Well done to those of you who are reading these words. I hope the following helps.
Don't forget to review BNW-specific concepts such as Neo-Pavlovian conditioning, Bokanovsky's Process, hypnopaedia, freemartins, feelies, and Malthusian Drills. Neo-Pavlovian conditioning is simply the process by which children are conditioned to associate completely unrelated stimuli; for example, look at the very beginning of Chapter 2 (pp. 19-22) and the conditioning of the babies to associate flowers and books with pain, hence yielding the same response (fear) to both. Bokanovsky's process is a technique by which BNW geneticists produce up to 96 identical twins from one human egg. Feel free to review the rest on your own; all are pretty straight forward. Just remember that any term with the word "Malthusian" in it refers to birth control.
I think it's important to remember that while BNW society seems odd and horribly controlling to us, the majority of BNW citizens are happy (even though this is that mediocre, level line happiness we discussed in class last Friday). In fact, the World Controllers go out of their way to ensure the happiness of these citizens through proper conditioning, hypnopaedia, and predestination. Remember the words of the Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning: "And that, that is the secret of happiness and virtue--liking what you've got to do." But also consider his words concerning the thoughts of the BNW citizens and the suggestions of the World State (end of Chapter 2).
You should review the entire Solidarity Service scene in Chapter 5, Part 2. Review the notes from class on the Solidarity Service and soma as religion. We discussed the BNW meaning of "atonement" during the same lecture.
Consider Bernard's reasons for bringing Linda and John back to BNW London. Who is he trying to discredit through this scheme and why? Who is John's father, Linda's ex-lover? Linda lovingly calls him "Tomakin." Also, consider Bernard's behavior and actions after he brings John and Linda back to BNW London (Chapter 11; pp. 156-57).
Consider John's true beef with BNW society. Sure he thinks this society is immoral, but mainly he's disgusted with the easiness of the BNW lifestyle (Consider what we talked about last Friday; what did I say the World Controllers had to offer at that negotiation table?):
"Yes, that's just like you. Getting rid of everything unpleasant instead of learning to put up with it. Whether 'tis better in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them...But you don't do either. Neither suffer nor oppose. You just abolish the slings and arrows. It's too easy."
John would rather claim "the right to be unhappy" while the citizens of BNW London would rather "prefer to do things comfortably."
I have no respect for Mustapha Mond, mainly because he denies John the opportunity to exile himself to an island with Bernard or Helmholtz. I am suspicious of his professed motive, wanting "to go on with the experiment." It seems to me the experiment has run its course to completion when John cleanses himself of the poisoned civilization through self-induced vomiting. I don't think the results of this experiment could be any more clear. I think Mond wants to keep John around as a novelty, something (not really someone) at which to stare and point.
Review the Cyprus experiment discussed near the middle of Chapter 16 and Mond's discussion with John about an Alpha-dominated population. Why wouldn't it work? Do we all want to be Alphas? Can everyone be an Alpha?
Review the scene in Chapter 3 that exhibits Fanny as the model citizen and Lenina as doubtful. This scene is important when it comes to characterization. We spent time on this one in class, so it shouldn't be new to you. Also of importance: Bernard and Lenina's date in Chapter 6, Part 1.
Lastly, review the ritual scene from Chapter 7 (towards the end, pp. 116-17). I mentioned last week that I thought Huxley was trying to satirize conventional religion and the "spiritual high." The Solidarity Service is all music, drugs, sex, and lights. Remember? Who wouldn't feel something exposed to such stimulants? Take a look at the ritual scene. How are the Solidarity Service and this primitive ritual similar? Is the ritual just a less hi-tech sound and light show? I don't think Huxley is pleased with either of these takes on religion. He seems to want something else out of religion. I don't think Huxley approves of John's blind faith (expressed in his desire to sacrifice himself to please Pookong and Jesus) either. Huxley wants a more mild religion, or perhaps he's just wary of the power and influence religion can have over society; he sees religion as just one more tool of the would-be World Controllers of our world and time.
Now, let me address the synthesis essay:
Prompt 1) Prove to me that technology can be used for both good and bad. Think about how technology relates to ambition and the conflict between gov. and the individual.
Prompt 2) Discuss the Romantics and their views of nature. What is the importance of nature? How does it serve society and the poet? Do poets really need to be able to see so much in nature to be great poets?
Prompt 3) Prove to me that all literature doesn't just entertain but teaches as well. Discuss various pieces and the morals they teach.
Be as specific as possible. Try to use three works to answer all three of these prompts. You must use a note card. Making a note card is work, but it can only help you.
