"My father! The laughter , which had shown signs of dying away, broke out again more loudly than ever. He put his hands over his ears and rushed out of the room." p. 152
As a fan of The Office, I imagine this scene as Bernard standing in the room with D.H.C and saying to the Director, "You have a savage child, boom roasted." Instead, he decides to draw the process out a little bit to make it all the more painful and embarrassing for Tomakin. I think this shows in some ways that Bernard is a flawed protagonist and is human. Throughout the book, some negative aspects of Bernard are revealed. In the society, he is short in stature and socially out cast because of it. He lacks courage, shows some arrogance, and is bloodthirsty. After all the advances in the technology and the genetical engineering, these people are still....people. Bernard has a thirst for revenge and wants to humiliate Tomakin for attempting to isolate him.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Creep (imagery)
"There, on a low bed, the sheet flung back, dressed in a pair of pink one-piece zippyjamas, lay Lenina, fast asleep and so beautiful in the midst of her curls, so touchingly childish with her pink toes and her grave sleeping face, so trustful in the helplessness of her limp hands and melted limbs, that the tears came to his eyes." p. 141
When describing Lenina sleeping, I think Huxley wants to portray her as an innocent child. Obviously using words like "childish" and "fast asleep" depict a young little girl sleeping. I don't really understand why Huxley would want to portray her as a child. This might be due possibly to that fact that John is preying on her in this scene. John has read a little too much Shakespeare and is a bit idealistic in thinking Lenina is his Juliet. Looking at the situation I can kind of see the comparison between Romeo and Juliet and John and Lenina. Both literally come from different worlds, but other than that, I don't really see the comparison.
When describing Lenina sleeping, I think Huxley wants to portray her as an innocent child. Obviously using words like "childish" and "fast asleep" depict a young little girl sleeping. I don't really understand why Huxley would want to portray her as a child. This might be due possibly to that fact that John is preying on her in this scene. John has read a little too much Shakespeare and is a bit idealistic in thinking Lenina is his Juliet. Looking at the situation I can kind of see the comparison between Romeo and Juliet and John and Lenina. Both literally come from different worlds, but other than that, I don't really see the comparison.
Shakespeare...eww (allusion)
"'O brave new world," he repeated. 'O brave new world that has such people in it. Let's start at once.'" p.139
Knew I had heard it before but had to google it. After looking it up, I was reminded of last year and reading The Tempest. O how doth I hate Shakespearean language. John speaks in Old English after being given a book from Pope'. I think Huxley is trying to give a shoutout to, I would think, one of his idols in Shakespeare. His admiration for the fellow Brit is shown in how often he quotes him (even in the title) and how Shakespeare is one of the only aspects of our world to have stood the test of time to in this futuristic utopia. With John and Linda moving to the brave new world, new conflicts and subplots are bound to arise. It will be interesting to see how the are accepted and how they adapt to a different world. Although Linda was born there, I'm sure much has changed she has last been there.
Knew I had heard it before but had to google it. After looking it up, I was reminded of last year and reading The Tempest. O how doth I hate Shakespearean language. John speaks in Old English after being given a book from Pope'. I think Huxley is trying to give a shoutout to, I would think, one of his idols in Shakespeare. His admiration for the fellow Brit is shown in how often he quotes him (even in the title) and how Shakespeare is one of the only aspects of our world to have stood the test of time to in this futuristic utopia. With John and Linda moving to the brave new world, new conflicts and subplots are bound to arise. It will be interesting to see how the are accepted and how they adapt to a different world. Although Linda was born there, I'm sure much has changed she has last been there.
Baby Mamma Drama (rising action)
"His name was Tomakin. (Yes, 'Thomas' was the D.H.C's first name.) He must have flown away without her-a bad, unkind, unnatural man." p. 118
Although I touched on this subject in my last entry, I would like to address development as whole in a separate post. Whenever a new character is introduced, the reader can usually tell whether he/she will be significant or just another passerby. With the news that John is son of the Director, most people would be able to easily see his significance. John could be a new wrinkle into the story or completely take over the plot. Not only was John revealed but Linda tells the real story behind her disappearance. Also, Linda tells of her great dissatisfaction with the Indians and their savage ways. She tries to shelter her son from the madness but she hardly can because he doesn't know how "civilized" people work. With her story, we too see Thomas the Director as a heartless and harsh man.
