" 'O brave new world, O brave new world...' In his mind the singing words seemed to change their tone. They had mocked him through his misery and remorse, mocked him with how hideous a note of cynical derision! Fiendishly laughing, they had insisted on the low squalor, the nauseous ugliness of the nightmare. Now, suddenly, the trumpeted a call to arms. "O brave new world!" Miranda was proclaiming the possibility of loveliness, the possibility of transforming even the nightmare into something fine and noble. "O brave new world!" It was a challenge, a command. "
~ Brave New World, page 210
We have finally reached a climax! As John walks out of the hospital, he sees the soma distribution and becomes absolutely furious - and he starts preaching to a large group of Deltas. All of the spectators watch in horror, but I was just happy someone was finally doing something. It felt like a defining moment/ breaking point in the book, and I was glad to see some action. His passion for the freedom he was talking about was so refreshing after seeing everyone else, the people who only work and play golf. I also liked seeing a member born in the society rebelling against it with John. It wasn't just someone with heretical ideas who was too afraid to say anything or make a scene. The emotion was raw and intense and passionate; so far, most of the book (and anything/anyone in the Society) had been lacking that.
Showing posts with label John. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John. Show all posts
Thursday, July 7, 2011
A Trip to the Zoo (Chapter 11/ Pages 153-171)
"It was John, then, they were all after."
~ Brave New World, page 156
In the novel, John is often called a Savage because of his previous life on the Indian Reservation. Everyone wants to see him, to observe his odd behavior and hear his blasphemous ideas. It's funny that they all call him a savage, as they would an animal, because they all treat him like an animal; he might as well be the zoo's new exhibit. And Bernard knows that he holds the key to that exhibit, so he uses John to gain social status.
However, it's also rather funny that they would be treating him like the animal. In a way, he is much more civilized than they are. John can utilize his human quality of restraint and self-denial, unlike the citizens who have been taught to act on instinct, impulse, and immediate gratification. So now who is the real animal?
~ Brave New World, page 156
In the novel, John is often called a Savage because of his previous life on the Indian Reservation. Everyone wants to see him, to observe his odd behavior and hear his blasphemous ideas. It's funny that they all call him a savage, as they would an animal, because they all treat him like an animal; he might as well be the zoo's new exhibit. And Bernard knows that he holds the key to that exhibit, so he uses John to gain social status. However, it's also rather funny that they would be treating him like the animal. In a way, he is much more civilized than they are. John can utilize his human quality of restraint and self-denial, unlike the citizens who have been taught to act on instinct, impulse, and immediate gratification. So now who is the real animal?
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.
~ 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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