"Oh yeah. Ruth was getting poeple to look for it and saying you were really upset about losing it. So I tried to find it. I never told you at the time, but I did Try really hard. I thought there'd be places I could look where you couldn't. In the Boy's dorms, stuff like that. I remember looking for ages, but I couldn't find it."(169)
This is really the first time since arriving at the cottages that Kathy and Tommy have had any extended time to just talk like they used to. I feel as though Tommy and ruth could not talk quite so openly. The fact that Tommy remembered about Kathy's lost tape all this time must mean that Tommy did have feelings for Kathy this whole time. Because, he probably wouldn't have done the same if it were Ruth's tape that was lost. Tommy must have planned that if he ever got to Norfolk, he would find Kathy's tape. However, the good time spent finding the tape with Kathy was not in his plans. But, this turned out better that he imaged. I think that along with the lost tape they also found the relationship that Ruth had stolen from them years ago, but sadly it would take a few more years to act on this rekindled flame.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Flat Characters
"And I had a kind of vision of Chrissie and Rodney back at the cottages, in the months leading up to this moment, probing this subject between them. " (154)
Chrissy and Rodney are characterized as a veteran couple who lead the cottage's trends, based on what they choose to pick up from one TV show or another. They are seldom mentioned outside of conflicts within Kathy about Ruth following their fake behavior. An occasion where they are important outside of these criteria is when they try to convince the Hailsham students to tell them more about this deferral program. They could have known all along that this possible was not Ruth's model, but just that, a possible match. They might have planned to be so that this business woman would be close enough to through suspicion off of the fact that the whole trip was basically an ambush. This singularly minded ploy did not get them far, however, because the Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy truthfully had no information to add. Even though Ruth may have misled them, they obviously never found Madame because at the end because we find out that they were split up after all, and tragically, Chrissie completed on her second donation. Obviously they never changed, and they never really loved each other because, Rodney was not even upset.
Chrissy and Rodney are characterized as a veteran couple who lead the cottage's trends, based on what they choose to pick up from one TV show or another. They are seldom mentioned outside of conflicts within Kathy about Ruth following their fake behavior. An occasion where they are important outside of these criteria is when they try to convince the Hailsham students to tell them more about this deferral program. They could have known all along that this possible was not Ruth's model, but just that, a possible match. They might have planned to be so that this business woman would be close enough to through suspicion off of the fact that the whole trip was basically an ambush. This singularly minded ploy did not get them far, however, because the Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy truthfully had no information to add. Even though Ruth may have misled them, they obviously never found Madame because at the end because we find out that they were split up after all, and tragically, Chrissie completed on her second donation. Obviously they never changed, and they never really loved each other because, Rodney was not even upset.
Internal Conflict
"In fact, I hardly saw thier contorted bodies because I was focusing on the faces. " (134)
Kathy never mentions looking for her model. Even while she flipped through the pages of that magazine she could not really tell why she was doing it, she herself hadn't fully developed this idea yet. And over the course of the story she never admits to looking for her model. This goes along with the idea of her not fully understanding herself before she became a carer. Also, this is an idea that never really receives much thought after Tommy confronts her about it, and they go on to hunt for the tape. Well, its only natural to want to know who she was modeled after, to know what their life is like. I wonder what would happen if Ruth did actually did find her model. Obviously, it could not have played out the way Ruth imagined. So, what if Ruth were to go and talk to her? I guess that this detail was left out because most possibilities end in some body taking charge of the situation. Maybe they would relocate her, and take away driving privileges, so she could not try to go back. This is just one possibility, and I am sure that it best that the character only dream of their models, proving once again that they have souls. With out souls, they would not care where they camme from.
Kathy never mentions looking for her model. Even while she flipped through the pages of that magazine she could not really tell why she was doing it, she herself hadn't fully developed this idea yet. And over the course of the story she never admits to looking for her model. This goes along with the idea of her not fully understanding herself before she became a carer. Also, this is an idea that never really receives much thought after Tommy confronts her about it, and they go on to hunt for the tape. Well, its only natural to want to know who she was modeled after, to know what their life is like. I wonder what would happen if Ruth did actually did find her model. Obviously, it could not have played out the way Ruth imagined. So, what if Ruth were to go and talk to her? I guess that this detail was left out because most possibilities end in some body taking charge of the situation. Maybe they would relocate her, and take away driving privileges, so she could not try to go back. This is just one possibility, and I am sure that it best that the character only dream of their models, proving once again that they have souls. With out souls, they would not care where they camme from.
Flash Back
"Sometimes I'll be driving on a long waving road across marshland, or maybe past rows of furrowed field, the sky big and gray and never changing mile after mile, and I find I'm thinking about my essay..." (115)
This whole story is Kathy getting ready to stop caring and become a donor. Because of this, she reflects on fer life thus far while driving around from hospital to hospital. I think that there is a part of her that wants to become a donor, like Tommy suggested. However she is still proud that she is a good carer. And, she is more in control. She doesn't have to take orders from Ruth anymore. She doesn't have to follow Ruth's commands or become angered at some ploy Ruth used to get attention. Looking back still makes her sad for her lost friend though, and all the others in her life, most of which have completed.
This whole story is Kathy getting ready to stop caring and become a donor. Because of this, she reflects on fer life thus far while driving around from hospital to hospital. I think that there is a part of her that wants to become a donor, like Tommy suggested. However she is still proud that she is a good carer. And, she is more in control. She doesn't have to take orders from Ruth anymore. She doesn't have to follow Ruth's commands or become angered at some ploy Ruth used to get attention. Looking back still makes her sad for her lost friend though, and all the others in her life, most of which have completed.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Couples
"After all, I'd been Tommy'd friend for years until all this couple stuff had come up. It was perfectly possible that to someone on the out side, I'd look like Ruth's 'natural sucessor'." (100)
I can't understand why Kathy could give Tommy away so easily. She obviously liked him more that Ruth. Of corse she was not in love with him at this time. But, she must have felt something. And, she just passively stood their while Ruth stole him. After all, they had been friends long before couples were formed. Maybe Kathy really did just see him as a friend. But, I don't think this is true, because of how their love grew so fast at the end, when Ruth gave them permission, only when she wasn't around to see it. When Tommy and Ruth split up, Kathy was even the reason they got back together! And, I think she was a bigger reason than she thought. Maybe Tommy would never have gone back to Ruth if Kathy would have stated her true feelings. Tommy probably thought that Kathy was not interested. If Kathy only spoke up, they would not need the three years deferral, they could have had thirty together before their inevitable completion.
