (Huxley 149). Since Bernard is so highly regarded, the Director expects him to act in a certain way. He should be a role model for the other workers and lower castes, but he never fulfills those expectations. Father, in the movie, also considers Preston a disappointment because John opposes the values in his society. He even commits several sense offenses, such as when he saves a dog’s life. Although some resist adhering to these ideals, like Preston and Marx, others accept their destiny by taking soma or prozium. In fact, after Lenina flies away with Henry on a helicopter, Benito sees Bernard’s sullen expression and comments, “‘You do look glum! What you need is a