"No more than sleep. Sleep. Perchance to dream." PAGE 254
Throughout the novel, the author uses a unique style. He continuously uses fragments to convey his message. The short phrases drew attention to his point. They were effective in focusing the reader on the important issue. Rather than wasting interest on the unimportant details, the author uses fragments to briefly make a statement. I found the fragments to be effective because it was something I noticed throughout the novel. It made me focus on those brief phrases rather than on the little details provided in the longer sentences. Without the use of fragments, it would have been hard to distinguish the important details from the unimportant ones. This book presented an interesting view on the future and presented a message through the use of various literary devices.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Extended Metaphor (Brave New World)
"In a few minutes there were dozens of them, standing in a wide circle round the lighthouse, staring, laughing, clicking their cameras, throwing (as to an ape) peanuts, packets of sex-hormone chewing gum..." "The ape had spoken; there was a burst of laughter and hand-clapping." PAGE 255
This is an example of an extended metaphor. The first quote is presented a few paragraphs prior to the second. They both contain the comparison of the savage to an ape. Throughout this last part of the book, several different animal comparisons are made. The savage is apparently the ape. The helicopters of the reporters are locusts and grasshoppers. Also, as the crowd began to shout about the whip, the noise is referred to as parrot-like. The parrot connotation comes from their repetition of the phrase that they continuously did. As the crowd began to disperse and shift, they are described as being like swine. All of these animal comparisons served a deeper purpose than just describing what people or things resembled. The different comparisons of the people to animals presented them all like animals, like savages. The people are supposed to be completely civilized because of their "conditioning" but when it comes down to it, there is savage in all of us. It was a little ironic that they were all acting like animals and savages because they are supposed to be the civilized one. It was hypocritical of them to be calling John the Savage and referring to him as that as opposed to his name, because they were all acting similarly. I feel the message behind this is similar to that in Lord of the Flies. In Lord of the Flies, the proper boys all turn savage to survive the island. In this situation of Brave New World, the civilians all turn savage and animal like to observe the Savage.
This is an example of an extended metaphor. The first quote is presented a few paragraphs prior to the second. They both contain the comparison of the savage to an ape. Throughout this last part of the book, several different animal comparisons are made. The savage is apparently the ape. The helicopters of the reporters are locusts and grasshoppers. Also, as the crowd began to shout about the whip, the noise is referred to as parrot-like. The parrot connotation comes from their repetition of the phrase that they continuously did. As the crowd began to disperse and shift, they are described as being like swine. All of these animal comparisons served a deeper purpose than just describing what people or things resembled. The different comparisons of the people to animals presented them all like animals, like savages. The people are supposed to be completely civilized because of their "conditioning" but when it comes down to it, there is savage in all of us. It was a little ironic that they were all acting like animals and savages because they are supposed to be the civilized one. It was hypocritical of them to be calling John the Savage and referring to him as that as opposed to his name, because they were all acting similarly. I feel the message behind this is similar to that in Lord of the Flies. In Lord of the Flies, the proper boys all turn savage to survive the island. In this situation of Brave New World, the civilians all turn savage and animal like to observe the Savage.
God or Not (Brave New World)
"God isn't compatible with machinery and scientific medicine and universal happiness. You must make your choice. Our civilization has chosen machinery and medicine and happiness." PAGE 234
I found this to be an interesting take on the issue of religion. It seems strange to me that the controller believes there is a God and yet will not let the people know or learn or associate with a God. Now, saying that he believes in God was a broad statement. He said it himself, but as he further explained his theory it appeared that he did not believe in a God. The idea that God manifests himself as an absense almost sounds like he is saying he does not believe in a God. As a Catholic, it is hard to imagine people not having any religion at all. Even another religion would be easier to understand. The idea of not believing in anything just seems weird to me. The people may be conditioned not to believe in a religion, but as the Savage said, wouldn't they be inclined to believe in something. It would appear that human nature would want to deep down believe in something greater than oneself. The more I read on this chapter containing the religious talk, the more I agreed with the Savage. He was making good points in his conversation with the controller. The Savage was pointing out things more related to what I believe. He stood strong for what he believed and might have even endangered himself for his thoughts.
