Interpreting The Role Of Helmholtz Watson In Brave New World

In Brave New World, one of the characters introduced to the reader is Helmholtz Watson. In a society that is based upon consumerism, Helmholtz had a role he needed to fulfill. Helmholtz Watson's contribution to this society was being a lecturer at the College of Emotional Engineering, also known as the Department of Writing, and, when he wasn't teaching, he was an Emotional Engineer. He also wrote for The Hourly Radio, composed feely scenarios, and enjoyed writing slogans and hypnopaedic rhymes. What this all means is that Helmholtz was in charge of convincing citizens to buy certain products and also write the phrases to condition other members of society. In regards to the caste system of this society, Helmholtz was an Alpha-Plus and a popular one too. In the book, he is described as a, "powerfully built man, deep-chested, broad-shouldered, massive, and yet quick in his movements, springy …show more content…
Near the end of chapter twelve, John begins to read Shakespeare to Helmholtz and Bernard to show them writing that is better than that of their society. John began to read Romeo and Juliet, Act III Scene 5, when Capulet and Lady Capulet began to try and force Juliet to marry Paris. When, all of a sudden, Helmholtz began to laugh uncontrollably after John read a part of Juliet saying she'd rather die than marry Paris. Helmholtz found the whole premise of a woman not having a man extremely funny and how Shakespeare kept mentioning fathers and mothers. Fathers and mothers were seen as pornographic to the inhabitants of the society Helmholtz lived in. During Helmholtz's laughter, he realizes that, "'You've got to be hurt and upset; otherwise you can't think of the really good, penetrating, X-rayish phrases."' This is realization would be a factor into a decision Helmholtz will make later in the book. That decision being his exile to the Falkland Islands in chapter