Society and the Individual in Brave New World Essay Example

the stability built on uniformity. The dystopian alternative of casual sex has been crafted carefully to obscure the lines between lovers and feelings and impulses, culminating in a social and ritualistic form referred to as "Orgy-Porgy." This systematic liberation of sexual desires diminishes passion - the powerful emotion one has for another - as individuals even put their personal sexual gratification below their society's supposed collective happiness.

During the Solidarity Service, Bernard perceives the activity as debasing, which would be naturally repulsive to anyone who holds any romanticized notions about sex. John's refined sense of love is affected even by the depiction of such a debauchery at the feelies. Notably, it is after his personal encounter with "orgy-porgy" that John ends his life, feeling like his deeply personal and prized understanding of love and self-identity was infringed upon. In the dystopian society Huxley creates, the drug soma is also used to shield individuals from the distressing impacts of conflicts that cannot be avoided by the society.

Suffering and tension - sorrow, disgrace, letdowns - which epitomize distinctly personal responses to disagreements, yet manifest occasionally in the revolutionary modern world. Individuals of this modern world "address" their contention issues by ingesting several pills or embarking on a prolonged soma-vacation, which eliminates or adequately disguises the adverse sentiments and emotional experiences that alternative, more innovative, resolution strategies could create. Furthermore, it inhibits actions that could potentially trigger social instability or revolutionary consequences.

Hence, the society promotes the usage of soma for everyone as a method of societal regulation, by eradicating the impacts of disagreements. John's urgent request to the Deltas to dispose of their soma represents an ignored call for

insurrection. Those under the influence of soma are not aware of their own deterioration, nor completely conscious that they are individuals. Bernard and John both resist the persistent attempts of society to diminish their individuality, however, one character demonstrates a more profound comprehension of the implications than the other.

Bernard vociferously protests against the cruelty of the system. His indignation is rooted in his personal experiences of injustice, yet it seems he cannot or will not grasp the need for a discussion or action plan to challenge this affliction, due to his successful indoctrination as an Alpha Plus. As soon as Bernard gains the romantic and societal recognition he views as rightful, his grievances simply persist as a display of audacity and courage. He finds no motivation nor experiences any ethical or societal pressure to champion for the liberties of others who are subjugated by the social framework.

John, in contrast, truly confronts the daring new world, advocating for a perspective of freedom that involves everyone, even the Deltas who dismiss his insurgence appeal. While John, similar to Bernard, endures the suppression of the World State, he manages to philosophically articulate his critiques and has a direct dialogue with World Controller Mustapha Mond. This is due to his genetic disposition as an Alpha Plus; however, he has not experienced the necessary conditioning to fit in.

John's issue stems not just from his personal discomfort, but also from the societal subjugation brought about by slavery. His choice to live a life of liberty, despite its inherent risks and discomforts, exemplifies an ideological principle beyond what Bernard can grasp or muster the bravery for. Despite his imperfections and misdirections, John

boldly asserts his right to individuality. However, by the conclusion of the book, all attempts to liberate the individual from the World State's stranglehold have been thwarted, succumbing to the powerful societal norms ingrained through hypnopedia and crowd mentality.

In the Falkland Islands, where they are destined for exile, only Helmholtz and Bernard embody a tiny glimmer of hope – a constrained liberty within a repressive civilization. The struggle for autonomy and independence concludes with a loss in Brave New World, an outcome Huxley later regretted. In the follow-up series of essays, Brave New World Revisited, based on issues raised by the novel, Huxley underlines the importance of countering the forces of despotism by keeping one's intellect engaged and free. Individual freedoms might be restricted in today's world, Huxley concedes, but they must constantly be exercised to avoid extinction.