I found this to be an interesting take on the issue of religion. It seems strange to me that the controller believes there is a God and yet will not let the people know or learn or associate with a God. Now, saying that he believes in God was a broad statement. He said it himself, but as he further explained his theory it appeared that he did not believe in a God. The idea that God manifests himself as an absense almost sounds like he is saying he does not believe in a God. As a Catholic, it is hard to imagine people not having any religion at all. Even another religion would be easier to understand. The idea of not believing in anything just seems weird to me. The people may be conditioned not to believe in a religion, but as the Savage said, wouldn't they be inclined to believe in something. It would appear that human nature would want to deep down believe in something greater than oneself. The more I read on this chapter containing the religious talk, the more I agreed with the Savage. He was making good points in his conversation with the controller. The Savage was pointing out things more related to what I believe. He stood strong for what he believed and might have even endangered himself for his thoughts.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Implied Metaphor (Brave New World)
"Science is dangerous; we have to keep it most carefully chained and muzzled." PAGE 225
The metaphor is effective here in describing how to deal with the burden of science. It can be both beneficial and harmful to the society. It can be implied that Mustapha Mond is comparing science to a dog. The metaphor provides an example that readers can relate to. Apparently the society is based on a sort of science of its own. There must be the perfect balance between several aspects to make everything work. When the people themselves do not conform or differ in thought, they try to do the same thing with them. If they are not quiet about their ideas, they send them away to prevent them from corrupting the whole society. It seems a little harsh, but they are worried about the stability of the society as a whole. Even the controller knows what it is like to be threatened to be sent away, but he is about to send away Helmholtz, Bernard, and John.
The metaphor is effective here in describing how to deal with the burden of science. It can be both beneficial and harmful to the society. It can be implied that Mustapha Mond is comparing science to a dog. The metaphor provides an example that readers can relate to. Apparently the society is based on a sort of science of its own. There must be the perfect balance between several aspects to make everything work. When the people themselves do not conform or differ in thought, they try to do the same thing with them. If they are not quiet about their ideas, they send them away to prevent them from corrupting the whole society. It seems a little harsh, but they are worried about the stability of the society as a whole. Even the controller knows what it is like to be threatened to be sent away, but he is about to send away Helmholtz, Bernard, and John.
Set Them Free (Brave New World)
"I'll teach you; I'll make you be free whether you want to or not." PAGE 213
After Linda passes away, John experiences an incidence of insanity. He strongly believes that his mother died because of the soma she had been taking. All of the people are addicted to the substance. John does not like it and tries to help the people, he thinks. John is trying to do what he believes is best for these people by trying to get them to stop taking the soma. He wants to protect these people from the same wretched end his mother endured. I think he takes it a step to far. It would have been acceptable, I think, to to make a spectacle of himself with his verbal advice. The fact that he went far enough to get rid of the soma to be distributed to the Deltas created a chaotic uproar that could have been avoided. The people obviously do not want to stop using the soma, but John will not take that for an answer. He is determined to free these people. Addiction seems to be not just accepted, but encouraged in their society. In our society today, people get help for addictions and usually try to stop when they know they have a problem. These people are killing themselves and do not care. The views regarding addiction differ drastically between our society today and the society described in the novel. John has the right idea in trying to get them to stop using the soma, but they do not agree.
After Linda passes away, John experiences an incidence of insanity. He strongly believes that his mother died because of the soma she had been taking. All of the people are addicted to the substance. John does not like it and tries to help the people, he thinks. John is trying to do what he believes is best for these people by trying to get them to stop taking the soma. He wants to protect these people from the same wretched end his mother endured. I think he takes it a step to far. It would have been acceptable, I think, to to make a spectacle of himself with his verbal advice. The fact that he went far enough to get rid of the soma to be distributed to the Deltas created a chaotic uproar that could have been avoided. The people obviously do not want to stop using the soma, but John will not take that for an answer. He is determined to free these people. Addiction seems to be not just accepted, but encouraged in their society. In our society today, people get help for addictions and usually try to stop when they know they have a problem. These people are killing themselves and do not care. The views regarding addiction differ drastically between our society today and the society described in the novel. John has the right idea in trying to get them to stop using the soma, but they do not agree.
