Brave New World

By: Aldous Huxley “How beauteous mankind is! O, brave new

world that has such people in ’t” (The Tempest V.I.217-8)

Huxley’s life

Born July 26, 1894 in Surrey, England Mother comes from a family of poets Father is the son of Thomas Huxley,

who is known for his work in biology and with Darwinian techniques.

Other influences

Great educationStudied English literature and philosophy

– degree in 1915Wanted to become a doctor before blind

His blindness made him stronger Wanted to understand not just actLook for the references in the novel to

being “blind” both figuratively and literally

More life

Wrote satirical pieces about the British upper class, but they only just complained

Also write poems and essays 1921-1928- Wrote four novels 1932- Published Brave New World

End of Life

1937- Moved to California Escape the European potential of war

Early 40s Started to experiment with hallucinogenic drugs

like LSD and mescaline. Also interested in hypnotism

Died November 22, 1963 in Los Angeles

Ok…Brave New World

After1921-1928 (original four novels written)- became interested in writing about ethical and philosophical subjectsVery interested in in the conflict between

the interests of the individual and societyEspecially interested in how one finds

himself/herself within a social society

Thus, Brave New World was born

Born with the context of a futuristic world where free will and individuality have been sacrificed in order to achieve COMPLETE social stability

It is his attempt to make man realize that since knowledge is power, he who controls and uses knowledge wields the power. Science and technology should be the servants of man – man should not be adapted and enslaved to them.

BNW is Huxley’s warning

Literary Devices

Look for:Animal ImagerySymbolismAllusionToneFoilPoint of ViewTheme

Genre: Utopia or Dystopia?

Utopia - A place, state or condition that is ideally perfect in respect of politics, laws, customs and conditions.

Dystopia –A futuristic, imagined universe in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through corporate, bureaucratic, technological, moral, or totalitarian control. Dystopias, through an exaggerated worst-case scenario, make a criticism about a current trend, societal norm, or political system.

Characteristics of a Dystopian Society

Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society.

Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted.

A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society.

Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance.

Characteristics Continued

Citizens have a fear of the outside world. Citizens live in a dehumanized state. The natural world is banished and

distrusted. Citizens conform to uniform expectations.

Individuality and dissent are bad. The society is an illusion of a perfect

utopian world.

Types of Dystopian Controls

Most dystopian works present a world in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through one or more of the following types of controls:

Corporate control: One or more large corporations control society through products, advertising, and/or the media.

Bureaucratic control: Society is controlled by a mindless bureaucracy through a tangle of red tape, relentless regulations, and incompetent government officials.

Types continued…

Technological control: Society is controlled by technology—through computers, robots, and/or scientific means.

Philosophical/religious control: Society is controlled by philosophical or religious ideology often enforced through a dictatorship or theocratic government.

Dystopian protagonist:

often feels trapped and is struggling to escape.

questions the existing social and political systems.

believes or feels that something is terribly wrong

with his/her society.

helps the audience recognizes the negative aspects of the dystopian world through his or her perspective.