Comparison...again (simile)
"The mesa was like a ship becalmed in a strait of lion-coloured dust....the tall houses rose like stepped and amputated pyramids into the blue sky." p. 107
I have noticed throughout this novel that Huxley, like many great authors, draws comparisons that develop images that are extremely vivid and far from normal. In describing the Reservations, Huxley is trying to parallel the Ford World and the Reservations. Within this parallel, Huxley is able to contrast and show how far the two are apart. Calling the houses "amputated pyramids" and a "straggle of low buildings" employs a thought of a broken world in shambles. Maybe, in a way, Huxley is trying to say that, although very different, these two far-apart worlds are both in imperfect and fractured. Individuals must be sacrificed in both worlds for the better society. Later in this chapter, Huxley links the worlds in revealing the secret of John. In Bernard discovering who John and Linda are, he might be able to gain leverage on the Director to blackmail him into letting him stay.
I have noticed throughout this novel that Huxley, like many great authors, draws comparisons that develop images that are extremely vivid and far from normal. In describing the Reservations, Huxley is trying to parallel the Ford World and the Reservations. Within this parallel, Huxley is able to contrast and show how far the two are apart. Calling the houses "amputated pyramids" and a "straggle of low buildings" employs a thought of a broken world in shambles. Maybe, in a way, Huxley is trying to say that, although very different, these two far-apart worlds are both in imperfect and fractured. Individuals must be sacrificed in both worlds for the better society. Later in this chapter, Huxley links the worlds in revealing the secret of John. In Bernard discovering who John and Linda are, he might be able to gain leverage on the Director to blackmail him into letting him stay.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
That'll teach him (irony)
"'That'll teach him,' he said to himself. But he was mistaken. For Bernard left the room with a swagger,...elated by the intoxicating consciousness of his individual significance and importance." p. 98
I seem to feel like this is not the first time someone in authority says or does something to scare or warn someone and the person brushes it off or even, in this case, takes it as compliment. After dragging on about a personal tale to warn Bernard about the savages and New Mexico, the Director gets to his point about Bernard. He feels that Bernard is not living up to the standards of an Alpha-plus socially and he's had enough. But, his threat to send Bernard to Iceland doesn't really hit Bernard as hard as he expects if at all. Like any revolutionary, Bernard takes ignores the threat. Many times people have said to me "One more time, and...". Some I have heeded, others I have ignored. This was definitely a threat Bernard should have taken to heart.
I seem to feel like this is not the first time someone in authority says or does something to scare or warn someone and the person brushes it off or even, in this case, takes it as compliment. After dragging on about a personal tale to warn Bernard about the savages and New Mexico, the Director gets to his point about Bernard. He feels that Bernard is not living up to the standards of an Alpha-plus socially and he's had enough. But, his threat to send Bernard to Iceland doesn't really hit Bernard as hard as he expects if at all. Like any revolutionary, Bernard takes ignores the threat. Many times people have said to me "One more time, and...". Some I have heeded, others I have ignored. This was definitely a threat Bernard should have taken to heart.
I've heard men called many things but....(metaphor)
"Some men are almost rhinoceroses; they don't respond properly to conditioning." p. 90
A little confused by this metaphor in that I have never tried nor heard of anyone trying to train a rhinoceros. I think this might be Huxley's attempt to avoid the ol' chiche: "Stubborn as a mule." Now that, I can relate to as I, and many men have been called mules. "Maybe we should ask for directions?" "No, I know exactly where we are." "Really? Then why has this 2 hour trip been turned into a 4 hour trip?" But, in general, I think this metaphor serves to point to an event later in the chapter hearing that he would be sent to Iceland. The metaphor explains why in that Bernard is an individual in a society that doesn't accept diversity. He thwarts normal social behavior and is considered "odd" and therefore deemed a threat to the perfect society so he must be isolated. A bit harsh, I think.