Mood (Brave New World)
"...of what fatal mischief he might do to these poor innocents? Undoing all their wholesome death-conditioning with this disgusting outcry-as though death were something terrible, as though any one mattered as much as all that!" PAGE 206
The mood during this situation was a little contradictory. Through John and his words, the mood seemed somber and terrible. His mother was dying after all. He was horrified and just wanted to save her. He did not want his mother to die, which was understandable. On the other hand, the nurse inside the ward was more concerned about the society as a whole. She was worried about the children not being properly death conditioned. She could have cared less if Linda died or not. Her mood was worry, but not for the same reason as John. Surrounding Linda, the nurse set a mood of acceptance and inevitability. She did not even try to help her in her last few moments. Through these two characters, the author is able to convey a differing mood on the issue of death. John felt that all that mattered at the time was his mother while the only thing the nurse was concerned about was the death conditioning the children had already been through.
The mood during this situation was a little contradictory. Through John and his words, the mood seemed somber and terrible. His mother was dying after all. He was horrified and just wanted to save her. He did not want his mother to die, which was understandable. On the other hand, the nurse inside the ward was more concerned about the society as a whole. She was worried about the children not being properly death conditioned. She could have cared less if Linda died or not. Her mood was worry, but not for the same reason as John. Surrounding Linda, the nurse set a mood of acceptance and inevitability. She did not even try to help her in her last few moments. Through these two characters, the author is able to convey a differing mood on the issue of death. John felt that all that mattered at the time was his mother while the only thing the nurse was concerned about was the death conditioning the children had already been through.
Suspense (Brave New World)
"'Oh, my God! What's the address?'
. . . .
'Three Park Lane-is that it? Three? Thanks.'
Lenina heard the click of the replaced receiver, then hurrying steps." PAGE 197
This quote ended the chapter in suspense. The reader is left to wonder, at this point, what the crisis is. The main point contributing to the effectiveness of the suspense is that the reader is aware of one side of a phone conversation. If the reader would have known what was being said on both sides, the suspense would be taken away. The situation at hand would be known. Without knowing, the reader is encouraged to make predictions about what will happen next and what is going on. I think the crisis, from the one side of the conversation I know, that someone is gravely ill. It also seems to me that it is his mother, Linda. I think this because throughout the novel it is reiterated several times that the society accepts death and are primarily illness free. Linda would be the one vulnerable of disease from living like a savage like she did in the west. It has also been hinted that Linda would soon become severely sick or die from the use of the soma. I believe that Linda is very ill from all the soma she has been taking and that her son, John, left in a rush to be with her. The savages do not accept death the same way the society does. Even if they do see death as inevitable, it was not something that was easy to accept. John's leaving provided the perfect opportunity for Lenina to leave safely, I assume.
. . . .
'Three Park Lane-is that it? Three? Thanks.'
Lenina heard the click of the replaced receiver, then hurrying steps." PAGE 197
This quote ended the chapter in suspense. The reader is left to wonder, at this point, what the crisis is. The main point contributing to the effectiveness of the suspense is that the reader is aware of one side of a phone conversation. If the reader would have known what was being said on both sides, the suspense would be taken away. The situation at hand would be known. Without knowing, the reader is encouraged to make predictions about what will happen next and what is going on. I think the crisis, from the one side of the conversation I know, that someone is gravely ill. It also seems to me that it is his mother, Linda. I think this because throughout the novel it is reiterated several times that the society accepts death and are primarily illness free. Linda would be the one vulnerable of disease from living like a savage like she did in the west. It has also been hinted that Linda would soon become severely sick or die from the use of the soma. I believe that Linda is very ill from all the soma she has been taking and that her son, John, left in a rush to be with her. The savages do not accept death the same way the society does. Even if they do see death as inevitable, it was not something that was easy to accept. John's leaving provided the perfect opportunity for Lenina to leave safely, I assume.