I can't understand why Kathy could give Tommy away so easily. She obviously liked him more that Ruth. Of corse she was not in love with him at this time. But, she must have felt something. And, she just passively stood their while Ruth stole him. After all, they had been friends long before couples were formed. Maybe Kathy really did just see him as a friend. But, I don't think this is true, because of how their love grew so fast at the end, when Ruth gave them permission, only when she wasn't around to see it. When Tommy and Ruth split up, Kathy was even the reason they got back together! And, I think she was a bigger reason than she thought. Maybe Tommy would never have gone back to Ruth if Kathy would have stated her true feelings. Tommy probably thought that Kathy was not interested. If Kathy only spoke up, they would not need the three years deferral, they could have had thirty together before their inevitable completion.
Uncomfortable Subject
"By that time in our lives, we no longer shrank away from the subject of donations as we'd have done a year or two earlier; but neither did we think about it very seriously, or discuss it. All that business about "unzipping", that was typical of the way the whole subject impinged on us when we were thirteen. "(89)
So, they knew that donations meant that they would need to give up a body part. When this information was divulged to them is unknown. But, for years, the students opted not to talk about it. This is because they probably did not want think about it to much. This of course is understandable because, not only did they not know all of the details, but this information that they were given was dangerous. Nobody wants to talk about their imitate death. So, as they got older, it became safer to make a joke of it. This joke made the donations feel less threatening. And, this must have worked, because out of all of the people Kathy comes across in the corse of this story, even at the bed side of some of her best friends, donation were taken lighter than they should. This is why they are not wholly informed of this deathly process during their youth, to save their innocents that much longer.
So, they knew that donations meant that they would need to give up a body part. When this information was divulged to them is unknown. But, for years, the students opted not to talk about it. This is because they probably did not want think about it to much. This of course is understandable because, not only did they not know all of the details, but this information that they were given was dangerous. Nobody wants to talk about their imitate death. So, as they got older, it became safer to make a joke of it. This joke made the donations feel less threatening. And, this must have worked, because out of all of the people Kathy comes across in the corse of this story, even at the bed side of some of her best friends, donation were taken lighter than they should. This is why they are not wholly informed of this deathly process during their youth, to save their innocents that much longer.
Protaganist
"In my memory my life at Hailsham falls into two distinct chunks: the ones I've just been telling you about---they tend to blur into each other as a kind of golden time, and when I think about them all, even the not so great things, I can't help feeling a sort of glow. "(77)
Kathy recounts her story with an understanding that she did not have in her youth. She knows more about herself and the donation process than most donors and she suffered the loss of the relationships that helped her find these answers. So, even when she tells of a happy memory, like "the golden time", there is always something behind it. Some sadness because, she is telling this story with all of her somber memories entangled with the joyful times. So, she changes over her thirty years from a nieve young girl, who gave Tommy to Ruth with encouragement, to an old woman, in donor years, who is alone with her memories most of the time reminiscing with her completed friends. Thats why I think many carers that Kathy comes across are so depressed. Most of their friends have completed, and all that the carers are left with is time spent remembering the past, and caring for those that will complete shortly. It's no wonder that most are in waiting for their own completion.
Kathy recounts her story with an understanding that she did not have in her youth. She knows more about herself and the donation process than most donors and she suffered the loss of the relationships that helped her find these answers. So, even when she tells of a happy memory, like "the golden time", there is always something behind it. Some sadness because, she is telling this story with all of her somber memories entangled with the joyful times. So, she changes over her thirty years from a nieve young girl, who gave Tommy to Ruth with encouragement, to an old woman, in donor years, who is alone with her memories most of the time reminiscing with her completed friends. Thats why I think many carers that Kathy comes across are so depressed. Most of their friends have completed, and all that the carers are left with is time spent remembering the past, and caring for those that will complete shortly. It's no wonder that most are in waiting for their own completion.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Never let me go
"...there's a sort of miracle and she has a baby, and she holds this baby very close to her and walks around singing: 'Baby, never let me go...' partly because she's so happy, but also because she's so afraid something will happen, that the baby will get ill or be taken away from her" (70)
I think that this is the reason for these organ donations to exist in the first place. Despite what kind of horrors have to be inflicted to the donors throughout their short lives, the other "schools" find it necessary. These other institutions are not bothered by subjecting these poor creatures to cruelty, because they can comfort themseves by saying that the result will be "real" lives saved. People always want to protect their loved ones. So, if this means over looking wrongs done to an inhuman race, those wrongs will be overlooked. After all, the general population most likely believes that these donors do not have feelings. The Gallery is a result of this false belief. It's goal is to prove that everyone has been wrongly informed, to open people's hearts and make a change in the way the donors are treated.
I think that this is the reason for these organ donations to exist in the first place. Despite what kind of horrors have to be inflicted to the donors throughout their short lives, the other "schools" find it necessary. These other institutions are not bothered by subjecting these poor creatures to cruelty, because they can comfort themseves by saying that the result will be "real" lives saved. People always want to protect their loved ones. So, if this means over looking wrongs done to an inhuman race, those wrongs will be overlooked. After all, the general population most likely believes that these donors do not have feelings. The Gallery is a result of this false belief. It's goal is to prove that everyone has been wrongly informed, to open people's hearts and make a change in the way the donors are treated.
Antagonist
"'Oh, Kathy, how are you? If you don't mind, we've got something to discuss just now. We'll be finished in just a minuete. Sorry.'" (54)
From when Kathy first introduced Ruth, she seemed dominant. She was always the center of attention, the most popular of their group. This is the first time that Ruth punishes Kathy for something that should have been discussed, then forgotten. And, even further Ruth's punishment came after her own mistake. She was the one that cheated, but she punished Kathy for reacting, because she was used to getting her way. She always commanded the attention, and for that people probably ceded to her requests. So, Ruth was not used to people standing up to her, and when Kathy did, she decided to teach Kathy to follow in step. This worked in the end, because when confronted by another student that fell under Ruth's wrath, she decided to stick up for Ruth and decided that she wanted back in the group. This pattern continues throughout the story with Kathy being submissive until she can't take it any longer and confronts Ruth, only to feel like it was her fault in the end.
