Brave New World Reading Log

Chapters 1-6 Directions: DO NOT write your answers on your own paper; type them on the form and print it OR print the form and write them on the form.
Chapter 1
Ch.1. The novel opens with the CENTRAL LONDON HATCHERY AND CONDITIONING CENTRE It contains the World States motto, COMMUNITY, IDENTITY, STABILITY (3). 1. What is purpose of the centre?

2. Explain what the motto means.

3. How does the centre support the motto and how does the motto drive the centres purpose?

Although the temperature of the bottom floor is described as tropical, it is characterized by light and color imagery that suggests the idea of cold (3).

4. Quote three images that suggest the idea of the rooms coldness.

5. What might the coldness reflect about the nature of the brave new world?

Meanwhile it was a privilege. Straight from the horses mouth into the notebook (4).

6. What horse is Huxley talking about? Describe him.

7. Why is he showing the boys around the centre?

Begin at the beginning(5).

8. Why does the D.H.C. say this and what does it actually mean?

For particulars, as every one knows, make for virtue and happiness; generalities are intellectually necessary evils (4).

9. Explain this quote: how do particulars make for virtue and happiness?

10. What theme does the quote reflect?

Bokanovskys Process is one of the major instruments of social stability (7).

11. How does the process serve to help social stability (see the explanation)?

Brave New World Reading Log

Alphas and Betas remained until definitely bottled; while the Gammas, Deltas and Epsilons were brought out again, after only thirty-six hours to undergo Bokanovskys Process(6) The principle of mass production at last applied to biology (7).

12. Why do you think Bokanovskys Process is not applied to Alphas and Betas?

13. If the Bokonovsky process is the idea of mass production being achieved in science, what does that say about the role of science in this society?

Mr. Foster was giving his expert knowledge and informed the students that the Predestinators send in their figures to the Fertilizers (10)

14. Who is Henry Foster?

15. What is the social predestination room and what do the predestinators do?

Embryos are like photographic film. . . (11) The next paragraph describes the room: the sultry darkness, bulging flanks of row on receding row, bottle glinted with innumerable rubies, hum and rattle of machinery, etc.

16. How are embryos like photographic film?

17. What literary devices does Huxley employ in the paragraph? What effect do they create?

We allow as many as thirty per cent of the female embryos to develop normally (13)

18. Why do they allow some female embryos to develop normally?

19. What is a freemartin? What purpose do they serve and what small defect do they have?

We also predestine and condition. We decant our babies as socialized human beings, as Alphas or Epsilons, as future sewage worker or future Directors of Hatcheries (13)

20. Using pp.14-15 explain why an Epsilon embryo is kept below par. With this in mind, how do they create the different castes and how in general terms are they conditioned?

21. Are we conditioned in our society? Explain the reasons for your answer.

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All conditioning aims at that: making people like their unescapable social destiny (16)

22. What does this quote mean? Do you think this is a good idea? Justify your answer.

23. Where do you see this in society today?

Chapter 2
INFANT NURSERIES. NEOPAVLOVIAN CONDITIONING ROOMS(19) 1. Who was Pavlov?

There was something desperate, almost insane, about the sharp spasmodic yelps to which they now gave utterance. Their little bodies twitched and stiffened; their limbs moved jerkily as if to the tug of unseen wires (21)

2. Why is the simile used to describe the movement of the infants bodies so appropriate? (Hint: it involves irony.)

What man has joined, nature is powerless to put asunder (22)

3. What does this quote mean in context and what (language) is it alluding to and for what reason?

The conditioning lesson that the students observed taught the infants to have an instinctive hatred of books and flowers (22)

4. Why are they conditioned to hate books? How would this be beneficial to community, identity, and stability?

5. Why are the infants taught to hate flowers yet love country sports (all which much use elaborate apparatus)? How would this be beneficial to community, identity, and stability?

In telling about Reuben, the director

6. Why are the children taught that historical facts are unpleasant? 7. What does viviparous mean? 8. What is the purpose of telling about Reuben?

