BNW Discussion Questions Ch 11-16

Billy Shakes Why all the Shakespeare references? Who makes them? How do these references function to reveal information about cultural differences? How do these references reveal characterization? Analyze its function in the greater meaning of the text.

John and Lenina Discuss the events and implications of John and Lenina’s interaction in Ch. 13. How does this scene contribute to larger meanings of the work as a whole?

Cognitive Dissonance In Brave New World, identify a character who conforms outwardly while questioning inwardly. Analyze how this tension between outward conformity and inward questioning contributes to the meaning of the work. Avoid mere plot summary.

Helmholtz Characterize Helmholtz. Analyze his function to other characters as well as the overall meaning of the novel. Find a passage that reveals this characterization.

Bernard Track Bernard’s changes throughout the novel thus far. How is he dynamic, and what significance does this change have? What might Huxley be trying to show with this move?

Pick a Character! Choose either Lenina, John, or the Controller. Find a passage (~5 lines) that adequately demonstrates some characteristic or ideal they represent. Analyze the literary language used in the passage and theorize how Huxley creates such a distinct character.

John’s Episode at the Hospital Refer back to Ch. 15 where John lashes out at the soma distribution. What does this episode reveal about John’s character? What interesting choices of language does Huxley make to increase the dramatic effect?

Mond’s Speech In Ch. 16, Mond outlines many of the ideologies that undergird the New World State. What do you make of this speech? Does it seem logical? What is the effect of Mond delivering it directly to Helmholtz and John?

Ideologies Discuss the relationship between religion, science, and power in the novel.