From when Kathy first introduced Ruth, she seemed dominant. She was always the center of attention, the most popular of their group. This is the first time that Ruth punishes Kathy for something that should have been discussed, then forgotten. And, even further Ruth's punishment came after her own mistake. She was the one that cheated, but she punished Kathy for reacting, because she was used to getting her way. She always commanded the attention, and for that people probably ceded to her requests. So, Ruth was not used to people standing up to her, and when Kathy did, she decided to teach Kathy to follow in step. This worked in the end, because when confronted by another student that fell under Ruth's wrath, she decided to stick up for Ruth and decided that she wanted back in the group. This pattern continues throughout the story with Kathy being submissive until she can't take it any longer and confronts Ruth, only to feel like it was her fault in the end.
Tone
"Thinking back now, I can see we were just at that age when we knew a few things about ourselves---about who we were, how we were different form our guardians, from the people outside----but hadn't yet understood what any of that meant. " (37)
In my understanding of that Novel the tone is nostalgic and often somber. Even when Kathy recalls something joyful, like at the first mention of the Sales. She herself does not get that excited, but instead recalls how the juniors below her would get excited. During her flash backs, Kathy is partly trying to better understand the events of her life that she did not fully grasp back then. Often times she will offer outside explanation of an event that she did not understand, pulling the reader out of her nostalgia for clarity of the event. So, in this excerpt she explains just how little she knew about herself. She explains that the Guardians told her vague details about who she was and what her true propose on this earth was. However, they planned when they told her, so that she would not piece the vague information together.
This makes me wonder just how much the students actually knew. Also, I wonder how much the students at other "schools" knew. They had to be told more because they had guards that treated them as inhuman. Wouldn't they know why they were being subjected to this treatment?
In my understanding of that Novel the tone is nostalgic and often somber. Even when Kathy recalls something joyful, like at the first mention of the Sales. She herself does not get that excited, but instead recalls how the juniors below her would get excited. During her flash backs, Kathy is partly trying to better understand the events of her life that she did not fully grasp back then. Often times she will offer outside explanation of an event that she did not understand, pulling the reader out of her nostalgia for clarity of the event. So, in this excerpt she explains just how little she knew about herself. She explains that the Guardians told her vague details about who she was and what her true propose on this earth was. However, they planned when they told her, so that she would not piece the vague information together.
This makes me wonder just how much the students actually knew. Also, I wonder how much the students at other "schools" knew. They had to be told more because they had guards that treated them as inhuman. Wouldn't they know why they were being subjected to this treatment?
Tommy's Creativity
"...Tommy had done this particular water colour ---of an elephant standing in some tall grass--- and that was what started it all off. He'd done it, he claimed, as a kind of joke." (19)
During this section of the book, Kathy describes the importance of creativity and expressing such as art or poetry. She then brings up Tommy's lack of artistic skills, followed by how angry he would get because of this or act as though he did not care about his pictures. I dont, however think that Tommy had no creativity, because of how passionate he was about many other aspects of his life. This is proven by how angered he gets at the activities that he cares about. When he got picked last for the soccer game, instead of merely being a little sad and continuing on, he needed to publicly show everyone around just how he felt. So, he can not draw strait lines required to make art look appealing. This does not require creativity, but more a steady hand and the skill to draw something familiar. Tommy, by drawling this elephant, drew something completely foreign, drawling what he felt at the time. So, even though Tommy starts to agree with those who say he has no creativity, by claiming his painting was comical, I think that he knew all along that he was creative, he just did not understand his creativity.
During this section of the book, Kathy describes the importance of creativity and expressing such as art or poetry. She then brings up Tommy's lack of artistic skills, followed by how angry he would get because of this or act as though he did not care about his pictures. I dont, however think that Tommy had no creativity, because of how passionate he was about many other aspects of his life. This is proven by how angered he gets at the activities that he cares about. When he got picked last for the soccer game, instead of merely being a little sad and continuing on, he needed to publicly show everyone around just how he felt. So, he can not draw strait lines required to make art look appealing. This does not require creativity, but more a steady hand and the skill to draw something familiar. Tommy, by drawling this elephant, drew something completely foreign, drawling what he felt at the time. So, even though Tommy starts to agree with those who say he has no creativity, by claiming his painting was comical, I think that he knew all along that he was creative, he just did not understand his creativity.
Exposition
"About our guardians, about how we each had our own collection chests under our beds, the foot ball, the rounders, the little path that took you all around to the out side of the main house, round all it's nooks and crannies, the duck pond, the view from the Art Room over the fields on a foggy morning. " (5)
The Exposition introduces two different settings at the beginning of the novel. The first takes place in unknown locations, from where Kathy tells the story, like hospitals or in her car reminiscing. And from this nostalgia come the second setting, Hailsham, when she flashes back to all the memories that Ruth and Tommy remind her of. She also mentions how lucky she and her classmates were, because not all institutions compared to Hailsham, and were most unpleasant places from the grimace on the Donar's face. She then introduces Ruth and Tommy, describing Ruth as a clear leader and the dominant one in the friendship and Tommy as easily angered and teased because of it. This lends evidence to why some key questions are brought up in the corse of this story, and makes the reader want to solve them. The characterization explains many arguments that will come up between the main characters. So, these key introductions, such as Hailsham being far better than other schools and the personalities of her friends, explain many of the main events that take place during the Novel
The Exposition introduces two different settings at the beginning of the novel. The first takes place in unknown locations, from where Kathy tells the story, like hospitals or in her car reminiscing. And from this nostalgia come the second setting, Hailsham, when she flashes back to all the memories that Ruth and Tommy remind her of. She also mentions how lucky she and her classmates were, because not all institutions compared to Hailsham, and were most unpleasant places from the grimace on the Donar's face. She then introduces Ruth and Tommy, describing Ruth as a clear leader and the dominant one in the friendship and Tommy as easily angered and teased because of it. This lends evidence to why some key questions are brought up in the corse of this story, and makes the reader want to solve them. The characterization explains many arguments that will come up between the main characters. So, these key introductions, such as Hailsham being far better than other schools and the personalities of her friends, explain many of the main events that take place during the Novel
Friday, July 8, 2011
Suffering
"After all, it was not to sing and enjoy himself that he had come here. It was to escape further contamination by the filth of civilized life; it was to be purified and made good..."(247)
John lived in seclusion his whole life. He was ignored in every stage of his life. No one every loved him enough to truly care for his well being. Why should he care for himself? All of his life he was treated like he was subhuman. Now, probably not for the first time, he believed that he should be treated like he didn't matter, and he punished himself when ever he felt other wise. Where as the people of London would take a Soma holiday to escape, John had to beat his thoughts away. This ultimately led to his suicide.