Brave New World Reading Log

As the director discussed Fords first T-Model, [He] made a sign of the T on his stomach and all the students reverently followed suit (25). Moral education, which ought never, in any circumstances to be rational (26)

9. What does this seem to symbolize? (hint: this is a parody of what religion?)

10. Hypnopaedia cant be used for intellectual education yet its perfect for moral education. Explain why and use the quote as evidence.

During the lesson on Elementary Class Consciousness, the different classes (castes) are described according to status.(27)

11. Rank the classes in descending order (intelligence, work ethic/job, color). 12. Whats the purpose of the class consciousness lesson? Does it support community, stability, identity?

Hypnopaedia is described as words without reason and The greatest moralizing and socializing force of all time (27). The sum of the suggestions is the childs mind . . . all his life long. The mind that judges and desires and decides- made up of these suggestions. But all these suggestions are our suggestions (28-29)!

13. Knowing that Huxley is being satirical, what doe these quotes in connection with each other really mean about the minds of the people in the World State?

Chapter 3
strange to think that even Our Fords day most games were played without more apparatus than a ball or two and a few sticks and perhaps a bit of netting31) 1. What is the purpose for making sure that games involve many apparatuses?

2. What theme is conveyed by this quote?

The D.H.C. finds the scene of the children playing a sex game to be charming, but the students touring the facility dont; to them it was just a pair of kids fooling about; that was all. Just kids(31)

3. What does this incident imply about attitudes towards sex in Brave New World? How do they differ from attitudes today?

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History is bunk. He waved his hand; and it was as though, with an invisible feather whisk, he had brushed away a little dust, and the dust was . . . Thebes and Babylon. . Whisk. . Rome, Jerusalem. . . Whisk, the cathedrals; whisk. . Passion; . .Requiem; whisk. . (34)

4. How does the image of a whisk brushing away dust help to convey the Controllers attitude toward history? 5. What theme does the passage reflect?

Beginning on page 34, three conversations are going on at the same time, with Huxley switching back and forth between them: between the Controller and the boys, Henry Foster and Benito Hoover, and Lenina and Fanny. There were those strange rumours of old forbidden books hidden in a safe in the Controllers study. Bibles, poetry Ford knew what (35) 6. What does this reveal about Mustapha Mond, the Controller?

7. Why would the Controller have access to banned material?

The Controller describes home as reeking with emotion and full of suffocating intimacies and dangerous relationships (37) Our Freud had been the first to reveal the appalling dangers of family life (39) Family, monogamy, romance. Everywhere exclusiveness, a narrow channeling of impulse and energy (40) Everyone belongs to everyone else

8. What do the Controllers words reveal about the attitude of his society toward family life?

9. What has this new world put in place of marriage and parenthood?

10. What is the connection between Mustapha Monds comments about family life and this motto of the new world?

No social stability without individual stability (42)

11. Explain this quote, i.e., what do you think the Controller means by individual stability and why is it vital to social stability?

12. What is ironic about this notion? How is individual stability achieved in the World State? Find two quotes from p.44-45 to support your answer.

13. Do you agree with the quote about stability? Explain the reason(s) for your position.

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We have all encountered insurmountable obstacles, had strong emotions, had to wait a long time between having a desire and its fulfillment (44-45). They say somebody made a mistake when he was still in the bottle-thought he was a Gamma and put alcohol into his blood surrogate (46) The Russian technique for infecting water supplies was particularly ingenious (48). The Nine Years War, the great Economic Collapse. There was a choice between World Control and destruction. Between stability and . . . (48)

14. The Controller thinks such obstacles are bad and that life is better without them. Do you think your life would be better if you were exempt from such emotional challenges? Explain the reason(s) for your answer.

15. To whom does this comment refer? 16. Why do people say this about him/her?

17. Why does the Controller share this information with the students? (Hint: it helps to explain something.)

All crosses had their tops cut and became Ts. There was also a thing called God. We have the World State now. And Fords Day celebrations, and Community Sings, and Solidarity Services (52). All the advantages of Christianity and alcohol; none of their defects (54).

