Brave New World
By: Aldous Huxley “How beauteous mankind is! O, brave new
world that has such people in ’t” (The Tempest V.I.217-8)
Huxley’s life
Born July 26, 1894 in Surrey, England Mother comes from a family of poets Father is the son of Thomas Huxley,
who is known for his work in biology and with Darwinian techniques.
Other influences
Great educationStudied English literature and philosophy
– degree in 1915Wanted to become a doctor before blind
His blindness made him stronger Wanted to understand not just actLook for the references in the novel to
being “blind” both figuratively and literally
More life
Wrote satirical pieces about the British upper class, but they only just complained
Also write poems and essays 1921-1928- Wrote four novels 1932- Published Brave New World
End of Life
1937- Moved to California Escape the European potential of war
Early 40s Started to experiment with hallucinogenic drugs
like LSD and mescaline. Also interested in hypnotism
Died November 22, 1963 in Los Angeles
Ok…Brave New World
After1921-1928 (original four novels written)- became interested in writing about ethical and philosophical subjectsVery interested in in the conflict between
the interests of the individual and societyEspecially interested in how one finds
himself/herself within a social society
Thus, Brave New World was born
Born with the context of a futuristic world where free will and individuality have been sacrificed in order to achieve COMPLETE social stability
It is his attempt to make man realize that since knowledge is power, he who controls and uses knowledge wields the power. Science and technology should be the servants of man – man should not be adapted and enslaved to them.
BNW is Huxley’s warning
Literary Devices
Look for:Animal ImagerySymbolismAllusionToneFoilPoint of ViewTheme
Genre: Utopia or Dystopia?
Utopia - A place, state or condition that is ideally perfect in respect of politics, laws, customs and conditions.
Dystopia –A futuristic, imagined universe in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through corporate, bureaucratic, technological, moral, or totalitarian control. Dystopias, through an exaggerated worst-case scenario, make a criticism about a current trend, societal norm, or political system.
Characteristics of a Dystopian Society
Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society.
Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted.
A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society.
Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance.
Characteristics Continued
Citizens have a fear of the outside world. Citizens live in a dehumanized state. The natural world is banished and
distrusted. Citizens conform to uniform expectations.
Individuality and dissent are bad. The society is an illusion of a perfect
utopian world.
Types of Dystopian Controls
Most dystopian works present a world in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through one or more of the following types of controls:
Corporate control: One or more large corporations control society through products, advertising, and/or the media.
Bureaucratic control: Society is controlled by a mindless bureaucracy through a tangle of red tape, relentless regulations, and incompetent government officials.
Types continued…
Technological control: Society is controlled by technology—through computers, robots, and/or scientific means.
Philosophical/religious control: Society is controlled by philosophical or religious ideology often enforced through a dictatorship or theocratic government.
Dystopian protagonist:
often feels trapped and is struggling to escape.
questions the existing social and political systems.
believes or feels that something is terribly wrong
with his/her society.
helps the audience recognizes the negative aspects of the dystopian world through his or her perspective.
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