John lived in seclusion his whole life. He was ignored in every stage of his life. No one every loved him enough to truly care for his well being. Why should he care for himself? All of his life he was treated like he was subhuman. Now, probably not for the first time, he believed that he should be treated like he didn't matter, and he punished himself when ever he felt other wise. Where as the people of London would take a Soma holiday to escape, John had to beat his thoughts away. This ultimately led to his suicide.
Answers
"'We are not our own any more than what we posses is our own. We dis not make ourselves, we can not be supreme over ourselves. We are not our own masters. We are God's property.'"(232)
The conversation with Mustapha Mond explains further the decisions that lead to the start of this "prefect" world. This completes the first chapter of the book, answering any unanswered questions left. Mustapha's perspective, as one of the world leaders, is important because he knows every reason why the World State had to be efficient. He also knows how it feels to question the society and to want to go against it. However, he chose to stay and lead other into controlling science, instead of continuing to an island and furthering his scientific knowledge. This shows that the leaders know the positive and negative aspects of keeping society constant. Obviously he decided that the society was more important than scientific advance ment. His is, however, more of an outsider, because of his love for history and science that he can not share with every one else.
The conversation with Mustapha Mond explains further the decisions that lead to the start of this "prefect" world. This completes the first chapter of the book, answering any unanswered questions left. Mustapha's perspective, as one of the world leaders, is important because he knows every reason why the World State had to be efficient. He also knows how it feels to question the society and to want to go against it. However, he chose to stay and lead other into controlling science, instead of continuing to an island and furthering his scientific knowledge. This shows that the leaders know the positive and negative aspects of keeping society constant. Obviously he decided that the society was more important than scientific advance ment. His is, however, more of an outsider, because of his love for history and science that he can not share with every one else.
The Other Place vs. London
"When she told him stories about the Other Place, outside the Reservation: that beautiful, beautiful Other Place, whose memory, as of heaven, a paradise of goodness and loveliness, he still kept whole and intact, undefined by contact with the reality of this London, these actual civilized men and women." (201)
When Linda told John stories about the Other Place, she did so with awe and grandeur, making this civilized world to be facinating and wonderful. His image of this place over time elevated with every person who let him down, and every time he sufferd. He probably imaged, as Linda did, that if he grew up in the Other Place his life would be better. He probably imaged having friends that liked him and accepted him, and most of all Linda would be happy. However, when he finally received the opportunity to go to the other place, and Linda was not happy at all. Every one treated her like scum, and just like on the reservation she was not with him but drugged. Additionally he, himself did not find happiness. He was still an outsider, treated as less than a human to everyone around him with no friends. So, as he experienced more of this new world, the more separated it became to the world he had dreamed about for years. This world was just as savage as the reservation, only in a different way. The reservation was filled with warmth ans suffering, but London was filled with coldness and blissful happiness.
When Linda told John stories about the Other Place, she did so with awe and grandeur, making this civilized world to be facinating and wonderful. His image of this place over time elevated with every person who let him down, and every time he sufferd. He probably imaged, as Linda did, that if he grew up in the Other Place his life would be better. He probably imaged having friends that liked him and accepted him, and most of all Linda would be happy. However, when he finally received the opportunity to go to the other place, and Linda was not happy at all. Every one treated her like scum, and just like on the reservation she was not with him but drugged. Additionally he, himself did not find happiness. He was still an outsider, treated as less than a human to everyone around him with no friends. So, as he experienced more of this new world, the more separated it became to the world he had dreamed about for years. This world was just as savage as the reservation, only in a different way. The reservation was filled with warmth ans suffering, but London was filled with coldness and blissful happiness.
Immaturity
"He had managed, with heroic effort to hold down the mounting pressure of his hilarity; but 'sweet mother' (in the Savage's tremulous tone of anguish) and the reference to Tybalt lying dead, but evidently uncremated and wasting his phosphorous on a dim monument were too much for him." (185)
Conditioning was so effective that even when Hemholtz questioned the way that the world state operated, he followed his conditioning. He would still not open his mind to inefficient death, or mention of the complexities of being a parent. Just like a child laughs when he does not quite grasp a serious situation, Hemholtz rejects using his mind to think through these new ideas that he is hearing. Even though his alpha plus status says that he is intelligent enough to compose newspaper articles, this new information overwhelms him. He, like every one else in society, was trained to efficiently, and he believes that in every stage of life, a person should be most efficient. This should happen from the moment that children hatch from there test tubes, up until their last moments of soma holiday. Even after death bodies produce the city's phosphorous. This coupled with the emotions of a child made him feel uncomfortable, especially while he could see that John felt so emotionally attached to this piece.
Conditioning was so effective that even when Hemholtz questioned the way that the world state operated, he followed his conditioning. He would still not open his mind to inefficient death, or mention of the complexities of being a parent. Just like a child laughs when he does not quite grasp a serious situation, Hemholtz rejects using his mind to think through these new ideas that he is hearing. Even though his alpha plus status says that he is intelligent enough to compose newspaper articles, this new information overwhelms him. He, like every one else in society, was trained to efficiently, and he believes that in every stage of life, a person should be most efficient. This should happen from the moment that children hatch from there test tubes, up until their last moments of soma holiday. Even after death bodies produce the city's phosphorous. This coupled with the emotions of a child made him feel uncomfortable, especially while he could see that John felt so emotionally attached to this piece.