18. Why was this done?

19. What does this comment reveal about belief in God in the new society?

20. Find this quote and read it in its original context. What would you infer Mond means by the advantages of Christianity? What would he see to be its defects?

21. According to the text, what are the advantages of alcohol? What are its defects?

With the transfusion of young blood and hormones, they conquered old age (54).

22. What benefits exist from having the same tastes and powers of a seventeen year old? Find a quote that shows the benefit(s) p.55.

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Chapter 4, Part 1 (Lenina and her date) and Part 2 (Helmholtz and Bernard)
Lenina was publicly proving her unfaithfulness to Henry (58). 1. How did she do this?

2. Why was this important for her to do?

3. Why is Bernard so uncomfortable discussing a date with Lenina in public? What does this reveal about Bernard?

Bernard gave his orders in . . . a tone of one who does not feel himself too secure in his superiority (64)

4. Why is Bernard so insecure?

The Bureaux of Propaganda and the College of Emotional Engineering were housed together, where Helmholtz Watson is a lecturer (67).

5. Why is it appropriate that these are in the same building?

6. Describe Helmholtz. How is he extraordinary?

7. Why do Bernard and Helmholtz connect?

Did you ever feel . .you had something inside you that was only waiting for you to give it a chance. . some sort of extra power that you arent using. . (69)? . . a feeling that Ive got something important to say and the power to say it. . (69) Words can be like X-rays, if you use them properly- theyll go through anything (70)

8. What does Helmholtz reveal to Bernard? What is he really desiring?

9. Bernard doesnt really understand. How are they really different?

10. What does Helmholtz realize about writing?

11. Does he feel like his writing does this? Explain.

12. What is ironic in his statement?

Brave New World Reading Log

Chapter 5, Part 1 (end of Leninas date) and Part 2 (Solidarity Service)

2. What theme does the taking of soma reflect? Malthusian Drill 3. What is a Malthusian Drill? What does Leninas use of it reveal about her?

The Solidarity Service is described as having a Community Singery, solemn synthetic music, a Singery clock, trumpets that bellow out Ford, sign of the T, a hymn, etc. Rituals were performed as they passed the cup and said, I drink to the imminence of His Coming (82) (See page 84) . . . the calm ecstasy of achieved consummation, the peace, not of energies at rest and in equilibrium. A rich and living peace. For the Solidarity Service had given as well as taken. . . (85)

4. What do these images symbolize?

5. How is this description ironic and what is its purpose in BNW

6. To whose coming are they drinking?

7. What theme does the description of the Solidarity Service reflect? Why is this ironic?

8. How do Bernards feelings after the service differ from this (see page 86)?

9. What reason does he give for his feelings? What deeper reason may actually lie behind his feelings?

Chapter 6, Part 1 (Leninas date with Bernard) and Part 2 (journey to the Savage Reservation)
Odd, odd, odd, was Leninas verdict on Bernard Marx (87). 1. According to pages 88-89, what does Lenina find odd about Bernard?

Bernard wants to look at the sea in silence because he says it makes him feel as though I were more me, if you see what I mean . . . not just a cell in the social body . . . free- not enslaved by my conditioning. . .wouldnt you like to be free to be happy in some other way, Lenina? In your own way, for example; not in everybody elses way (90-91)

2. What does Bernard mean when he says that looking at the sea in silence makes him feel as if he were himself? Paraphrase what hes trying to express.

3. Based on the quote, what would you say Bernard desires?

4. What theme does this passage reflect?

Brave New World Reading Log

Bernard began to talk dangerous nonsense. He expressed that he wanted to try the effect of arresting [his] impulses (93).