A little confused by this metaphor in that I have never tried nor heard of anyone trying to train a rhinoceros. I think this might be Huxley's attempt to avoid the ol' chiche: "Stubborn as a mule." Now that, I can relate to as I, and many men have been called mules. "Maybe we should ask for directions?" "No, I know exactly where we are." "Really? Then why has this 2 hour trip been turned into a 4 hour trip?" But, in general, I think this metaphor serves to point to an event later in the chapter hearing that he would be sent to Iceland. The metaphor explains why in that Bernard is an individual in a society that doesn't accept diversity. He thwarts normal social behavior and is considered "odd" and therefore deemed a threat to the perfect society so he must be isolated. A bit harsh, I think.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Ford Almighty! (allegory)
"Thank Ford! he was not the last." p. 79
Why would Bernard think to himself "Thank Henry Ford I am no the last on in Room 3210." At first, this made me think and then I made the connection: Ford is a symbolic god to these people. He is the supreme being who set the prime example of society. He was the first to come up with assembly line and mass produce cars. So, these people, who have come to mass produce and streamline people, look to Ford as the greatest. From the time, After Ford instead of Anno Domini (year of our Lord), to common expressions, Henry Ford has replaced God. Since, he started everything, he is God. Not just another god, but he IS God.
Why would Bernard think to himself "Thank Henry Ford I am no the last on in Room 3210." At first, this made me think and then I made the connection: Ford is a symbolic god to these people. He is the supreme being who set the prime example of society. He was the first to come up with assembly line and mass produce cars. So, these people, who have come to mass produce and streamline people, look to Ford as the greatest. From the time, After Ford instead of Anno Domini (year of our Lord), to common expressions, Henry Ford has replaced God. Since, he started everything, he is God. Not just another god, but he IS God.
Reveal of a trait; characterization
"But queer that Alphas and Betas won;t make any more plants grow than those nasty little Gammas and Deltas and Epsilons down there." p. 74
Throughout most stories, characters physical appearances are revealed early in the stories in lengthy and detailed description. But, the true character is usually leaked through a slowly in each chapter and one is revealed right here. Lenina shows that she is real shallow and mean in a way. This quote explains that she thinks and knows she is superior (I know, I know, she really is superior). But, she isn't humble and accepting of Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons; rather, she needs some reasoning and reminder that everyone serves a purpose. This feeling of superiority may lead to some animosity or hatred of those who aren't as great as here. In relation to society, there's definitely people who are rich and powerful who think they don't need the others and have to sometimes be brought back to earth my others.
Throughout most stories, characters physical appearances are revealed early in the stories in lengthy and detailed description. But, the true character is usually leaked through a slowly in each chapter and one is revealed right here. Lenina shows that she is real shallow and mean in a way. This quote explains that she thinks and knows she is superior (I know, I know, she really is superior). But, she isn't humble and accepting of Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons; rather, she needs some reasoning and reminder that everyone serves a purpose. This feeling of superiority may lead to some animosity or hatred of those who aren't as great as here. In relation to society, there's definitely people who are rich and powerful who think they don't need the others and have to sometimes be brought back to earth my others.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Perfect, right?
"'What do I care about his reputation?'
'They say he doesn't like Obstacle Golf.'
'They say, they say,' mocked Lenina." p. 45
In this perfect world, people aren't really happy. The theory behind this world is that people will be content in what they are and won't know any different. Basically, the old saying, ignorance is bliss. Bernard and his friend Helmholtz Watson are at the highest level of the class system; they are Alpha Pluses. Although they are at the highest level, they are unhappy. This parallels society today because there are people who have all the fortune and fame in the world and are still unhappy. Human are humans no matter what happens to them; they all still need love and affection.
'They say he doesn't like Obstacle Golf.'
