Imperfectly Beautiful (Chapter 18/ Pages 241-259)

"Slowly, very slowly, like two unhurried compass needles, the feet turned towards the right; north, north-east, east, south-east, south, south-west; then paused, and, after a few seconds, turned as unhurriedly back towards the left. South-south-west, south, south-east, east..."

~ Brave New World, page 259

My overall experience with this book was very positive; although it was frustrating at times, the novel was exciting and different. It was really hard to believe that this was written in the 1930's though, because the detail of genetic engineering is so ahead of its time - even if an author were to write it today.

As for the last chapter, I found it kind of heartbreaking. John, who had the right ideas about life, who had so much passion and faith, was only trying to escape the madness. However, the chaos followed him into his solitude and completely wrecked it - and I think for the last days of his life, he was tortured by the people and their lifestyle. But, in the end, he did escape; I just wish it hadn't happened like it did. It was surprising that someone who was so religious would commit suicide. I know he wasn't provided any guidelines that told him it was immoral, but he seemed to be the type of person who did everything the hard way only to strengthen himself. But maybe there was only one way for him in the end.

And now, we come to a close with Brave New World. This book has taught me the dangers of complete stability. It is wrong to live life numbly and safely, because nothing can be experienced or learned or felt. Everything the citizens enjoyed was fake - it was a lie, and the only reason it felt good was because it temporarily put aside their problems. A perfect life, ironically, isn't perfect. It's full of excitement, passion, breakdowns, obstacles, wins, losses, challenges, expression, and joy. The book has once again left me with the same question I had when I started reading - is perfection worth the loss of what makes life truly beautiful?