Motif (Brave New World)
"As for the women, they indignantly felt that they had been had on false pretences-had by a wretched little man who had had alcohol poured into his bottle by mistake-by a creature with a Gamma-Minus physique." PAGE 173
The idea that alcohol was put into Bernard's bottle is repeated on numerous occasions throughout the novel. Any time his differences are being discussed, the idea of the alcohol is mentioned. People are constantly using alcohol in his bottle for an excuse as to why he is physically different than the other Alpha pluses. He also is lonely in his beliefs about society. He is isolated from the others. When people talk about him, the alcohol in the bottle seems to come up quite often. It is a motif repeated throughout the work in connection to Bernard's oddities. In their society, they believe that when someone is not the way they should be it is because something went wrong when the person was being created. Apparently alcohol could cause the mutations present in Bernard. Bernard does not deserve to always be viewed as the one with alcohol in his bottle because he just wants to share his ideas and nobody will listen seriously.
The idea that alcohol was put into Bernard's bottle is repeated on numerous occasions throughout the novel. Any time his differences are being discussed, the idea of the alcohol is mentioned. People are constantly using alcohol in his bottle for an excuse as to why he is physically different than the other Alpha pluses. He also is lonely in his beliefs about society. He is isolated from the others. When people talk about him, the alcohol in the bottle seems to come up quite often. It is a motif repeated throughout the work in connection to Bernard's oddities. In their society, they believe that when someone is not the way they should be it is because something went wrong when the person was being created. Apparently alcohol could cause the mutations present in Bernard. Bernard does not deserve to always be viewed as the one with alcohol in his bottle because he just wants to share his ideas and nobody will listen seriously.
Metonymy (Brave New World)
"But the Savage had suddenly broken away from his companions and was violently retching, behind a clump of laurels, as though the solid earth had been a helicopter in an air pocket." PAGE 160
This quote provides a metonymy. John is referred to as a savage rather than by his name. This idea is from what the people in the society believe about the way he lived. They think of it as interesting, but incorrect. I think it is a disrespectful title because they will not even recognize him by his name. Most people know that he is different from them so it seems unnecessary to draw attention to it. Linda is not referred to often, but when she is they at least use her name. I do not understand why they think they must refer to him by his previous lifestyle. He did not know any different and is now doing his best to get accustomed to the society. John is closely associated with the way they found him living and so the metonymy shows how important his background is to their view of him.
This quote provides a metonymy. John is referred to as a savage rather than by his name. This idea is from what the people in the society believe about the way he lived. They think of it as interesting, but incorrect. I think it is a disrespectful title because they will not even recognize him by his name. Most people know that he is different from them so it seems unnecessary to draw attention to it. Linda is not referred to often, but when she is they at least use her name. I do not understand why they think they must refer to him by his previous lifestyle. He did not know any different and is now doing his best to get accustomed to the society. John is closely associated with the way they found him living and so the metonymy shows how important his background is to their view of him.
Hubris (Brave New World)
"...or rather the ex-Director, for the poor man had resigned immediately afterwards and never set foot inside the Centre again..." "Finally-and this was by far the strongest reason for people's not wanting to see poor Linda-there was her appearance." PAGE 153
Both of these quotes exhibit examples of hubris. The flaws contributed to the downfall of the characters. For the Director, his flaw was fathering a child. Because of this humiliating experience, I do not think we will be hearing more about the Director. For Linda, her downfall was a similar situation. People were appalled by the thought that she was a mother. Most people looked down on that severely. The main reason people did not want to see or hear about her however, as stated in the quote, was her appearance. The fact that no one wanted to see her made her take several soma-holidays. She is in a vegetative state for her own as well as everyone else's best interest. The flaws are an effective example of hubris because the character begins to be less important to the story until he or she just is not even mentioned.