Individual
"'She's a lucky girl,' Fanny had said to herself as she watched Lenina go. There was no envy in the comment; good natured Fanny was just stating a fact. (165)
Envy in the world state would develop unhappiness in individual lives, and a desire to become someone other that who conditioning planned them to be. In this world filled with controlled thinking, anyone who deviates from this conditioning in anyway is considered a risk to society. However, many of the characters in this story do just that. Fanny and Henry Foster are the only ones who did not, suggesting that others in the world state have similar questions. These questions might not even be conscious, like Lenina in here infatuation with men, or up to Bernard's certainties. While these risks will decrease the lower on the caste, because epsilons have less brain function and more conditioning, they still exist. The world leaders hide this fact from the citizens by creating "iceland", and spreading rumors of this terrible place, when really it and all of the islands similar to it are paradise. Hemholtz choosing what island he wanted to go to again shows the population sent to them is high enough to require many islands. This proves once again that conditioning does not work for everyone, because, despite what the world state believes every one is different, even 72 identical twins.
Envy in the world state would develop unhappiness in individual lives, and a desire to become someone other that who conditioning planned them to be. In this world filled with controlled thinking, anyone who deviates from this conditioning in anyway is considered a risk to society. However, many of the characters in this story do just that. Fanny and Henry Foster are the only ones who did not, suggesting that others in the world state have similar questions. These questions might not even be conscious, like Lenina in here infatuation with men, or up to Bernard's certainties. While these risks will decrease the lower on the caste, because epsilons have less brain function and more conditioning, they still exist. The world leaders hide this fact from the citizens by creating "iceland", and spreading rumors of this terrible place, when really it and all of the islands similar to it are paradise. Hemholtz choosing what island he wanted to go to again shows the population sent to them is high enough to require many islands. This proves once again that conditioning does not work for everyone, because, despite what the world state believes every one is different, even 72 identical twins.
Abandoned
"They were gone! Gone! It was the most terrible thing that had ever happend to him. She had asked him to come and see them, and now they were gone." (142)
John jumps to the conclusion that Bernard and Lenina abandoned him, without investigating further. This reflects all the times the ones that he loved had let him down. Even though he wanted to trust those around him, he faced constant rejection. First, his mother never really wanted him. She tryed to help him by teaching him to read and conditioning him with what little supplies she had to do so. However, the part of him that comforted her rivaled the part of him that disgusted her. To get away from these complex feelings, she had to seperate herself from him by getting closer Popé and mescal. Followed by this early and repeated rejection, the savage community around him would not accept him as he grew up. He desperately wanted to partake in activities with his peers. So, he watched them and learned their way of life but still that was not enough to fit in, and ultimately lead to more hurt, and his self conflicted punishment. He felt like suffering was a punishment from God, that he had to bare.
John jumps to the conclusion that Bernard and Lenina abandoned him, without investigating further. This reflects all the times the ones that he loved had let him down. Even though he wanted to trust those around him, he faced constant rejection. First, his mother never really wanted him. She tryed to help him by teaching him to read and conditioning him with what little supplies she had to do so. However, the part of him that comforted her rivaled the part of him that disgusted her. To get away from these complex feelings, she had to seperate herself from him by getting closer Popé and mescal. Followed by this early and repeated rejection, the savage community around him would not accept him as he grew up. He desperately wanted to partake in activities with his peers. So, he watched them and learned their way of life but still that was not enough to fit in, and ultimately lead to more hurt, and his self conflicted punishment. He felt like suffering was a punishment from God, that he had to bare.
Metaphor
"Little Beast" (127)
Linda Compares John to a beast because instead of being created and hatched from a tube, he was born like an animal. For Linda being a mother was a capitol sin to terrible to even speak of in London. So, when John, trying to be normal according to the reservation's culture, tried to calm his fretful mother down with an endearing term to his society, Linda snapped. She probably had scolded John on this disgusting word before. So, in the mist of her vulnerable state, she lost control, revealing her true feelings that she might have held back in the past. Hearing her son call her mom made her feel so far from the one place that she could have gone back to if it weren't for the accident that kept her on the reservation among the beasts. She could never be accepted in to society after birthing a child like a like the beasts that now surrounded her.
Linda Compares John to a beast because instead of being created and hatched from a tube, he was born like an animal. For Linda being a mother was a capitol sin to terrible to even speak of in London. So, when John, trying to be normal according to the reservation's culture, tried to calm his fretful mother down with an endearing term to his society, Linda snapped. She probably had scolded John on this disgusting word before. So, in the mist of her vulnerable state, she lost control, revealing her true feelings that she might have held back in the past. Hearing her son call her mom made her feel so far from the one place that she could have gone back to if it weren't for the accident that kept her on the reservation among the beasts. She could never be accepted in to society after birthing a child like a like the beasts that now surrounded her.
Imagery
"the whistle of the lash and its loud flat-sounding impact on the flesh. The boy's body quivered; but he made no sound, he walked on at the same slow steady pace. The coyote struck again; and at every blow at first a gasp, and then a deep groan went up from the crowd." (115)
Sensory language does not show up often in this novel, probably in accordance with the London tone. When describing a place frowning upon individuality and creativity, using imagery becomes ineffective. Huxley describes London as those living in London would describe it. He does so efficiently, commenting on productivity and ways to increase productivity. If he were to describe this unemotional place using imagery, London would seem more warm and open, as opposed to cold and cut off. However, Huxley introduces imagery when describing the cultural elements of Malpais in order to create warmth. This lends contrast between the two obviously different cultures. In describing this scene in such detail, Huxley adds to the atrocity by enveloping the reading in to the scene and the culture.
Sensory language does not show up often in this novel, probably in accordance with the London tone. When describing a place frowning upon individuality and creativity, using imagery becomes ineffective. Huxley describes London as those living in London would describe it. He does so efficiently, commenting on productivity and ways to increase productivity. If he were to describe this unemotional place using imagery, London would seem more warm and open, as opposed to cold and cut off. However, Huxley introduces imagery when describing the cultural elements of Malpais in order to create warmth. This lends contrast between the two obviously different cultures. In describing this scene in such detail, Huxley adds to the atrocity by enveloping the reading in to the scene and the culture.
