Culture and Society
What is soma, and why do the citizens of the World State consume it?
Soma is a drug intended to induce a sense of euphoria in its consumers. Citizens consume it to get rid of their troubles.
The presence of the caste system in the novel is meant to:
Draw parallels between BNW's caste system and then-modern social hierarchies (upper, middle, lower class).
Following the Nine Years' War, the citizens of the world created the World State to prevent similar conflicts from happening in the future.
Describe Bernard. What caste is he, how does he act, and what are his overall feelings about the World State?
Bernard is a short, unconventional alpha who expresses more individuality than the other characters. He values privacy and solitude. He doesn't seem to have problems with the World State itself, but he feels bitter that he doesn't fit in.
Name one of the processes that are used to create human beings in the first three chapters.
The fragmented narration in chapter three is primarily designed to:
Confuse and overwhelm the reader
What is Bokanovsky's Process?
The process of irradiating eggs until they split and multiply, leading to the creation of identical twins
Describe Lenina's character. What are her values, and how does she feel about Bernard and Henry respectively?
Lenina is described as beautiful and conventional in the ways of the World State. She loves soma, partying, and promiscuity. She is intrigued by Bernard's uniqueness, and she enjoys spending time with Henry.
What does the slogan "everybody belongs to everybody else" tell us about the perception of love/intimacy in this society?
There is no love/romance and no long term partners. No attachment or loyalties outside of the World State.
Why does Huxley choose to call the reservation the "Savage Reservation?"
The word "savage" (a) calls back to historical uses of the word, which demonized indigenous peoples, and (b) primes readers to expect a base, primitive society outside the World State
Explain the caste system. Which castes undergo Bokanovsky's process, and which do not?
The caste system is a social hierarchy that is supported by genetic engineering/modification.
Alphas and Betas do not undergo Bokanovsky's process. Lower castes such as Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons do.
What kind of a man is Henry Foster? How is he described, and what is unusual about his relationship with Lenina?
Henry Foster is a conventionally attractive man who presents himself with poise and dignity. However, he is maintaining a four month "relationship" with Lenina, which is considered unorthodox.
Define "hypnopaedia" and give a specific example from the novel.
Hypnopaedia is the act of sleep teaching.
Ending is better than mending
The first two chapters are filled with pseudo-scientific jargon as Huxley throws his readers into a brand new world. Why does he choose to start the novel this way, rather than a more typical introduction?
Huxley wants to shock and overwhelm his readers and make them feel like aliens in their own world.
What is Solidarity Service, and what purpose does it serve?
Solidarity Service is another term for the orgy that occurs between World State members on a regular basis. The service is intended to emphasize collectivism and discourage individual identity.
When we first meet Lenina, what do we learn about her job?
She works in the Embryo store.
What does the term "pneumatic" mean in the context of BNW?
Attractive/curvaceous, often also used to mean "promiscuous"
In the beginning of chapter three, we learn that children are engaging in "erotic play." Why does Huxley make this shocking narrative choice, and what rhetorical impact does it have on the reader?
Huxley is accomplishing two things (a) emphasizing the lack of moral development or "childishness" of the World State, and (b), deliberately shocking the reader to make them worried about the future
The citizens of the World State do not worship god - however, they worship someone else. Who is this person, and why do they worship him?
They worship Henry Ford because he popularized the assembly line and mass production, which were crucial concepts used in BNW.
Compare Bernard and Helmholtz. How are they similar and different, and what might be the rhetorical purpose of their friendship?
Bernard - small, short, somewhat ugly, bitter
Helmholtz - tall, handsome, very intelligent
Their friendship highlights their differences and emphasizes Bernard's unorthodoxy