Thursday, July 7, 2011

Heaven on Earth/ Imagery (Chapter 9/ Pages 140-145)

"Opening a box, he spilt a cloud of scented powder. His hands were floury with the stuff. He wiped them on his chest, on his shoulders, on his bare arms. Delicious perfume! He shut his eyes; he rubbed his cheek against his own powdered arm. Touch of smooth skin against his face, scent in his nostrils of musky dust - her real presence. "Lenina," he whispered. "Lenina!" "

~ Brave New World, page 143

When John breaks into the rest-house, he explores through Lenina's belongings. The imagery used reveals John's curious, and even child-like, nature and desire to learn about this "brave new world." When he is watching Lenina sleep, it gives her an angelic quality by beauty and youth. It shows how much John feels for Lenina. First, he expresses how beautiful he thinks she is, and how fragile she looks. Then, he quotes Shakespeare, the man who wrote brilliant, touching love stories. Lastly, he expresses his desire to simply touch her, but considering himself unworthy, he denies himself. The awe-struck mood created by the imagery makes Lenina seem as if she is a perfect, godly creature.

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