Allusion
"His face was profoundly wrinkled and black, like a mask of obsidian."( 110)
[Image]
An obsidian rock is essentially hard volcanic rock or glass, and produced from this material was usually an ornate burial mask modled after one of the aztec's gods. Also known as the Death Mask, the meaning in reference to the novel, refers to the indian's decrepit appearance. Huxley implies that this man looks more dead than alive. His face looks as old as stone and meant to be buried. Lenina, with the conditioning of her culture, only knew preserved elderly. And this man would have overdosed on soma long ago, like elderly in london. The indian was far older. So, instead of the dying young with his looks and dignity, the man is now cursed to embody the Mask of Obsidian, looking like death itself.
[Image]
An obsidian rock is essentially hard volcanic rock or glass, and produced from this material was usually an ornate burial mask modled after one of the aztec's gods. Also known as the Death Mask, the meaning in reference to the novel, refers to the indian's decrepit appearance. Huxley implies that this man looks more dead than alive. His face looks as old as stone and meant to be buried. Lenina, with the conditioning of her culture, only knew preserved elderly. And this man would have overdosed on soma long ago, like elderly in london. The indian was far older. So, instead of the dying young with his looks and dignity, the man is now cursed to embody the Mask of Obsidian, looking like death itself.
Wild Animals
"They never learn.' said the green-uninformed pilot, pointing down at the skeletons on the ground below them. 'And they never will learn,' he added and laughed, as though he had somehow scored a personal triumph over the electrocuted animals." (105)
The way that this man responds to the skeletal reamins so far below him shows yet again how the people in the other place show no emotions in the face of death. Also, everything in this savage land disgusts them including the defenceless animals. This electric fence can not be a necessary precaution when no one from the outside world want to break in. Also, the savages do not seem like they would like to get out. It is not needed to electrocute these animals either, as this fence probably would not be low enough for them to jump over. The fence just shows the scientific power that the other place could hold over the savages. However this is unnecessary because, yet again, the savages seem to be happy in their culture. So, just because these savages are labeled by the other place as wild and uncontrollable, there is no reason to contain them with force.
The way that this man responds to the skeletal reamins so far below him shows yet again how the people in the other place show no emotions in the face of death. Also, everything in this savage land disgusts them including the defenceless animals. This electric fence can not be a necessary precaution when no one from the outside world want to break in. Also, the savages do not seem like they would like to get out. It is not needed to electrocute these animals either, as this fence probably would not be low enough for them to jump over. The fence just shows the scientific power that the other place could hold over the savages. However this is unnecessary because, yet again, the savages seem to be happy in their culture. So, just because these savages are labeled by the other place as wild and uncontrollable, there is no reason to contain them with force.
Motif
"'Adults intellectually and during working hours,' he went on. 'Infants where feeling and desire are concerned.'" (94)
Infants or babies come up often in this book to represent the members in society. This is not because they lack intellect, but more because that intellect is not being put to use other than on one honed skill and they are emotionally unresponsive. Like a baby, these people can not understand love, so they can not greive when someone close to them dies. And, they can not experience the success in accomplishing a long sought out goal, because they are completely happy with life as they know it.
So, similar to the way that mothers give babies a bottle when they start to get "fussy", so too do the adults of London receive Soma to calm them down and make all of their thoughts disappear. This creates the care free world that they are so accustomed to living in. Soma insures that these people never have to worry about consequences or survival. Just like the way a mother looks after her baby, so too does society look after its citizens. They will never know trials or tribulations, or joy and accomplishment, because unlike babies, these "bottled" individuals will not grow, but stay in the same position until expired.
Infants or babies come up often in this book to represent the members in society. This is not because they lack intellect, but more because that intellect is not being put to use other than on one honed skill and they are emotionally unresponsive. Like a baby, these people can not understand love, so they can not greive when someone close to them dies. And, they can not experience the success in accomplishing a long sought out goal, because they are completely happy with life as they know it.
So, similar to the way that mothers give babies a bottle when they start to get "fussy", so too do the adults of London receive Soma to calm them down and make all of their thoughts disappear. This creates the care free world that they are so accustomed to living in. Soma insures that these people never have to worry about consequences or survival. Just like the way a mother looks after her baby, so too does society look after its citizens. They will never know trials or tribulations, or joy and accomplishment, because unlike babies, these "bottled" individuals will not grow, but stay in the same position until expired.
Symbol
"'I'd rather be myself,' he said. 'Myself and nasty. Not somebody else, however jolly.'" (89)
Bernard refuses the Soma because he doesn't want to become a mindless pawn living solely to benefit society. Where others valued themselves as tools to help production increase, bernard cares more about himself. So, he chooses to stay in control of his emotions, instead of being controlled by his emotions. This society needs that control over its member to be successful. If the people thought for themselves, even with years of conditioning, they could unravel quickly. One stressful day (or as stressful as this community allows) could uncondition a whole unit of hynopeadia. Soma tears away these complex thoughts that may enter a persons mind, leaving only a pleasurable "holiday" in its place. For example, if some one in society that followed conditioning through out his childhood one day stars to pounder the complexities of parenthood, or what little he knows about the subject, he might question, if only just for a moment, the necessity of breeding seventy-two children at a time. This one thought could possibly lead to other questions on the subject or about history and how the world around him works. These questions would be dangerous for society as whole, and Soma suppresses them. This is because the people of society are conditioned to, instead of thinking through these complexities, forget about them completely and take a vacation from their mind.
Bernard refuses the Soma because he doesn't want to become a mindless pawn living solely to benefit society. Where others valued themselves as tools to help production increase, bernard cares more about himself. So, he chooses to stay in control of his emotions, instead of being controlled by his emotions. This society needs that control over its member to be successful. If the people thought for themselves, even with years of conditioning, they could unravel quickly. One stressful day (or as stressful as this community allows) could uncondition a whole unit of hynopeadia. Soma tears away these complex thoughts that may enter a persons mind, leaving only a pleasurable "holiday" in its place. For example, if some one in society that followed conditioning through out his childhood one day stars to pounder the complexities of parenthood, or what little he knows about the subject, he might question, if only just for a moment, the necessity of breeding seventy-two children at a time. This one thought could possibly lead to other questions on the subject or about history and how the world around him works. These questions would be dangerous for society as whole, and Soma suppresses them. This is because the people of society are conditioned to, instead of thinking through these complexities, forget about them completely and take a vacation from their mind.