Both of these quotes exhibit examples of hubris. The flaws contributed to the downfall of the characters. For the Director, his flaw was fathering a child. Because of this humiliating experience, I do not think we will be hearing more about the Director. For Linda, her downfall was a similar situation. People were appalled by the thought that she was a mother. Most people looked down on that severely. The main reason people did not want to see or hear about her however, as stated in the quote, was her appearance. The fact that no one wanted to see her made her take several soma-holidays. She is in a vegetative state for her own as well as everyone else's best interest. The flaws are an effective example of hubris because the character begins to be less important to the story until he or she just is not even mentioned.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Forget Me Not (Brave New World)
"He came in at once, paused for a moment just inside the door, looked round, then soft on his moccasined feet strode quickly across the room, fell on his knees in front of the Director, and said in a clear voice: "My father!" PAGE 151
Well this experience was certainly one that those who witnessed it will never forget. The fact that the director had fathered a child was big news. The accounts of the story will probably spread quickly throughout the hatchery. The director did not want to believe it. He pretended not to remember, but Linda would not let it go. I think she should have just moved on rather than pushing the issue. Now his life as he knows it is at risk, now that people know he is a father. Deep down, I think the director was happy to see Linda. It probably put him at ease to know that she was still alive, however savage she looked. The way he had told the story to Bernard made me think that he still worried about her and what had happened. I am interested to see what happens next. Will the family join together like we are used to or will they continue to live as the society does.
Well this experience was certainly one that those who witnessed it will never forget. The fact that the director had fathered a child was big news. The accounts of the story will probably spread quickly throughout the hatchery. The director did not want to believe it. He pretended not to remember, but Linda would not let it go. I think she should have just moved on rather than pushing the issue. Now his life as he knows it is at risk, now that people know he is a father. Deep down, I think the director was happy to see Linda. It probably put him at ease to know that she was still alive, however savage she looked. The way he had told the story to Bernard made me think that he still worried about her and what had happened. I am interested to see what happens next. Will the family join together like we are used to or will they continue to live as the society does.
Lyric Poem (Brave New World)
"Her eyes, her hair, her cheek, her gait, her voice;
Handlest in thy discourse O! that her hand,
In whose comparison all whites are ink
Writing their own reproach; to whose soft seizure
The cygnet's down is harsh..." PAGE 144
This is a lyric poem because it tells about how John is feeling, rather than a story. It effectively illustrates the feelings John has towards Lenina. John was first disappointed and thought they had left without them. He then became very happy when he realized that it was just Lenina inside. He really likes her and wants to be close to her. He is forced to flee when he hears Bernard's plane nearby. I think he is afraid of Bernard finding out that he likes Lenina.
I think the visit John payed to her while in her soma-holiday is an allusion to Romeo and Juliet. Romeo visited Juliet in the tomb while she was drugged but appeared dead. John visited Lenina in the same way. She was drugged and so does not know that he was there. The allusion is relevant because it was previously mentioned that John had started to read Shakespeare.
Handlest in thy discourse O! that her hand,
In whose comparison all whites are ink
Writing their own reproach; to whose soft seizure
The cygnet's down is harsh..." PAGE 144
This is a lyric poem because it tells about how John is feeling, rather than a story. It effectively illustrates the feelings John has towards Lenina. John was first disappointed and thought they had left without them. He then became very happy when he realized that it was just Lenina inside. He really likes her and wants to be close to her. He is forced to flee when he hears Bernard's plane nearby. I think he is afraid of Bernard finding out that he likes Lenina.
I think the visit John payed to her while in her soma-holiday is an allusion to Romeo and Juliet. Romeo visited Juliet in the tomb while she was drugged but appeared dead. John visited Lenina in the same way. She was drugged and so does not know that he was there. The allusion is relevant because it was previously mentioned that John had started to read Shakespeare.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Dramatic Irony (Brave New World)
"O brave new world that has such people in it. Let's start at once." PAGE 139
This section provided dramatic irony. John becomes excited when Bernard offers to let him go back with Lenina and himself. He thinks it will be much better than the way he lives now. He does not like being different than the other boys. He also does not like certain things about the culture he lives in that he has to deal with. The dramatic irony presents because the reader knows that the Other Place is not as good as John is anticipating. It is drastically different than what he is used to. The irony is effective in providing the reader with what John thinks the Other Place will be like and earlier information about what it really is like. The author immediately sets John up for disappointment unbeknownst to him. The reader knows that the Other Place does not have marriages and couples for long periods of time because everyone belongs to everyone. John, however, is looking forward to and hoping to be with Lenina, possibly through marriage. He has no idea that that is not how the Other Place does things.
