A satirical piece of fiction, not scientific prophecy

The art of diminishing or belittle a subject by making it ridiculous and arousing feelings of amusement, contempt, scorn, or indignation toward the subject (Harris). Uses humor as weapon against human depravity and idiocy Often operates as a form of social commentary that seeks to critique a variety subjects. May illicit laughter, but is dealing with serious subject matter

Mimicry of an established concept, idea, or a person. Usually an exaggeration. Mimicry of an established concept, idea, or a person. Usually an exaggeration. Parody is fun for fun’s sake. So while it is meant for mocking, it may or may not incite society. Parody is fun for fun’s sake. So while it is meant for mocking, it may or may not incite society. Parody is just pure entertainment and nothing else. It does not have a direct influence on society (differencebetween.net). Parody is just pure entertainment and nothing else. It does not have a direct influence on society (differencebetween.net).

Utopian and Dystopian Literature

A Utopia is a place or society that appears perfect in every way. Government is perfect, working to improve societies standards of living rather then their own Social aspects of the community run perfectly. No war or disease, only peace and happiness. Everyone outside this Utopian society looks to this place in wonder and awe.

Dystopia opposite of Utopia A place or society which is in complete chaos. Citizens are all suffering and are miserable. Often times in novels what appears to be a Utopian society is actually revealed to be a dystopian society. The citizens are often live in terror under complete control by the government, unaware of corrupt world in which they actually live in, or suppressed by the society as a whole.

Many of the cultural concerns seen in the novel are still matters of great importance. In the years since Huxley first published this book, some of his prophesies seem far more plausible than they did in Huxley seeks to warn the reader against scientific utopianism (impracticable perfectionism)

… of sexual promiscuity … of sexual promiscuity … with a drug culture in the most literal sense of the word … with a drug culture in the most literal sense of the word … in which the traditional family has been rendered taboo … in which the traditional family has been rendered taboo … in which religion has been reduced to rituals of physical expression … in which religion has been reduced to rituals of physical expression … in which art is only for mass communication … in which art is only for mass communication … in which the positive values of western democracy have been converted into a rigid caste system … in which the positive values of western democracy have been converted into a rigid caste system … of sexual promiscuity … of sexual promiscuity … with a drug culture in the most literal sense of the word … with a drug culture in the most literal sense of the word … in which the traditional family has been rendered taboo … in which the traditional family has been rendered taboo … in which religion has been reduced to rituals of physical expression … in which religion has been reduced to rituals of physical expression … in which art is only for mass communication … in which art is only for mass communication … in which the positive values of western democracy have been converted into a rigid caste system … in which the positive values of western democracy have been converted into a rigid caste system

1.To what extent should one challenge the beliefs of his or her society? 2.When does one put his/her beliefs over community? 3.To what extent is society controlled by technology and science? How is this control both good and bad? 4.How is consumerism both beneficial and harmful in society? 5.Are truth and happiness incompatible? 6.What roles do individuality and family have in society? Are they necessary?

1.Community, Stability, and Identity vs. Individual Freedom 2.Science and Technology as a means of control 3.Threat of genetic engineering 4.Destruction of the family 5.Drugs as a means for social control 6.Oppression of individual thinking 7.The impact of rising consumerism

“ Reading Brave New World elicits the same disturbing feelings in the reader which the society it depicts has vanquished (eliminated). ”