'They say, they say,' mocked Lenina." p. 45
In this perfect world, people aren't really happy. The theory behind this world is that people will be content in what they are and won't know any different. Basically, the old saying, ignorance is bliss. Bernard and his friend Helmholtz Watson are at the highest level of the class system; they are Alpha Pluses. Although they are at the highest level, they are unhappy. This parallels society today because there are people who have all the fortune and fame in the world and are still unhappy. Human are humans no matter what happens to them; they all still need love and affection.
Paradox
"Outside, in the garden, it was playtime. Naked in the warm June sunshine, six or seven hundred little boys and girls were running with shrill yells over the lawns, or playing ball games, or squatting silently in twos and threes among the flowering shrubs." p. 30
The reason this picture and description is paradoxical is due to the time of the story. The setting of the story is hundred of years into the future. But, isn't that a little odd in that this is similar to the beginning of time in the Bible? Well, except for the fact with hundreds of children. Adam and Eve were naked in the garden when they had no shame that they were naked. So, maybe, the author wants me to believe that this is the beginning of a new world in a way. These children have been brainwashed or are ignorant to the fact they are naked in the same way that Adam and Eve were. In the beginning chapters, it is evident that these people believe they are God in the way they can create people. This must be another parallel to God and their belief that they are the ultimate creator. Also, maybe these people think they're greater than God in saying they can keep hundreds in the dark.
The reason this picture and description is paradoxical is due to the time of the story. The setting of the story is hundred of years into the future. But, isn't that a little odd in that this is similar to the beginning of time in the Bible? Well, except for the fact with hundreds of children. Adam and Eve were naked in the garden when they had no shame that they were naked. So, maybe, the author wants me to believe that this is the beginning of a new world in a way. These children have been brainwashed or are ignorant to the fact they are naked in the same way that Adam and Eve were. In the beginning chapters, it is evident that these people believe they are God in the way they can create people. This must be another parallel to God and their belief that they are the ultimate creator. Also, maybe these people think they're greater than God in saying they can keep hundreds in the dark.
Anecdote
"There was an uneasy silence. Several of the boys blushed. They had not yet learned to draw significant but often very fine distinction between smut and pure science." p.23
The anecdote of the Polish Reuben and his parents is real interesting not just in the story itself but the confusion that ensues. The discovery of the sleep learning is astonishing and the director explains its use in the factory. But the real interesting part comes in the explanation of what a "parent" was. The director asks the question no one wanted to answer about what "parents" and the brave boy explains how life was before the factory. I think the purpose of this story and discussion that ensues is to set the attitude and "wierdness", I guess, of having parents.The story interests me in that there are something that happened in the past that we don't quite grasp today. Although not nearly as awkward as the topic in the book, I don' t really get how my parents and grandparents every lived without a cell phone or the internet. What did they do for entertainment besides reality TV and video games? Read books? That must have been terrible.
The anecdote of the Polish Reuben and his parents is real interesting not just in the story itself but the confusion that ensues. The discovery of the sleep learning is astonishing and the director explains its use in the factory. But the real interesting part comes in the explanation of what a "parent" was. The director asks the question no one wanted to answer about what "parents" and the brave boy explains how life was before the factory. I think the purpose of this story and discussion that ensues is to set the attitude and "wierdness", I guess, of having parents.The story interests me in that there are something that happened in the past that we don't quite grasp today. Although not nearly as awkward as the topic in the book, I don' t really get how my parents and grandparents every lived without a cell phone or the internet. What did they do for entertainment besides reality TV and video games? Read books? That must have been terrible.
Good idea, just used the wrong way
"They'll be safe from books and botany all their lives." p. 22
The story of Reuben and the discovery of teaching someone in the their sleep sounds amazing a possibly useful in society. It could be used to teach math or chemical equations that could lead to greater things. Also, it could be used to teach love of all people and compassion to those less fortunate. But in this factory, they sleep teach terrible things. In this society they pigeon hole people which is unfair and unjustified. For economic and financial reasons, they subliminally teach the infants what to like and what not to like. To keep society in order and perfect, they keep the Gammas,Deltas and Epsilons down and tell the Alphas and Betas to aspire. This part invokes a feeling of anger for me and most people I think because not everyone that has the talent to be great is great and there are some born with lesser talent that can dream, work, and aspire to become great.