5. What value of the Brave New World does Bernards desire to arrest his impulses contradict?

6. Why does he want to do this? (See page 94.)

I really dont know why I bored you with this trivial anecdote (97)

7. What anecdote does the D.H.C. confide to Bernard? (Summarize it.)

8. How is the word trivial ironic?

9. Why is he furious for having shared it with Bernard?

Alphas are so conditioned that they do not have to be infantile in their emotional behaviour. But that is all the reason for their making a special effort to conform. . . It is their duty to be infantile, even against their inclination. . I give you fair warning (98)

10. What does the Director mean by the word infantile?

11. In what ways are people in the Brave New World infantile in their behavior?

12. With what does the Director threaten Bernard? Why does the threat excite him?

Write down the description of the lifestyle of the reservation below (103).

13. Why is it called a Savage Reservation?

14. What keeps the savages on the reservation?

Chapters 7-12 Directions: DO NOT write your answers on your own paper; type them on the form and print it OR print the form and write them on the form.
Chapter 7
Naked from throat to navel, their dark brown bodies painted with white lines. . . the dirt, . . the piles of rubbish, the dust, the dogs, the flies.. . [Leninas] face wrinkled up into a grimace of disgust (109) 1. How does the Savage Reservation differ from the civilized world of Lenina and Bernard?

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She felt in her pocket for her soma-only to discover that . . . she had left the bottle down at he rest-house (111).

2. What makes Lenina feel the need for soma? 3. What is satirical about the fact that she cant take soma while having awful, disgusting feelings?

Pages 110-112

4. What aspect of the Savage ritual does Lenina like?

5. Why does she like it?

Do you see that damned spot?. . The multitudinous seas incarnadine (117).

6. Whose words is the Savage using? (Hint: he is a VERY famous and important writer.)

7. Why does he want to be the sacrifice? 8. Why wasnt he allowed to be the sacrifice?

Chapter 8
Chapter 8 as a whole 1. List five events that John recalls about childhood that shape his view of people and life. (write the page numbers)

John is given a copy of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (131)

2. Why does John like it so much and how does he use this in his life?

3. Present at least two pieces of evidence from the chapter to support your answer.

If ones different, ones bound to be lonely (137).

4. Why might this be true?

5. List the characters in the novel to whom this statement applies. For each, identify the difference(s) that isolates the character from society and how the difference(s) isolates the character. He hesitated doubtfully. That 6. What makes Linda revolting? Why does Lindas future anywhere look fairly grim?

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revolting creature! . . . It suddenly occurred to Bernard that her very revoltingness might prove an enormous asset (138).

7. Predict: How do you think Linda might prove to be an asset for Bernard?

Chapter 9
Beginning of chapter 9 1. Why does Mustapha Monde allow Bernard to bring Linda and John back?

I was talking to his fordship on the phone a moment ago (141142).

2. Why does Bernard make this comment (i.e., what ulterior motives might he have in making the comment)? What do these motives reveal about how Bernard is feeling about himself?

He was thoroughly enjoying himself (142).

3. We can deduce from this comment that Bernards feelings about his world have changed. Describe specifically how they have changed. What does this change reveal about Bernards character?

To John, the sleeping Lenina seems beautiful and childlike. As he watches Lenina, he quotes lines from Romeo and Juliet. (144)

4.

What is ironic about Johns perception of Lenina?

5.

Why is Romeo and Juliet an appropriate play for John to quote?

6. Why does John frequently use Shakespeares words to express his own personal thoughts?

Chapter 10
This chapter begins with the D.H.C, Thomas, setting the stage for a place to deliver the news of Iceland to Bernard. A public example, he was saying, . . . because it contains more high- caste workers (147). His intellectual eminence carries with it corresponding moral responsibilities. The greater a mans talents, the greater his power to lead astray (147-148). Unorthodoxy threatens more than the life of a mere individual; it strikes at Society itself (148). 1. Why is it important to make an example of Bernards non-conformity to the highcaste workers?

2. Do you agree with the D.H.C.? Explain.

3. What kind of unorthodoxy does the D.H.C. refer to here (hint: what specific aspects of Bernards thinking and behavior does the D.H.C. identify as unorthodox)?

