The debacle of gender role in society is more often than not, a topic subject to contention. This polarization is the result of an impetus instigated by works predominantly literary, such as 1984 and a Brave new world. During the creation of these novels, in the 1930s, the social “pendulum” was primarily tipped or biased towards male dominance. This notion of men sitting at the helm of the social dominance hierarchy was widely subscribed to and accepted as the social “norm”. As pervasive as this idea may be, George Orwell’s 1984, initially portrays women as objects of animalistic regression; as agents of procreation, in the name of the totalitarian dystopia—Oceania. Yet, women are later construed as symbols of rebellion and strong character,
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While women in both 1984 and Brave New world are portrayed as being one-dimension human beings, lacking traits that foster both autonomy and societal function. 1984 instead emphasizes the development of the female persona while Brave New World only embraces subordination. In the volatile dystopian environments of 1984 and Brave New World, self-sufficiency takes on an extremely critical role in stimulating character growth in a world lacking in identity. This the the result of each respective dystopia striving to impose control strictly for the purpose of securing it, and this is usually through the means of indoctrination, where autonomy is eviscerated. In 1984, Julia—the main protagonist, is initially depicted as a rather insipid figure, that appears to lack any semblance of sexuality, who is also a prominent member of the Junior Anti-Sex League. In spite of that, she remained a mystery to the main male protagonist of 1984, Winston Smith, a man opposed to the establishment—known as Big Brother. After all, looks can be deceiving, insofar as they serve an ulterior purpose and in her purposes—anonymity. She later reveals herself to be a …show more content…
Winston testifies: “you’re only a rebel from the waist downwards” (Orwell). Winston cements the idea that Julia’s sexual tendencies are a way of channeling her rebellious idiosyncrasies that act as building blocks of self-sufficiency. She demonstrates her ability to think outside the bounds of the regime’s reach and decides to act against it. In Huxley’s Brave New World, society is governed by a genetic caste system, deterministic in its nature. The act of intercourse permeates in society as a means of pleasure. In this society, women encapsulate the very meaning of dependency. A woman’s existence in such a dystopia is binary: as long as there is another man under the belt, she fulfills her purpose. Ultimately, women are conditioned to relish this status as they will never break free of the societal shackles, pinning them down to the ground. This is the fundamental problem with a Brave New World; women are depicted as feeble objects of commoditized stimulation, incapable of creating purpose in their own lives—annihilating autonomy. This is primarily exemplified in Lenina’s character when Henry asks her out on a date: “Ten to five on the
While women in both 1984 and Brave New world are portrayed as being one-dimension human beings, lacking traits that foster both autonomy and societal function. 1984 instead emphasizes the development of the female persona while Brave New World only embraces subordination. In the volatile dystopian environments of 1984 and Brave New World, self-sufficiency takes on an extremely critical role in stimulating character growth in a world lacking in identity. This the the result of each respective dystopia striving to impose control strictly for the purpose of securing it, and this is usually through the means of indoctrination, where autonomy is eviscerated. In 1984, Julia—the main protagonist, is initially depicted as a rather insipid figure, that appears to lack any semblance of sexuality, who is also a prominent member of the Junior Anti-Sex League. In spite of that, she remained a mystery to the main male protagonist of 1984, Winston Smith, a man opposed to the establishment—known as Big Brother. After all, looks can be deceiving, insofar as they serve an ulterior purpose and in her purposes—anonymity. She later reveals herself to be a …show more content…
Winston testifies: “you’re only a rebel from the waist downwards” (Orwell). Winston cements the idea that Julia’s sexual tendencies are a way of channeling her rebellious idiosyncrasies that act as building blocks of self-sufficiency. She demonstrates her ability to think outside the bounds of the regime’s reach and decides to act against it. In Huxley’s Brave New World, society is governed by a genetic caste system, deterministic in its nature. The act of intercourse permeates in society as a means of pleasure. In this society, women encapsulate the very meaning of dependency. A woman’s existence in such a dystopia is binary: as long as there is another man under the belt, she fulfills her purpose. Ultimately, women are conditioned to relish this status as they will never break free of the societal shackles, pinning them down to the ground. This is the fundamental problem with a Brave New World; women are depicted as feeble objects of commoditized stimulation, incapable of creating purpose in their own lives—annihilating autonomy. This is primarily exemplified in Lenina’s character when Henry asks her out on a date: “Ten to five on the