This section provided dramatic irony. John becomes excited when Bernard offers to let him go back with Lenina and himself. He thinks it will be much better than the way he lives now. He does not like being different than the other boys. He also does not like certain things about the culture he lives in that he has to deal with. The dramatic irony presents because the reader knows that the Other Place is not as good as John is anticipating. It is drastically different than what he is used to. The irony is effective in providing the reader with what John thinks the Other Place will be like and earlier information about what it really is like. The author immediately sets John up for disappointment unbeknownst to him. The reader knows that the Other Place does not have marriages and couples for long periods of time because everyone belongs to everyone. John, however, is looking forward to and hoping to be with Lenina, possibly through marriage. He has no idea that that is not how the Other Place does things.
Aphorism (Brave New World)
"But cleanliness is next to fordliness." PAGE 110
This is an example of an aphorism that their society accepts. Today, some people accept the saying that "cleanliness is next to Godliness." This provided another example in which a parallel between God and this Ford is drawn. This aphorism, expressed by Lenina because of the filthy circumstances she encountered on the reservation, provides a truth that she is used to living by. The Indians of the reservation obviously do not live by the same standards.
In addition to the intriguing nature of the Ford business, I find it a little ironic that Linda and Lenina find it so odd and revolting that the community of Indians is viviparous. The fact that they find it mad and cruel that people belong to each other as a family is weird because that is how we live so we think it perfectly normal. They are the ones who are cruel and mad because they sleep around and use contraceptives so that all the children are created in large numbers. The idea that everyone belongs to everyone also differs from our traditional family structure that we are accustomed to.
This is an example of an aphorism that their society accepts. Today, some people accept the saying that "cleanliness is next to Godliness." This provided another example in which a parallel between God and this Ford is drawn. This aphorism, expressed by Lenina because of the filthy circumstances she encountered on the reservation, provides a truth that she is used to living by. The Indians of the reservation obviously do not live by the same standards.
In addition to the intriguing nature of the Ford business, I find it a little ironic that Linda and Lenina find it so odd and revolting that the community of Indians is viviparous. The fact that they find it mad and cruel that people belong to each other as a family is weird because that is how we live so we think it perfectly normal. They are the ones who are cruel and mad because they sleep around and use contraceptives so that all the children are created in large numbers. The idea that everyone belongs to everyone also differs from our traditional family structure that we are accustomed to.
Stream of Consciousness (Brave New World)
"Yes, 'Everybody's happy nowadays.' We begin giving the children that at five. But wouldn't you like to be free to be happy in some other way, Lenina? In your own way, for example; not in everybody else's way." PAGE 91
This quote, along with several others by Bernard, allow the reader to delve deeper into his mind. It is an example of stream of consciousness. He reveals his inner thoughts and reactions to what is going on. In his mind when only the reader and himself know what he is saying is when he questions life as it is known in his society. Without allowing the reader to know what Bernard is thinking, the reader would have no idea that he thinks different than other people. He does not just go along with what the rest of his society believes. I think most of this is prompted by the solidarity he experiences. When he is alone, he has time to think about the way things are the way they are and what it would be like if they weren't. Because he is different than the other Alphas in his thoughts and actions, he has been alienated to a point from the group to which he belongs. I feel concern for him that he is uncomfortable with the way he is supposed to be acting but is forced to try to fit in. The fact that he will be punished and sent away for his behavior does not seem fair in terms of our world but it seemed to be an acceptable punishment for their society. If only those in charge knew the thoughts he expresses to the reader. He might be punished even more severely.
