BRAVE NEW WORLD

Do-Now Journal Prompts

Major Themes: The use of technology to control society The flaws of a consumer society The conflict of happiness vs.

truth/reality The impact of “numbing” pain/emotions The dangers of an all-powerful State The conflict between community and

freedom Free love vs. monogamy The impact of science and technology

Huxley’s Warnings: 1. The dangers of egotism 2. The destruction brought about by over-

consumption and materialism 3. The dangers of avoiding pain/strife and

numbing the pain with medicine/drugs 4. The destructive nature of

hedonism/seeking pleasure 5. Technology’s destructive force on society,

human intelligence, and productivity 6. Destruction of values/morals in society 7. Technology & over-exposure from the

media leading to a “trivialized” society

Pre-Reading Do-Now: 1. Define “Utopia”: a perfect

society/world where there are no problems. It is a place of ideal perfection especially in laws, government, and social conditions.

2. Describe your version of an ideal life. Where would it be? What would people be allowed to do? What would people have to do on a daily basis? Would they have any limitations? Explain your PERFECT WORLD.

3. Now come back to reality. Why wouldn’t this “utopia” work realistically? What are some of its flaws?

SSR: “Brave New World Was a Timely Warning”

1. Read the article on Huxley’s Warning.

2. Annotate: Record your observations/feelings about Huxley’s message/warning. What strikes you as the most interesting component of Huxley’s dystopian society?

3. Which “warning” do you think is the most relevant in our society today?

4. How does Huxley’s Brave New World differ from Orwell’s 1984?

John Watson’s “Little Albert

Experiment”: Classical Conditioning Psych. Explanation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGU0IYDlwn0

Experiment Footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMnhyGozLyE

Big Bang Theory: Operant Conditioning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt4N9

GSBoMI

Pair-Share: Ch. 1-2 1. How does the “Little Albert Experiment relate

to the conditioning we saw in Ch. 2 of BNW? (Explain the process, purpose, and outcome of both experiments)

2. Do you think that methods such as sleep conditioning and behavioral conditioning (e.g. pairing electric shocks with flowers) are effective? Are they ethical/moral? Give reasons for your opinion.

3. In what ways are we being “trained” or “conditioned” by the media in our society today? Give some examples and explain the repercussions.

Opinionaire: Agree/Disagree In pairs, discuss your opinions about the

topics that you are most passionate about. Notice the varying opinions in your group as each group member gives reasons behind their beliefs.

Decide whether you still Agree or Disagree after hearing your group members’ opinions.

Choose your favorite topic to discuss/share your opinions about with the class, using a variety of examples and personal opinions from your group discussion.

Sexualization of Young People

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_bIdTug878- Toddlers in Tiaras strippers vegas 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQA8aCe9WMQ 

- Really good documentary 

Huxley’s Terms: Ch. 3 1. Viviparous: Creatures that give birth the

natural way 2. Feelies: Movies that allow you to experience

the sensations as seen in the film 3. Pneumatic: Full of air; empty;

curvacious/buxom Lenina is commonly described as “pneumatic”

4. Melthusian Belt: A contraceptive belt worn by women who are not sterile “freemartins”

5. Pregnancy Substitute: Pills that mimic the hormonal effects of being pregnant to “stabilize” one’s emotions/hormones

6: Freemartin: Females that are sterile/unable to get pregnant

Why BNW Has Fresh Significance in the Modern

Day 1. Make a list of the examples in the article that compare our society to that of BNW in terms of

a. Consumerism/materialism b. Personal privacy c. Dating/Relationships

2. Which example do you feel the most strongly about? Explain your reaction and opinions.

3. Which one of Huxley’s “warnings” about society as seen in the novel is the most REAL today? Explain.

Journal: Do you think that America is over-sexualizing the youth (kids/ teens) of this country with exposure in the media, racy content of TV shows, movies, advertisements, etc? Explain your beliefs. If you answered yes, do you think this is necessarily a bad thing, or is it just a fact of life that doesn’t affect the youth in our society?

Over-Sexualization of Children 1. As you read, underline the

images that have the most shock value.

2. Can you think of any other examples of over-sexualization of young people in real life that relate to the content in this article? (Can be from advertisements, TV shows, movies, real life scenarios, etc.

Video: Over-Sexualization of Children

Children: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWLdSwO_cwo

Teens: CNN http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj

AqmY2q8cs

***Too Sexy Too Soon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVsS9Sxoo4U

Conditioned by Social Media 1. Science behind social media addiction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HffWFd_6bJ0 2. Social conditioning of teens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPEQNLWptf8 3. Social Conditioning in BNW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AlqHkOH6WM 4. Conditioning: BNW Student Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuRY8NkMfjg *5. Social Conditioning Video- 2 min https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sXgTzSFob4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_j2_34N6Ds

Do-Now: Ch. 5 & 6 Bernard & the “Solidarity

Service” 1. Reread p. 86 (Ch. 5). How does

Bernard feel by the end of the solidarity service in comparison to the other characters? Be specific.

