Brave New World discussion Questions

The Director said that the secret to happiness is ''liking what you've got to do. All conditioning aims at that: making people like their inescapable social destiny.'' Do you agree with the Director's logic? How do you feel about predestined castes with human conditioning? Use examples from the book to support your ideas.

Don't agree, will lead to problems if people in lower castes realize their mistreatment

The book opens in AF 632, meaning After Ford 632. Why do societies mark time based on the lives of significant people or events? Do you feel that Henry Ford's contribution to society warranted the reference it received from the planetary society? Why would Henry Ford's invention be so important to this society? Does our society hold anyone to a similar level of esteem?

- It increased production and yes people do hold others to that esteem today.

- However, I do not think Henry Ford wanted planetary reverence from society

Some people say that ''knowledge is power''. The hatchery conditions lower castes to be afraid of books. Do you think the two things are related? Discuss this phrase and how it applies to the text.

Yes those two are related and it applies to the text that if the lower castes knew how they were being mistreated they would start rebelling against the World State

In this society, people are conditioned to want to consume factory provided commerce. In fact, in chapter 3, the Director even says ''Imagine the folly of allowing people to play elaborate games which do nothing whatever to increase consumption.'' Does our current society attempt to condition spending in people? In what way? Is this okay? {Think about the media/commercials etc.}

- Our current society does try to do this but untimely fails, through commercials, coupons, and AD campaigns

- It is not okay because they would try and drain the money out of people

How does the caste system operate in Brave New World?

It works by intelligence and height status:

Alpha-Beta-Gamma-Delta-Epsilon

Why is Helmholtz Watson's job important for the society?

teaches at a university, where he teaches Aplhas to write eloquently

Helmholtz seems to have it all (especially to Bernard), so why is he discontented?

- Physically due to his abnormal height, so his physic makes him feel out of touch with society

- Also, his great intelligence makes him feel out of place in society

What are some of the leisure sports played by members of the society? What do the activities have in common?

Some sports require consumption and many moving parts, so they created sports like obstacle golf and electro-magnetic tennis

Why do you think Lenina is simultaneously drawn to and repulsed by Bernard Marx?

- Attracted: Someone who is different with a high intelligence level

- Repulsed: his negative attitude/images of himself and society

Why does Bernard keep thinking about Lenina and meat? What is his point? (Ch. 6)

That he likes rounder women and that to him she is as plump as a piece of meat

Explain how the Director embarrasses himself in front of Bernard. What did the director do wrong?

He shared a part of his personal life that implied that he was in a long term relationship with a bet ( Linda ) when you are not supposed to have those types of relationships

Why is Bernard thrilled when his boss reprimands him?

That it makes him feel like a rebel and different than everyone

Why do you think Bernard wants to show Lenina that he is "unorthodox" and "outrageous" while touring the reservation?

To show Lenina that he different then other men and appreciates how he's unique

What are some of Linda's struggles in adjusting to life in Malpais?

- She had no soma, so relied on other substances such as drinking

- was punished for the World State values that she knew

Why is Popé merciful to John after John attacks him? (Chapter 8)

Pope was impressed by Johns initiative

What do you think is the hardest part about growing up on the reservation for John?

That he was seen as an outcast ( no one would accept him ) from society because he was not from there

Why do you think Controller Mond allows John and Linda to come to London?

to do a study/experiment with John

Why does Huxley give zippers so much attention in the novel? (Chapter 9)

- That zippers = easy access.

- In this world of instant gratification, buttons would cause people to lose precious seconds of nakedness.

Why does the Director feel that Bernard Marx is dangerous? (Chapter 10)

He feels this way because of how rebellious Bernard is which he thinks threatens the stability of society

The reunion between the Director and Linda make the Alphas in the Fertilizing Room roar with laughter. Why is this serious situation so comical to them? (Chapter 10)

- They laugh because they do not understand what a "father" is.

- That this is all kind of joke that they are playing on the direcor that he has a "son"

Why is John popular in London whereas Linda is not?

- John: seems like a young man. new, smart man

- Linda: seems old, ugly, fat, and addicted to alcohol and soma

In what ways does Bernard change once he becomes John's guide and chaperone?

Since John is gaining in popularity, so is Bernard due to him being his mentor causing Bernard's ego to become inflated

Bernard follows the Controller's directions and makes himself useful, so why is the Controller determined to "give him a lesson" in the future?

This is because Bernard keeps showing his unorthodox behavior and methods, which goes against the normal social gradient

Controller Mond agrees with everything in the research paper that he labels "NOT TO BE PUBLISHED." Why does Mond reject the paper? (Chapter 12)

The papers contents goes against societal norms

Why does Helmholtz have such a strong connection with John?

Helmholtz and John are fascinated by literature

To what aspects of Romeo and Juliet does Helmholtz object? (Chapter 12)

The idea of a "mother & father" also the idea of " marriage"

Why does John react angrily and violently when Lenina tries to seduce him? (Chapter 13

This goes against what values/morals he was taught in the New Mexico Reservation, which was traditional vales/morals, where the World State vales/morals are unorthodox and savagery to John

What is unusual and/or notable about Linda's death?

That she died around her loved ones ( John ), and she also was reciting the hypoendemic phrases from her youth.

Why do you think John the Savage decides to start his revolt at that moment? (Ch. 15)

That you have to stop it's distributive point ( soma distributive station ) for soma

- emotion had taken control over John at this point

What can we learn about the characters of Helmholtz and Bernard from their respective reactions to the brawl? (Chapter 15)

- Helmholtz is passionate and will care for his friends needs in any way that he can

- While Bernard contemplates on his actions should be acting like a coward

The Brave New World S.W.A.T. team responds swiftly to the riot and knows what to do. Is this surprising given the tranquility of the society? What can you infer? (Chapter 15)

That all may seem as tranquil among the upper classes such as the Alpha's and Beta's, but riots may be a common occurrence for the Deltas and Epsilons

Why do you think Helmholtz is so pleased with himself after being arrested? (Chapter 16)

Helmholtz is pleased because it sets him apart from the rest of the Alpha's

John suggests that the World State make everyone an Alpha++. Why does Controller Mond reject this idea? (Chapter 16)

- Mustapha Mond rejects this because they already ran an experiment on this in Crete

- Where society crumbled and was in civil war about who does what

How are the Controller's official positions different from his personal views?

Mustapha Mond must do whatever is necessary for the total collective happiness of the people, instead of caring for his own personal desires that he wishes society could be

Why do you think Mustapha Mond continues the experiment with John even after John requests banishment?

Mond continues the experiment because he wants to see how Johns traditional values conflict with the World State values/morals and how it would affect him physically and mentally

What compels John to punish himself?

- To reject all of the self-loathing that he has done

- Also, to resist the temptations of sex, and the morals/values of the World State