This quote, along with several others by Bernard, allow the reader to delve deeper into his mind. It is an example of stream of consciousness. He reveals his inner thoughts and reactions to what is going on. In his mind when only the reader and himself know what he is saying is when he questions life as it is known in his society. Without allowing the reader to know what Bernard is thinking, the reader would have no idea that he thinks different than other people. He does not just go along with what the rest of his society believes. I think most of this is prompted by the solidarity he experiences. When he is alone, he has time to think about the way things are the way they are and what it would be like if they weren't. Because he is different than the other Alphas in his thoughts and actions, he has been alienated to a point from the group to which he belongs. I feel concern for him that he is uncomfortable with the way he is supposed to be acting but is forced to try to fit in. The fact that he will be punished and sent away for his behavior does not seem fair in terms of our world but it seemed to be an acceptable punishment for their society. If only those in charge knew the thoughts he expresses to the reader. He might be punished even more severely.
Apostrophe (Brave New World)
"Ford, we are twelve; oh, make us one,
Like drops within the Social River;
Oh, make us now together run
As swiftly as thy shining Flivver."
PAGE 81
This stanza presents itself as an apostrophe. The people keep referencing Ford and how great he was. They are taking ownership of him and his ideas as they refer to him as "our Ford." This apostrophe invokes Ford to help them become one. It is effective in highlighting the importance of Ford to this society when they call upon him for help. Ford seems to be extremely important to the society and how they function. He is referred to so reverently and in a similar way to how people refer to God now. They are asking him for help and guidance as well as using his name for other phrases. We now say "Thank God (this or that)" and in this section Bernard thinks, "Thank Ford! he was not the last (page 79)." Also when it would seem appropriate that a curse word would be inserted, Bernard just says, "Ford!" which seemed a little strange. It appears that the society views Ford or who was Ford as almost a Godlike figure and places deep trust and respect in who he was. I do not yet understand why he is so important to the way they live and what his impact was that made him so revered.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Imagery (Brave New World)
"Bernard stood watching the retreating twinkle of the white stockings, the sunburnt knees vivaciously bending and unbending again, again, and the softer rolling of those well-fitted corduroy shorts beneath the bottle green jacket." PAGE 60
This use of imagery provides the visual of Lenina as he sees her. He could barely talk to her, but the way he views her says that he likes her. It is interesting to see how people view others through their eyes and how views of some people can be so drastically different. I feel sorry for Bernard because he seems to have good intentions, but in a way also brings the solidarity upon himself. People give him trouble because he is not physically the same as the other alphas. He gets made fun of and people do not respect him. It was nice of Lenina to accept his date offer even though it seems to have troubled him even more. He thought that is what he wanted, but now he is not sure. I think that he is confused about his emotions and it was a good idea to try to talk to his friend. I do not think that his plan worked out like he had hoped because his friend decides to talk about his own issues instead.
This use of imagery provides the visual of Lenina as he sees her. He could barely talk to her, but the way he views her says that he likes her. It is interesting to see how people view others through their eyes and how views of some people can be so drastically different. I feel sorry for Bernard because he seems to have good intentions, but in a way also brings the solidarity upon himself. People give him trouble because he is not physically the same as the other alphas. He gets made fun of and people do not respect him. It was nice of Lenina to accept his date offer even though it seems to have troubled him even more. He thought that is what he wanted, but now he is not sure. I think that he is confused about his emotions and it was a good idea to try to talk to his friend. I do not think that his plan worked out like he had hoped because his friend decides to talk about his own issues instead.
His Fordship (Brave New World)
"His fordship Mustapha Mond! The eyes of the saluting students almost popped out of their heads. Mustapha Mond! The Resident Controller for Western Europe! One of the Ten World Controllers." PAGE 34
This quote explains how important the Controller is. He is a prominent figure in the world. It seemed like a big deal when he arrived at the hatchery. As he stayed, he distributed alot of information to the students. He just kept telling them what happened and what it did. What he liked and what he did not like. The Controller was a distinguishable presence on the grounds of the hatchery.
Towards the end of the chapter, the author used an interesting set up that got difficult to follow at times. A few different conversations and situations were going on at once. The author was jumping back and forth. It made it easy to understand and comprehend that the things were going on at the same time, but consequently, it was difficult to think about all of the different contexts at the same time.
I found it a little disturbing when the controller talked about the past as if it was such a disgraceful period. The negative talk of family relationships seemed like the total opposite of the way we view them today in which family is seen as a person's strength in difficulties.