Forshaddowing
"'Luckily for him, he's pretty good at his job. Otherwise the director would never have kept him. However' he added consolingly, 'I think he's pretty harmless'" (88)
There were many references to Bernard's job and suggestions that he might not keep it. However there was no mention of what would happen to him if he were to lose his job. These instances were earlier in the book when Barnard's character was being introduced, and Lenina was receiving opinions of this odd man she would be going to the reservation with. Then, the idea became even more plausible when in his confidence, after being warned by the D.H.C. These add drama to the book, hinting at what will happen but leaving the consequences up to interpretation. By not introducing the consequences of being a social outcast, where society was paramount, this adds suspense. The reader creates a far worse scenario than being whisked away to paradise with others who share the same abnormal ideas. This suspense builds up to the inevitable event, and then cools off when the reader finds out what actually happens to Bernard.
There were many references to Bernard's job and suggestions that he might not keep it. However there was no mention of what would happen to him if he were to lose his job. These instances were earlier in the book when Barnard's character was being introduced, and Lenina was receiving opinions of this odd man she would be going to the reservation with. Then, the idea became even more plausible when in his confidence, after being warned by the D.H.C. These add drama to the book, hinting at what will happen but leaving the consequences up to interpretation. By not introducing the consequences of being a social outcast, where society was paramount, this adds suspense. The reader creates a far worse scenario than being whisked away to paradise with others who share the same abnormal ideas. This suspense builds up to the inevitable event, and then cools off when the reader finds out what actually happens to Bernard.
Assembly Line
"'Ford, we are twelve: oh make us one, Like drops within the social river, O, make us now together run As swiftly as thy shining Flivver.'"( 81)
Henry Ford became the God in this new world because in the old terms, religion was inefficient. Worshiping God and Jesus was wishing to be better through faith and hoping that loved ones had a better life as well. This was blind faith with no true understanding, science could not understand God and was therefore left out. But Henry Ford was an actual person that people could be inspired by and look up to. He was not someone that the people need to blindly put there faith into, but efficiently look to for advice about how to preform their specific job better. So, many years before the setting of this story, Henry Ford's message spread. His assembly line transformed into a guideline to live a completely "happy" life. This lead to the bases for a completely "happy" society.
Henry Ford became the God in this new world because in the old terms, religion was inefficient. Worshiping God and Jesus was wishing to be better through faith and hoping that loved ones had a better life as well. This was blind faith with no true understanding, science could not understand God and was therefore left out. But Henry Ford was an actual person that people could be inspired by and look up to. He was not someone that the people need to blindly put there faith into, but efficiently look to for advice about how to preform their specific job better. So, many years before the setting of this story, Henry Ford's message spread. His assembly line transformed into a guideline to live a completely "happy" life. This lead to the bases for a completely "happy" society.
Hubris
"'I'm taking Lenina Crowne to New Mexico with me,' he said in a tone as casual as he could make it." (68)
Bernard Marx had many flaws that made him an unlikely candidate for acceptance into the community. However, he did want to be accepted. This was evident by the jealousy Bernard felt toward Hemholtz and all of the women he could have. He also envied Hemholtz's relationship with John after just a short period of time. So, even though he was clearly different form others in society, he obviously wanted societal approval. Because of this, he felt the need to boast about any socially acceptable feet that he accomplished, mainly to Hemholtz, who really did not care at all. This lead to an inevitable down fall, when he felt the need to upstage Mustapha Mond, by offering advice on ways to change society for the better. By this act of blasphemy, he confirmed his fate in exile and this probably never occurred to Bernard, because he thought he knew better than the world controller.
Bernard Marx had many flaws that made him an unlikely candidate for acceptance into the community. However, he did want to be accepted. This was evident by the jealousy Bernard felt toward Hemholtz and all of the women he could have. He also envied Hemholtz's relationship with John after just a short period of time. So, even though he was clearly different form others in society, he obviously wanted societal approval. Because of this, he felt the need to boast about any socially acceptable feet that he accomplished, mainly to Hemholtz, who really did not care at all. This lead to an inevitable down fall, when he felt the need to upstage Mustapha Mond, by offering advice on ways to change society for the better. By this act of blasphemy, he confirmed his fate in exile and this probably never occurred to Bernard, because he thought he knew better than the world controller.
Rising Action
"What the two men shared was the knowledge that they were individuals." (67)
If it were not for Bernard and Hemholtz feeling as though they were different from society, society would continue on with out question. All of the rest of society blindly follows in line to every rule set in place, so there had to be some problem for the novel to be interesting. This problem came from Bernard and Hemholtz questioning what others would not dare. This created round characters that had the ability to change in the course of the story. The question that comes with this problem lies in the consequences of these blasphemous thoughts. What will happen if they get caught sharing these thoughts? This adds suspense to the story, in addition to a many questions that need to be answered later. This also sets up the trip to Malpais and ultimately the rest of the story.
If it were not for Bernard and Hemholtz feeling as though they were different from society, society would continue on with out question. All of the rest of society blindly follows in line to every rule set in place, so there had to be some problem for the novel to be interesting. This problem came from Bernard and Hemholtz questioning what others would not dare. This created round characters that had the ability to change in the course of the story. The question that comes with this problem lies in the consequences of these blasphemous thoughts. What will happen if they get caught sharing these thoughts? This adds suspense to the story, in addition to a many questions that need to be answered later. This also sets up the trip to Malpais and ultimately the rest of the story.
Transition
"Do ask Henry where got it." "But they used to take morphia and cocaine." "And what makes it worse, she thinks of her self as meat." (53)
This section was confusing at first, as result of the unidentified characters speaking. But, once the reader puts names to the respective voices talking, she discovers that this serves a bigger purpose. The purpose is distinguishing the explanation of society to delving into the thought of those who live in this society. In the beginning of the story Huxley was explaining, with the D.C.H, Henry Foster, and Mustapha Mond spewing facts of society. But, after the tour this changed to introducing Main Characters, and the relationships between them. And, this chapter long transition switches between those two modes very smoothly. This switch begins with hage paragraph alternating between Mustapha Mond outlining a brief history and Lenina in the locker room. Then these paragraphs become smaller and alternate between conversations more frequently until Mustapha Mond's lecture ends and all thats left is interactions between other characters. This affectively changes the story's direction to problems in need of solutions.
