I recently finished reading Brave New World, and I wanted to discuss the dynamics between the characters' perception of truth and happiness in the novel. To begin with, it is clear that the citizens of the World State are satisfied with their oblivious way of life because they are strangers to pain, and therefore experience an abundance of peace and bliss.
I've been wondering if they would still agree with their way of life if they found out the truth about their situation. More specifically, if they were informed about the little to no control they have over their lives.
I feel that they would most likely be unaffected by any type of intervention. This is because a small exposure to the truth occurred during John's breakdown at the hospital shortly after his mother's death. He speaks about the population's lack of freedom, and only receives a dull and judgmental response from the people around him. Their brainwashed minds are ultimately unable to grasp the truth John is trying to convey. Overall, this novel is very interesting because it explores human nature and how technology has the potential to take over.
-Rosemary Avellaneda
Citizens of the world order described in Brave New World are specifically developed to fulfill the role assigned to them. By design, they lack the cognitive capacity to imagine a society unlike the one they're living in. Hence, people treat the 'truth' in the same way a religious person confronting blasphemy would. They are only brainwashed when compared to our society, but from a neutral standpoint, they are an efficient society where every member is blissful for eternity. I agree that one of the most interesting aspects of this novel is the unique perspective it provides on the intrinsic characteristics of humans. It really brings into question the fabric of life. If one can live without the slightest notion of the constraints put upon their free will, it can be argued that similar restrictions may exist in the human nature that we're aware of.
ReplyDeleteI can see your point of view on the subject of brainwashing the people to be oblivious to the truth about their lives. Even when John shouts out the truth in front of their faces, nobody has a significant reaction. I agree that it's because of how brainwashed they are but I can also add on that they view their lives as "perfect" and "normal". The words that John spoke goes against societal norms and with his reputation as a savage it's meaningless. The people of Brave New World have lost their emotions due to how society has changed in the world state. They only know about pleasure or euphoria and nothing about pain or suffering, so even if they found out the "truth" what would they even do? Their lives are already in control by soma and the government so struggling would seem meaningless to them.
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