What it means to be an individual is often the thought
provoking idea writers try to convey in their stories. Through characters and societal upbringings
they try instill a mood in us that causes us to question who we really are.
Even more inciting and haunting is the idea of what it means to not be an
individual and the type of cultural backgrounds that could lead to this numb,
hollow space we call ourselves. Through the ostracizing and alienation of
Bernard Marx, Huxley reveals this “Brave New World” and their society’s
assumptions and moral values about sexual individuality, scientific
progression, and societal norms of the time.
In the
beginning of the story, we are quickly introduced to two of the most significant
characters; Bernard Marx and Lenina Crowne. Through their problematic relationship,
we see the first glimpse of Bernard’s estrangement from what is accepted. He
longs for a monogamous relationship which causes Lenina, and society as a whole,
to deem his as odd. His appreciation of conversation over physical intimacy
also puzzles and distresses people. Rejection
of society’s sexual tendencies that have been conditioned since childhood cause
for anxiety from the people. Through this apprehension we see how society does
not value the idea of individual intimacy beyond the physical level and instead
separate sex from love. In this Brave New World sex is viewed solely for
pleasure of the body rather than bonding of souls.
One of
the most cherished beliefs of the brave new world is science. The industrial
world is one to be eternally grateful for according to society, however, once
again we find Bernard to be on the opposite spectrum. His uncaring attitude
towards society’s industrial advances are detested and as a result he becomes
ostracized by the DHC and his peers. Through this we can clearly see how
society rejects people who do not agree with their ideas to maintain their
pleasurable status. Soma is a frequent element in the story that society is
fixated on, yet once again, Bernard does not care for it. Instead of indulging
in the pleasure drug, he seeks out a trip to the Savage Reservation in an
effort to find himself. All of these attributes Bernard holds threaten society,
and more particularly, the DHC which results in Bernard’s dismissal to Iceland
where he will no longer be a burden.
In an effort
to isolate himself from the world he is coming to hate, Bernard flies of over
the expanse, vast, and utterly empty ocean. Where he finds comfort, Lenina
finds fear. The idea of being alone and not belonging to a particular
collection is one she and society have been taught to reject and loathe. Not
only is being alone rejected, but being with just one person is also appalling.
In the brave new world everyone belongs to everyone, and no one is entitled, or
for that matter wants to commit to just one person. Connecting with another
person is not a value that is cared for in this society, and Bernard seems to
be the only one seeking it. After much internal frustration Bernard finally
realizes that he is completely and utterly unsatisfied with the emotional
numbness and hollowness that is this world.
The way
a society reacts and a character is treated can portray and enhance the many beliefs
and attributes of a world and a story. In Brave New World we see Bernard
become rejected and ignored by his peers and his entire society. Through his
alienation and rejection their assumptions and moral values about sexual independence,
scientific principles, and societal customs are highlighted.