This quote explains how important the Controller is. He is a prominent figure in the world. It seemed like a big deal when he arrived at the hatchery. As he stayed, he distributed alot of information to the students. He just kept telling them what happened and what it did. What he liked and what he did not like. The Controller was a distinguishable presence on the grounds of the hatchery.
Towards the end of the chapter, the author used an interesting set up that got difficult to follow at times. A few different conversations and situations were going on at once. The author was jumping back and forth. It made it easy to understand and comprehend that the things were going on at the same time, but consequently, it was difficult to think about all of the different contexts at the same time.
I found it a little disturbing when the controller talked about the past as if it was such a disgraceful period. The negative talk of family relationships seemed like the total opposite of the way we view them today in which family is seen as a person's strength in difficulties.
Anastrophe (Brave New World)
"In silence, the nurses obeyed his command. Between the rose bowls the books were duly set out..." PAGE 20
The use of anaphora in this quote is effective in establishing the tone of the situation. The nurses seem intimidated by the director because of their silence when fulfilling his request. The emphasis was placed on their silence rather than their action. Also in the second sentence, the location of the objects was stressed to portray a specific image of the set up. The emphasis on the exact placement of the flowers and books makes the reader recognize the significance of the accuracy of the scenario and the actions that follow.
How we live and produce offspring is also brought up and looked down upon by these people. It is referenced as an "unpleasant fact (page 24)." I do not exactly think what is going on in this book is in any way better. I mean, they are electrocuting the babies who are predestined to be in a lower caste so they will not like books. That definitely does not seem like the right way to advance a society if that is their goal.
The use of anaphora in this quote is effective in establishing the tone of the situation. The nurses seem intimidated by the director because of their silence when fulfilling his request. The emphasis was placed on their silence rather than their action. Also in the second sentence, the location of the objects was stressed to portray a specific image of the set up. The emphasis on the exact placement of the flowers and books makes the reader recognize the significance of the accuracy of the scenario and the actions that follow.
How we live and produce offspring is also brought up and looked down upon by these people. It is referenced as an "unpleasant fact (page 24)." I do not exactly think what is going on in this book is in any way better. I mean, they are electrocuting the babies who are predestined to be in a lower caste so they will not like books. That definitely does not seem like the right way to advance a society if that is their goal.
Oxymoron (Brave New World)
"In the Bottling Room all was harmonious bustle and ordered activity." PAGE 9
This quote contains an example of an oxymoron- "harmonious bustle." The purpose of the oxymoron was to describe what was going on inside the room as someone walking in would see it. It effectively notes that there was alot going on and alot of movement, but it was not chaos. The movement was intentional and meaningful.
Also throughout this chapter, mainly in the beginning half, I noticed how the narrator followed and documented the students and their actions. He or she noted when they were writing and when they were reacting to something. As much as the narrator was following and providing accounts of what the director and Mr. Foster were saying and doing, the reader also had an idea of how the students were reacting. I found this quite interesting and a little perplexing. It did not seem to me that the students were the main focus of the chapter or that they would be extremely relevant later on. I was assuming that they were just like background characters to the Director and Mr. Foster as they explained the different aspects of the hatchery to the reader. I will probably be proven wrong and the students will have more weight than I anticipated in the storyline.
This quote contains an example of an oxymoron- "harmonious bustle." The purpose of the oxymoron was to describe what was going on inside the room as someone walking in would see it. It effectively notes that there was alot going on and alot of movement, but it was not chaos. The movement was intentional and meaningful.
Also throughout this chapter, mainly in the beginning half, I noticed how the narrator followed and documented the students and their actions. He or she noted when they were writing and when they were reacting to something. As much as the narrator was following and providing accounts of what the director and Mr. Foster were saying and doing, the reader also had an idea of how the students were reacting. I found this quite interesting and a little perplexing. It did not seem to me that the students were the main focus of the chapter or that they would be extremely relevant later on. I was assuming that they were just like background characters to the Director and Mr. Foster as they explained the different aspects of the hatchery to the reader. I will probably be proven wrong and the students will have more weight than I anticipated in the storyline.
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