Edward Said substantiates the effects of exile and isolation on a person and the paradox that arises between the different outcomes it can have on a person’s social development. Being separated- physically or emotionally- from one’s place of origin or the people who inhabit a similar region can create an “unhealable rift” but also give rise to an “enriching experience” where those involved will develop and acquire notable traits they otherwise would not have. This is best exemplified in the character John the Savage in Aldous Huxley’s “ Brave New World.” John found himself in a constant state of exile from both his home in Malpais and in London, where he was relocated. Because of his social isolation, John has not been exposed to the unique
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Although his mother tried to teach him the things she had been conditioned to know (page 129), John did not develop the qualities of infantile thought and a lack of humanity. However, driven by his exposure to Shakespeare and other works of “old word” literature (page 131), his disturbance with his mother’s promiscuity, and his alienation from the other indians John has the ability to hope for another better life, which is an ability both regional groups lack. Once exposed to the culture of London, John is alarmed by the casual ways in which people live their lives. He refuses to take part in the “soma holidays” as he “doesn’t believe it’s right” (page 155). He exhibits bravery and the ability to think for himself when he hijacks the soma tablets from the depository and throws them outside and away from the Deltas. John equates the effects of soma on a person’s life as making them a “slave” and a “mewling and puking” baby (page 212). John has a sense of enlightened awareness as to how he believes he should live. This is why he removes himself from London and moves to his of home in an outside area where he hopes he will not be affected by London culture. All of these unique characteristics are present in John because of his separation and independence from …show more content…
Like these two fictional character, John has also been discriminated against because of his skin color. In Malpais, John was exiled from the Indians because of his different skin color that was the result of his London born parents- Linda and Thomas the Director (page 118). John was later ostracized in London because of his being natural born and his lack of hypnopaedic conditioning. He struggled to find comfort because he was an outcast to the people of both regions. John sought comfort in the words of Shakespeare, but because these novels are banned to prevent solitary amusements he struggles to find other people to connect with ( page 163). This inevitably leads him to live a tragic life full of confusion and pain. While he lived in Malpais, John yearned to be accepted by the other indians but they scorned him and forced him to live alone, isolated from them. Once relocated to London, John scorned the infantile ideas and skewed concepts of morality in the civilized people and he wish to be left
Although his mother tried to teach him the things she had been conditioned to know (page 129), John did not develop the qualities of infantile thought and a lack of humanity. However, driven by his exposure to Shakespeare and other works of “old word” literature (page 131), his disturbance with his mother’s promiscuity, and his alienation from the other indians John has the ability to hope for another better life, which is an ability both regional groups lack. Once exposed to the culture of London, John is alarmed by the casual ways in which people live their lives. He refuses to take part in the “soma holidays” as he “doesn’t believe it’s right” (page 155). He exhibits bravery and the ability to think for himself when he hijacks the soma tablets from the depository and throws them outside and away from the Deltas. John equates the effects of soma on a person’s life as making them a “slave” and a “mewling and puking” baby (page 212). John has a sense of enlightened awareness as to how he believes he should live. This is why he removes himself from London and moves to his of home in an outside area where he hopes he will not be affected by London culture. All of these unique characteristics are present in John because of his separation and independence from …show more content…
Like these two fictional character, John has also been discriminated against because of his skin color. In Malpais, John was exiled from the Indians because of his different skin color that was the result of his London born parents- Linda and Thomas the Director (page 118). John was later ostracized in London because of his being natural born and his lack of hypnopaedic conditioning. He struggled to find comfort because he was an outcast to the people of both regions. John sought comfort in the words of Shakespeare, but because these novels are banned to prevent solitary amusements he struggles to find other people to connect with ( page 163). This inevitably leads him to live a tragic life full of confusion and pain. While he lived in Malpais, John yearned to be accepted by the other indians but they scorned him and forced him to live alone, isolated from them. Once relocated to London, John scorned the infantile ideas and skewed concepts of morality in the civilized people and he wish to be left