Brave New World By: Aldous Huxley “How beauteous mankind is! O, brave new world that has such people in ’t” (The Tempest V.I.217-8)

Huxley’s life Born July 26, 1894 in Surrey, England Mother comes from a family of poets Father is the son of Thomas Huxley, who is known for his work in biology and with Darwinian techniques.

Other influences Great education Studied English literature and philosophy – degree in 1915 Wanted to become a doctor before blind His blindness made him stronger Wanted to understand not just act Look for the references in the novel to being “blind” both figuratively and literally

More life Wrote satirical pieces about the British upper class, but they only just complained Also write poems and essays Wrote four novels Published Brave New World

End of Life Moved to California Escape the European potential of war Early 40s Started to experiment with hallucinogenic drugs like LSD and mescaline. Also interested in hypnotism Died November 22, 1963 in Los Angeles

Ok…Brave New World After (original four novels written)- became interested in writing about ethical and philosophical subjects Very interested in in the conflict between the interests of the individual and society Especially interested in how one finds himself/herself within a social society

Thus, Brave New World was born Born with the context of a futuristic world where free will and individuality have been sacrificed in order to achieve COMPLETE social stability

It is his attempt to make man realize that since knowledge is power, he who controls and uses knowledge wields the power. Science and technology should be the servants of man – man should not be adapted and enslaved to them. BNW is Huxley’s warning

Literary Devices  Look for:  Animal Imagery  Symbolism  Allusion  Tone  Foil  Point of View  Theme

Genre: Utopia or Dystopia? Utopia - A place, state or condition that is ideally perfect in respect of politics, laws, customs and conditions. Dystopia – A futuristic, imagined universe in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through corporate, bureaucratic, technological, moral, or totalitarian control. Dystopias, through an exaggerated worst- case scenario, make a criticism about a current trend, societal norm, or political system.

Characteristics of a Dystopian Society  Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society.  Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted.  A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society.  Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance.

Characteristics Continued  Citizens have a fear of the outside world.  Citizens live in a dehumanized state.  The natural world is banished and distrusted.  Citizens conform to uniform expectations. Individuality and dissent are bad.  The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world.

Types of Dystopian Controls Most dystopian works present a world in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through one or more of the following types of controls:  Corporate control: One or more large corporations control society through products, advertising, and/or the media.  Bureaucratic control: Society is controlled by a mindless bureaucracy through a tangle of red tape, relentless regulations, and incompetent government officials.

Types continued…  Technological control: Society is controlled by technology—through computers, robots, and/or scientific means.  Philosophical/religious control: Society is controlled by philosophical or religious ideology often enforced through a dictatorship or theocratic government.

Dystopian protagonist: often feels trapped and is struggling to escape. questions the existing social and political systems. believes or feels that something is terribly wrong with his/her society. helps the audience recognizes the negative aspects of the dystopian world through his or her perspective.