This section was confusing at first, as result of the unidentified characters speaking. But, once the reader puts names to the respective voices talking, she discovers that this serves a bigger purpose. The purpose is distinguishing the explanation of society to delving into the thought of those who live in this society. In the beginning of the story Huxley was explaining, with the D.C.H, Henry Foster, and Mustapha Mond spewing facts of society. But, after the tour this changed to introducing Main Characters, and the relationships between them. And, this chapter long transition switches between those two modes very smoothly. This switch begins with hage paragraph alternating between Mustapha Mond outlining a brief history and Lenina in the locker room. Then these paragraphs become smaller and alternate between conversations more frequently until Mustapha Mond's lecture ends and all thats left is interactions between other characters. This affectively changes the story's direction to problems in need of solutions.
Antihero
"He's so ugly" "He's so small." "They say somebody made a mistake when he was still in the bottle- thought he was a Gamma and put alcohol into his blood-surrogate. That's why he's so stunted." (46)
Bernard Marx, being so un-intimidating, was no threat to his co-workers, even though he was wonderful at his job. Being a psychologist though, he dealt with aspects of this controlled culture like others did not have to. He saw the children who were abnormal, and not quite conditioning well. Since he saw what this was doing to them, he most likely was un-conditioned a bit himself. And, this un-conditioning made him socially awkward to the community. This coupled with his size and confidence level isolated him from society. He didn't have the confidence to change the false way he believed society was being run. So, he instead continued the charade, apparently unconvincingly, attending Ford day celebrations with faked ferver thinking that he could fool society.
Bernard Marx, being so un-intimidating, was no threat to his co-workers, even though he was wonderful at his job. Being a psychologist though, he dealt with aspects of this controlled culture like others did not have to. He saw the children who were abnormal, and not quite conditioning well. Since he saw what this was doing to them, he most likely was un-conditioned a bit himself. And, this un-conditioning made him socially awkward to the community. This coupled with his size and confidence level isolated him from society. He didn't have the confidence to change the false way he believed society was being run. So, he instead continued the charade, apparently unconvincingly, attending Ford day celebrations with faked ferver thinking that he could fool society.
Pregnancy Substitue
"'I've bee feeling rather out of sorts lately,' Franny explained, 'Dr. Wells advised me to have a Pregnancy Substitute.'" (38) The Definition of a pregnancy substitute is not clearly defined in the novel. However, Fanny does mention that this procedure happens as a result of fatigue symptoms. This means that it is another quick fix ultimately to better the whole, and spread wellbeing to all. From Fanny's description of her few symptoms, she could have simply been tired. But, since the members of society are unaccustomed to pain of any sort, this uncomfortable feeling had be taken care of. This pain probably had to do with disrupting nature's natural process for a woman. So, a pregnancy substitute would most probably take the place of pregnancy or something similar to pregnancy to maintain her health. This represents the minor procedures to better Fanny's health, so that this problem will not become more serious. The scientists not only vaccinate against known illnesses and keep overall health up, but also treat early. This is how this world can live with out diseases. |
Motivation
"Till at last when the child's mind is these suggestions, and the sum of these suggestions is the child's mind." (28-29)
Hypnopedia is the motivation for the whole society's bliss happiness. All of society lives undoubtedly by these guidelines, but Lenina is the only main character that blindly follows what she was taught in her youth. It is important to show the thought process of a controlled mind to contrast with one who questions society and another who dispels it altogether. Though even she questioned her believes a few times. For example, she only had Henry Foster for an extended period of time. This showed her first abnormal thought against that of society. This lead up to her love for john, which was not really the viviparous love that john wanted her to have. However, it was more than society's idea of having. So, while Lenina does not follow strictly to the thought process of her brainwashed society, when faced with tough decisions, she follows her hypnopedia.
Hypnopedia is the motivation for the whole society's bliss happiness. All of society lives undoubtedly by these guidelines, but Lenina is the only main character that blindly follows what she was taught in her youth. It is important to show the thought process of a controlled mind to contrast with one who questions society and another who dispels it altogether. Though even she questioned her believes a few times. For example, she only had Henry Foster for an extended period of time. This showed her first abnormal thought against that of society. This lead up to her love for john, which was not really the viviparous love that john wanted her to have. However, it was more than society's idea of having. So, while Lenina does not follow strictly to the thought process of her brainwashed society, when faced with tough decisions, she follows her hypnopedia.
Introducing Control
"'Bokanovsky's process is one of the major instruments of social stability!'" (7)
Clearly at the beginning of the novel, Huxley needs the reader to understand the inner workings of the Boskanovsky process along with hyponpeadia as a base to understand the rest of the book. So, when ever the issue of control would come up in the future, the reader will know why these people are so blissfully "happy". This introduces the society's dependence on social stability, and how it is of the utmost importance to the leaders. Depending on strong social stability also explains the cultural elements in London. For instance, Soma controls the unexpected, Electric Golf controls amusement, and Feelies control the little emotion that remains in the people of society. So, the conditioning process is important in producing "happy", efficient human beings. However, this process does not stop when a boskanovsky group "grows up", because the leaders can not just lose that control. So, while they do not undergo hypnopeadia any longer, society still controls them by the activities they partake in.
Clearly at the beginning of the novel, Huxley needs the reader to understand the inner workings of the Boskanovsky process along with hyponpeadia as a base to understand the rest of the book. So, when ever the issue of control would come up in the future, the reader will know why these people are so blissfully "happy". This introduces the society's dependence on social stability, and how it is of the utmost importance to the leaders. Depending on strong social stability also explains the cultural elements in London. For instance, Soma controls the unexpected, Electric Golf controls amusement, and Feelies control the little emotion that remains in the people of society. So, the conditioning process is important in producing "happy", efficient human beings. However, this process does not stop when a boskanovsky group "grows up", because the leaders can not just lose that control. So, while they do not undergo hypnopeadia any longer, society still controls them by the activities they partake in.
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