2. Have you ever felt alone even in a group of people? Have you ever felt like you just couldn’t conform to society or to your peers? Write about a time that you could relate to Bernard in this respect.

Alcohol Targeting Young Audience:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hpBcliEZMQ

Are these commercials conditioning the youth of America?

1. What images, subliminal messages, or objects did you notice in these commercials?

2. What message is brought to light through these objects and images?

3. How might they influence a young person?

Beauty Commercial- Men Wearing Makeup

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wMEbyzxNHI

“Sexualization of Girls” Article

1. What are some ways that we are being conditioned by society according to this article? Explain. Put a star by several examples to use proof from the text.

2. Find TWO lines from the article that relate to Lenina’s character and circle them. Explain both examples briefly in your notebooks.

3. What happens to a person when they start to see themselves as an “object” (self-objectification)

Ch. 9 & 10 Analysis 1. Avoidance: Lenina takes a "soma holiday" to

escape her uncomfortable feelings and the awkwardness of the savage reservation. Her repulsion of the savages pushed her to this point

2. Revenge: p. 142 - Bernard plans on teaching the Director a

lesson - Bernard uses Mustafa Mond to gain

permission to bring John home to the World State - He humiliates the DHC in front of the

workers at the Hatchery

Ch. 9 & 10 Analysis 3. Non-Conformity: p. 148-149

- The DHC has fathered a child (John) - This goes against the conditioning and values of

society - The Director warns others about Bernard's

"unorthodoxy"- his rejection of their ideals like Ford, promiscuity, etc.

- Bernard stands up for his rights and becomes self-righteous in front of the DHC

4. Passion: p. 143-145 - John falls madly in love (lust) with Lenina - Quotes Romeo and Juliet (is overwhelmed by Lenina's

beauty) - Breathes in her scent, her perfume, her suitcase, etc. - He feels guilty for lusting after her and feels like his

behavior was inappropriate

Ch. 9-10 Analysis continued…

5. Fear of Aging: p. 150 - Society is frightened by Linda's

appearance - Thomas, the DHC is humiliated

to be associated with Linda - People scream and cry when

they see Linda

Is our Society Fixated on Youth and Anti-Aging?

1. Make a list of words (stream of consciousness) that come to mind when you hear the word “AGE” or “AGING”

2. Does “Aging” have a positive or a negative connotation in your opinion? Explain why you think of “aging” as positive and/or negative.

3. Why do you think society prefers youth over old age? Explain.

Why are we afraid of getting older? Speech

Video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6zenOjPC1

A

Video 2: Soap box https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfBzDO-B1

QU

1. Make a list of facts/stats/main ideas that stand out at you from the speech.

2. What is her main argument? 3. How does she succeed in getting her

message across?

Ch. 11 Pair-Share: Find THREE examples that demonstrate

the following topic that you and your partner were assigned. Write in ONE person’s journal and be prepared to share with the class.

1. Linda’s Soma addiction: p. 153-155 2. Bernard’s attitude change: p. 156-

157 3. John vs. World State’s Values and

Morals: (p. 154; 158; 160; 162; 170) 4. Lenina’s Self-Worth, Morals, and Low

Self-Esteem: p. 170-171

BNW: Ch. 11 Themes/Analysis 1. Linda’s Soma addiction: p. 153-155 No one wants to see Linda, and

Linda doesn’t want to be seen, so she goes on a 20 gramme a day “soma holiday”

Doctor supports it because at least she’s at peace

Linda’s life is being shortened and they don’t care (medical malpractice) No one cares about an individual’s life

Ch. 11 Analysis Continued… 2. John vs. World State’s Values and Morals: (p.

154; 158; 160; 162; 170) John worries about his mother’s Soma holiday

and the ethics of the doctors not being able to rejuvenate her

John is not impressed and is troubled by science and technology that Bernard shows him

John starts vomiting when they show him how they manufacture body parts

John doesn’t understand why they laugh when they see religious prayer

John is offended by the feelies and the promiscuity, smuttiness, and racism of the film

Ch. 11 continued…

3. Bernard’s attitude change: p. 156-157 Bernard brags about sleeping with

many girls Bernard becomes vain and loses his

values -accuses Helmholtz of being jealous and vows not to talk to him again

Bernard enjoys the attention and popularity and feels larger than life- like a true Alpha

People invite him out and come to his parties

Ch. 11 Analysis continued… 4. Lenina’s Self-Worth and Low Self-Esteem: p. 170-171 Lenina is unhappy when John

doesn’t try to sleep with her Blames her appearance and

doubts her beauty Wonders if it’s because her nose

was shiny Cries because of the rejection-

then pops some SOMA

Beauty Article:

