Happiness in Brave New Essay Example

and things of that sort from infringing on peoples happiness.

It is evident that Bernard and Lenina shift their attitudes after they meet the savage, John. Bernard gets a taste of power after bringing the savage home to London and becomes satisfied and happy as defined by Brave New World, a complete turnaround from his previous, almost American ideals. Lenina finds love and joy, as an American would define it after being content for so many years in the society of Brave New World. Before he finds the savage, Bernard is unhappy with his surroundings,

With eyes for the most part downcast and, if ever they lighted on a fellow creature, at once and furtively averted, Bernard hastened across the roof. He was like a man pursued, but pursued by enemies he does not wish to see, lest they should seem more hostile even than he had supposed, and he himself be made to feel guiltier and even more helplessly alone. (63)

However, after he discovers John, he becomes just as artificial as every other conditioned human: And I had six girls last week, he confided to Helmholtz Watson. One on Monday, two on Tuesday, two more on Friday, and one on Saturday. And if Id had the time or the inclination, there were at least a dozen more who were only too anxious (158-9). Lenina, nevertheless, has a personality change in the opposite direction. Before meeting the savage, she was a typical member of Brave New Worlds society, reciting many of the hypnopdic teachings blindly, and being happy to be a member of the alpha caste, My word, said Lenina, Im glad Im not a Gamma (63).

After Johns discovery, though, she fell in love with him, an emotion that is uncouth in Brave New Worlds society, you see, Fanny, I like him (169), Lenina says this to her friend Fanny in the changing room after work one night when she is going to take John to the feelies.

Mustapha Mond, one of the world controllers, explains this societys goal of stability through happiness best in his discussion with the savage after Johns revolt:

He savage insisted obstinately, Othellos good, Othellos better than those feelies.

Of course it is, the controller agreed. But thats the price we have to pay for stability. Youve got to choose between happiness and what people called high art. We have the feelies and the scent organ instead. (226)

Brave New Worlds definition of happiness only touches upon one of Websters, a pleasurable satisfaction. The government, in order to accomplish stability, skews happiness to the point that it is not happy anymore.