Dystopian Literature and Brave NEW world English 102 When you finish your Quiz, please drop it off at the front of the room immediately. If you finish early, you may go on break. Return at 2:35

Review on Dystopia and Dystopian Literature Dystopian is a term coming from “utopian” that was first used to describe a certain type of novel or short story that featured a repressive and highly controlled society, often pretending on the outside to be utopian, or perfect. Dystopian societies often claim to be or pretend to be utopias, but if you look closely terrible costs are revealed in order to achieve this control over society. Can you think of some examples of Dystopian societies in books or movies? Without getting too controversial, can you think of any societies that tried to be this in real life?

Suggestions for Approaching a Dystopian Novel like Brave New World as a Reader Know that focus on setting and world-building is often as important if not more important than character. Most dystopian novels are exercises in asking “what if,” and authors use contemporary fears and concerns to build the societies in which their stories take place. Notice how individuals relate to their societies, and how the authors use current issues (such as the relationship between religion and government, or advancements in genetics and biology). Critic Thomas Moylan suggests that an experience reader of dystopian literature (or science fiction in general) “moves through the text like a traveler in a foreign culture or a detective seeking clues to unravel the mystery at hand.”

Some Context for Brave New World Written by Aldous Huxley, published in 1932. The title is taken from Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. The full quote is: “O wonder! How many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world! That has such people in it!” Communism vs Capitalism While 1984, another very influential dystopian novel, critiques Communist totalitarianism, Huxley is critiquing both Communism (many characters are named after Communist leaders) and Capitalism (especially its tendency for consumerism) in this novel.

From the Letters of Aldous Huxley "I am writing a novel about the future — on the horror of the Wellsian Utopia and a revolt against it. Very difficult. I have hardly enough imagination to deal with such a subject. But it is none the less interesting work" (letter to Mrs. Kethevan Roberts, May 18, 1931)

Henry Ford and the Model T Henry Ford and his Model T, one of the first mass-produced cars, are both quite important to Brave New World. The calendar in the novel has Ford’s birth as its focal point, and the production of the Model T is a religiously significant event.

Fordlandia The curious case of Henry Ford’s model “American” town in the middle of the Brazilian Jungle: Ford's effort to transplant America-- what he called "the healthy lifestyle"-- was not limited to American buildings, but also included mandatory "American" lifestyle and values. The plantation's cafeterias were self-serve, which was not the local custom, and they provided only American fare such as hamburgers. Workers had to live in American-style houses, and they were each assigned a number which they had to wear on a badge-- the cost of which was deducted from their first paycheck. Brazilian laborers were also required to attend squeaky-clean American festivities on weekends, such as poetry readings, square-dancing, and English-language sing-alongs.

The Science of Brave New World Though the science in the novel seems to be quite sinister, Huxley came from a family of scientists and believed very much in the potential of modern medicine and science. He himself wished to be a doctor until a debilitating illness left him blind for two years and while he partially regained his sight his dreams of being a doctor or scientist were effectively ended. So, if the science in the novel seems to be frightening, ask yourself: is this a critique of scientific progress in general, or is it a critique of the uses to which science is being put?

Look at The Major Characters: Outcasts in a Brave New World: Bernard – outcast because he is small for an Alpha John – outcast because he is not from the “civilized” world. He was born on the Reservation. Not really outcasts, but certainly different… Hermholtz – unique because he is “too smart” Lenina – unusual in her society because she is enjoys going out with one man at a time What do these outcasts/unique individuals and others’ responses to them tell us about how “civilized” and “savage” societies work?

Small Group Discussion 1: Huxley draws a sharp contrast between the “civilized” world and the “savage” reservation. Given a choice between the two, which would you choose? Why? Take a moment and choose a scene from this first half of the novel that intrigued or interested you. Read it again carefully, and be ready to tell your group why the scene is so interesting (or disturbing, as the case may be) and how it fits in thematically with the rest of the novel.

Small Group Discussion 2 Was John’s fate sealed the moment he came off the reservation and into “civilization”? Is there any way he could have been happy in the “civilized” world? Additionally, what do you think of The Controller’s solution for people of intelligence? Though this novel was written in 1932, do you find it to be relevant now? How?

Young Adult Novels vs Adult Literature The Hunger Games is marketed as a young adult novel, and Brave New World, is considered adult literature. Beside the obvious sexual content, what differences do you see between The Hunger Games as a YA novel and Brave New World as an adult novel? Do you find distinctions between “young adult” and “adult” novels helpful and accurate, or do you see them as simply marketing tactics?

For Thursday: Topics: Research Paper Check In! Homework Due: Research Paper Progress Check In: Bring your tentative introduction and thesis + at least 2 sources. CITATIONS of the sources, NOT full source.