1. Read and annotate article. Try to make connections to John the Savage and Lenina’s characters in BNW

2. Complete “First Reading” #s 1-4

3. Complete “Second Reading” #s 2 & 3 only

Over-Medication Video 1: 2:35 min- Overprescribing of anti-

depressants  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQjduKKHkts

Video 2: less than 3 min: Doctor over-prescribing drugs  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF8WkatMnGM

Video 3: Student Presentation- Cause/Effect essay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1Cg64-7GiY 

Video 4: Teens taking unprescribed drugs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7L77_vEsMU 

Do-Now: Ch. 13 & 14Dependence and Addiction

In BNW, Linda’s love of soma and her eventual addiction to the drug led to her demise. Do you think that our dependency on the things we love most can harm us? Explain. Include an anecdote (personal or not) of something that in excess might not be good for a person. Try to also state how the things we are dependent on might be good for us.

* Some examples might include…food…shopping…internet… cell phone… binge-watching Netflix, video games, sports, gambling, you name it!

Ch. 13 Themes: 1. Death Conditioning: Children are conditioned to

view death as pleasant. They are desensitized to death. NO SENTIMENTAL CONNECTIONS Chocolate éclairs, perfume dispensers, comfy room in

hospital suite, sporting events broadcast, children play “hunt the zipper” (HOW DO THE KIDS REACT TO LINDA?)

The nurse worries that John’s behavior will “decondition” the children. (EXPLAIN)

2. Children are Mindless Drones: Twins (cloned delta kids) pile in to see “death” so they don’t fear it. Twins come in to see a person dying- they have no fear-

only fascination and curiosity No individuality or sentimentality- twins-twins- more

twins- faceless, nameless “children”

Themes: Ch. 14 3. Irony: “How many goodly creatures are there

here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world…” (209 & 210)- from The Tempest- by Shakespeare

John used to think his mother’s stories about this “brave new world” were beautiful and fascinating, but now he is repulsed by the reality of these people

He hoped there was the promise of a bright future, but now he sees the nightmarish ways of the World State

4. Freedom: Free Will and Choice Linda died “a slave”, but John wants others to be free John tosses soma at the people so they can CHOOSE

freedom or slavery The crowd is quieted by “The Voice of Reason” and

soma vapor used by the policemen. Everyone is calm & happy

Soma’s True Purpose Soma is used to create a “stable

society” How does soma give the government

power? Happy people don’t riot or overthrow

the government Helmholtz realizes that soma made

them all “infants”. Without it, they are “adults”- Explain what he means by this.

Overprescribing Drugs http://www.today.com/health/pill-nation-are-we-too-reliant-prescription-meds-1C9291856

1. What is the author’s main argument? What is to blame for the dilemma addressed?

2. How does the author successfully argue her point? What rhetorical devices are used? (Ethos, Pathos, Logos) Use specific examples for each type.

3. Find THREE types of arguments/claims. (Factual, Point-Counterpoint, Cause-Effect, Solutions) Use some specific examples to prove your points. You may quote directly or summarize.

4. What is your opinion on the subject matter? Is this a growing concern in our nation? Why/why not?

Huxley’s Warnings in BNW Losing individuality by conforming to society’s expectations

Society’s control over the masses The dangers of science and technology

The dangers of an all-powerful state

The conflict between Community vs. Freedom

The conflict between Happiness vs. Truth

Losing personal freedoms (accepting “slavery” willingly)

Obsession with consumerism and materialism (new > old)

Loss of personal values, morals, religion, family values

Losing appreciation for the arts/literature in favor of superficial means of happiness

Dependence on drugs/illegal substances as a quick fix

Orwell’s Warnings in 1984 Dangers of an all-powerful gov’t Loss of individual freedoms Loss of privacy in our personal lives (living in a

“surveillance state”) Loss of freedom of expression Censorship and distortion of facts/news in the

media Ignorance and lack of knowledge due to gov’t

control Powerlessness of oppressed people in society Losing the desire to rebel and question

authority Losing our humanity and individuality

Huxley vs. Orwell: Who got it right? Read “A Letter to George Orwell” (p. 14-18) in

the back of your book. Analyze Huxley’s tone and his main argument. Then write a reaction paragraph in response to Huxley’s claims about the future of society. In your opinion, whose vision of the government and almighty, powerful authority figures is more accurate? Huxley’s, or Orwell’s?

*Consider Huxley’s line, “The [government’s] lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging and kicking them into obedience [as in 1984].” Do you agree with him? Explain.

Too Far Ahead of Its Time? Read the article, “Too Far Ahead of Its Time” on p. 8-11 at the end of the novel.

Write a 1-2 paragraph reaction to the critics’ arguments against Huxley’s dystopian society in Brave New World. Critics claimed that the novel was an inaccurate portrait of society and that Huxley grossly exaggerated the corruption in our society. What do you think? Write a response to the critics either supporting their argument or going against it. Use evidence from everyday life and references to the novel in your response.