In a lighthouse outside London, John undergoes purification for “eating civilization.” Fasting, whipping himself, and vomiting, John strives to exorcise the guilt he feels for Linda’s death and his horror of sexual contact with Lenina. Reporters, film crews, and then crowds intrude on his privacy. When Lenina herself approaches him, […]
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John’s formal acceptance of all the horrors of sickness, poverty, and fear — capped by Mond’s terse “You’re welcome” — ends the chapter. Analysis In this chapter, Mond continues his discussion of the practical philosophy of the world he controls. With Bernard and Helmholtz gone, Mond and John concentrate on […]
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Analysis In this chapter — the aftermath of the soma riot — Mustapha Mond discusses the importance of happiness and stability, even at the cost of truth and freedom. In a sense, this is the conversation both John and Helmholtz have been waiting for — the explanation of everything dissatisfying […]
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Suddenly inspired, John calls to the Deltas to give up the drug. When they fail to respond, John seizes the soma and throws it out the window, causing a riot among the Deltas. Bernard and Helmholtz arrive to save John, and they become involved in the riot themselves. When the […]
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The children annoy John, making it impossible for him to speak with his dying mother. When Linda wakes from a soma dream and mistakes her son for Pope, John’s misery turns to fury. At the moment of death, Linda’s terrified eyes seem a reproach to her son. John leaves the […]
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The chapter ends with a phone call for John with the news that his mother is dying. Analysis In this chapter, Lenina determines to approach John for sex directly, rather than continuing to wait for him to take her. In her attempted seduction, Lenina uncovers a disturbingly violent side to […]
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Meeting with John and Bernard, Helmholtz reads an anti-social poem he has composed. This reading inspires John to read Shakespeare aloud. Helmholtz’s initial delight at the poetic language turns to laughter and ridicule when Shakespeare’s ideas about love and sex clash with Helmholtz’s own social conditioning. Analysis John’s preference for […]
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Bernard suddenly finds himself popular because all upper-caste London wants to see John the Savage. Bernard boasts to Helmholtz about his sexual conquests and lectures Mustapha Mond in a report — offending both of them. John, meanwhile, experiences a growing disillusionment with this “Brave New World” (as he quotes Shakespeare). […]
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When Bernard arrives, the D.H.C. announces in front of everyone his intention to transfer Bernard to a “Sub-Centre of the lowest order.” The D.H.C. explains that Bernard has “grossly betrayed the trust imposed in him” — and that his unorthodox attitudes and behavior threaten Society. Bernard responds by bringing in […]
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During Bernard’s trip, John breaks into the Rest House, thinking that Bernard and Lenina have left for London without him. Inside, John discovers Lenina’s suitcase and looks through her clothes — including her zippicamiknicks. When John finds Lenina fast asleep, he thinks of Shakespeare’s Juliet. He reaches out to touch […]
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