The story of Reuben and the discovery of teaching someone in the their sleep sounds amazing a possibly useful in society. It could be used to teach math or chemical equations that could lead to greater things. Also, it could be used to teach love of all people and compassion to those less fortunate. But in this factory, they sleep teach terrible things. In this society they pigeon hole people which is unfair and unjustified. For economic and financial reasons, they subliminally teach the infants what to like and what not to like. To keep society in order and perfect, they keep the Gammas,Deltas and Epsilons down and tell the Alphas and Betas to aspire. This part invokes a feeling of anger for me and most people I think because not everyone that has the talent to be great is great and there are some born with lesser talent that can dream, work, and aspire to become great.
Diction hints at perscpective
"The first batch of two hundred and fifty embryonic rocket-plane engineers was just passing the eleven hundred metre mark on Rack 3." p.17
Throughout the 1st chapter, the choice of words is clear. Business, science, and other professional terms are used in many ways to convey a purpose. The purpose of words like "batches", "corpus luteum", and "intellectual embryos" is to dehumanize. The dehumanizing dictions hints at the people's lack of respect for life and natural creation and shows arrogance in that they can now do anything, including create humans. These people are simply viewed as embryos and individuals used to do fill a role in a social structure. A word like "batch" distances the reader from the fact the factory is producing a group of people and not a bunch of cupcakes. They "condition" the people for harsh climates with immunizations as if they are engineered livestock or plants. When talking about the levels of oxygen, the director says that a difference can lead to a dwarf or an "eyeless monster" at which point they are worthless. What do they do at that point just throw them out?
Throughout the 1st chapter, the choice of words is clear. Business, science, and other professional terms are used in many ways to convey a purpose. The purpose of words like "batches", "corpus luteum", and "intellectual embryos" is to dehumanize. The dehumanizing dictions hints at the people's lack of respect for life and natural creation and shows arrogance in that they can now do anything, including create humans. These people are simply viewed as embryos and individuals used to do fill a role in a social structure. A word like "batch" distances the reader from the fact the factory is producing a group of people and not a bunch of cupcakes. They "condition" the people for harsh climates with immunizations as if they are engineered livestock or plants. When talking about the levels of oxygen, the director says that a difference can lead to a dwarf or an "eyeless monster" at which point they are worthless. What do they do at that point just throw them out?
Odd but possible...
"Standard men and women; in uniformed batches. The whole of a small factory staffed with the products of a single bokanovskified egg." p.7
The opening chapter can be described only mildly described as a little troubling. A factory of humans? That seems really crazy and yet, possible. As weird as it might seem, this factory could become a reality. Maybe not to this extreme, but with people being forced into specialization and ever-increasingly scary science in which we sometimes play as the Creator, this type of cloning and factory-like birth process could become reality. This kind of reminds of a movie I saw in Biology freshman year called Gattaca, where, in the movie, humans are genetically engineered. In the movie, the main character is not genetically engineered and buys the identity of an engineered human to live his dream of becoming an astronaut. Although the idea of "perfect humans equaling a perfect society" may seem like eutopiast, it can open up a Pandora's box.
The opening chapter can be described only mildly described as a little troubling. A factory of humans? That seems really crazy and yet, possible. As weird as it might seem, this factory could become a reality. Maybe not to this extreme, but with people being forced into specialization and ever-increasingly scary science in which we sometimes play as the Creator, this type of cloning and factory-like birth process could become reality. This kind of reminds of a movie I saw in Biology freshman year called Gattaca, where, in the movie, humans are genetically engineered. In the movie, the main character is not genetically engineered and buys the identity of an engineered human to live his dream of becoming an astronaut. Although the idea of "perfect humans equaling a perfect society" may seem like eutopiast, it can open up a Pandora's box.
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