Brave New World Essay (so far...)

From an early age, we are socially constructed to conform to the boundaries of society. In some ways, we are conditioned to accept certain ideologies or traditions which can be difficult and even frustrating for some people, especially children. The common question of "Why?" is the usually the initial reaction a child may have when being told not to belch in public. The answer, of course, is that it is not polite, which is basically saying "society says no." An example of this situation of conformity to society's traditions while questioning them inwardly is portrayed in the character of Bernard Marx in Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. Throughout the novel, Huxley uses indirect characterization and something else to show this.

From the first mentioning or Bernard there is is a different sort of scent in the book. The reader can infer through indirect characterization that Bernard is a unique character for a few reasons. Through a conversation between Henry Foster and the Assistant Predestinator, eavesdropped by Bernard,we can infer some important things about Bernard. "Bernard overheard what they were saying and turned pale." In this quote, Henry begins talking about Lenina so it can be inferred that Bernard has feelings for her. What is different about Bernard however, is that he has actual feelings for someone wheras other characters will go from work to having sex to electrocuting babies for conditioning without a hint of emotion. The brave new world is an industrious, mechanical, and impassive with a character that reflects the exact opposite of that. Bernard is talked about by the other characters who find him different because of his size, mannerisms, and behavior. For example, he spend most of his time alone, he's "small" and worst of all, does not like Obstacle Golf.

Bernard is presented with the pickle of outward conformity versus inward questioning when he is with Lenina who keeps offering him soma to make him happier. This is what makes Bernard such a unique character. Rather than just instantly accept society's traditions and "take a gramme", Bernard chooses to question the idea of soma and it's artificial emotion. This battle between outward conformity and inward questioning ends with a victory for society as Bernard is finally convinced by Lenina to take the soma. The fact that Huxley has Bernard take the soma is important because he is showing that even those who question the traditions of the strange utopian brave new world will eventually conform to the social pressures constructed by society.

not quite done yet, but this is what i have so far...