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4. How is Bernards particular kind of unorthodoxy threatening to the life of his society?

5. Judged by the standards of our society today, what is ironic about what the society of Brave New World regards as unorthodox?

Huxley uses dramatic irony effectively when the D.H.C. is surprised by Bernards showing to ward off his exile to Iceland.

6. Describe the humiliating scene that led the D.H.C. to flee the center (use some quotes)

7. Why is the event so humiliating for the D.H.C.?

Chapter11
After the scene in the Fertilizing Room, all uppercaste London was wild to see this delicious creature who had fallen on his knees. . . (153). Soma may make you lose a few years in time, but think of the enormous, immeasurable durations it can give you out of time. Every soma-holiday is a bit of what our ancestors used to call eternity ((154). 1. Why were they so eager to meet John and not Linda?

2. Who is speaking here and what prompts him/her to make this comment? (Hint: s/he is trying to justify something.)

3. Do you agree or disagree with this persons rationale? Explain the reason(s) for your answer.

Find three examples to show how Bernards guardianship of John empowered him. (156-157)

4.

5.

6. . . . though I must admit, that I agree with the Savage in finding civilized infantility too easy or, as 7. What evidence can you cite from the text of Brave New World to suggest that Bernards comment is not completely sincere? (Hint: His behavior suggests that, while he may think that the infanitility of civilization is too easy, he feels quite

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he put it, not expensive enough . . (159)

differently about the matter. And yes, you should be able to cite evidence to show this.)

John attends a class for Alphas in which they are learning about a savage reservation (p.162).

8. What does John learn from this class?

9. How well do you think John understands why they are laughing and that they are laughing at all that he believes in?

. . . an interesting example of the way in which early conditioning can be made to modify and even run counter to natural impulses (161).

10. Bernard is here writing about Johns still wanting to see Linda despite her unattractive appearance. What is ironic in this comment on the effect of Johns early conditioning?

John and Leninas trip to the feelies

11. Compare and contrast John and Leninas different responses to the feelie.

12. Both end up disappointed at the end of the evening. Why is Lenina disappointed? Why is John?

Chapter 12
John refuses to attend the gathering that Bernard had put together with special guests, including the Arch-CommunitySongster. 1. How do peoples views of Bernards change as a result of Johns refusal? Support your answer with textual evidence.

A New Theory of Biology . . . Not to be published (177)

2. Why does Mustapha Mond decide not to publish this book and put the authors name on a list?

3. He believes it to be perhaps true and a masterful piece. What does Monds decision to suppress it say about the brave new world? Well, Id rather be unhappy than have the sort of false, lying happiness you were having here 4. Why does John think that Bernards happiness was a false, lying happiness?

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(179). 5. Do you agree with John? Justify your answer.

One of the principal functions of a friend is to suffer the punishments that we should like, but are unable, to inflict upon our enemies (179). Hemholtz gets in trouble for his rhymes written to induce feelings. Reread them on p.181. I feel as though I were just beginning to have something to write about (182).- note the satire Hemholtz and John share a connection, but they also misunderstand each other too.

6. How could this be true?

7. How does Bernard make Helmholtz and John suffer on his behalf? 8. Why do Hemholtzs students object to the poem he reads them?

9. Explain the connection that bonds Hemholtz and John but excludes Bernard.

10. In what way(s) do they misunderstand each other?

Directions for Chapters 13-18: 1. List the main events of the chapter. 2. Find an interesting, provocative quote from the chapter. Write the quote with the page number and write what you found interesting about it. 3. Write at least one question that you had after reading this chapter. It may be something that puzzled you, an issue raised by the chapter that intrigued you, or a prediction about what is going to happen next. Important note: DO NOT write your answers on your own paper; type on your computer or print and write them on the reading log form.
CHAPTER 13
Main Events

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CHAPTER 14
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CHAPTER 15
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CHAPTER 16
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CHAPTER 17
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CHAPTER 18
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