Below are some potential essay topics for Brave New World, but please keep this in mind: these are topics, not statements. It's up to you to craft your thesis whether you make use of these ideas or something completely your own. I'd like to see you develop an independent thesis, but you might find your ideas are already going down one of these paths. I say, use whatever helps.
With that thought in mind, please feel free to use this space to post ideas, questions thesis proposals, and whatever else your creative brains have to offer. Read what others have to say--borrow ideas that help--express your insights & inspirations. Visit more than once with follow-up thoughts. Your essays will benefit from this free exchange of ideas.
- Discuss Huxley’s intimation that the only life worth living is a "self-actualized" one.
- Examine the implications of Mustapha Mond’s assertion: “Every discovery in pure science is potentially subversive.”
- The best utopian—or anti-utopian—fiction is not really about the future: it is an indirect view of the present. To what extent is that true for Brave New World and our own contemporary society?
- Discuss the necessity of adversity in order to experience true happiness.
- Compare Huxley’s utopia with Orwell’s dystopia of 1984. Which do you find to be more sinister?
- What does Huxley’s ending for his novel, what imply about the ability of an individual—the self—to survive in a world such as the “Brave New” one?
- One critic wrote the following: “It is as sparkling, as provocative, as brilliant…as the day it was published. This is in part because its prophetic voice has remained surprisingly contemporary, both in its particular forecasts and in its general tone of semiserious alarm. But it is much more because the book succeeds as a work of art.”
Do you agree. If so, explain how Brave New World succeeds not only as a novel of ideas but as a work of art. - Explore the idea that “civilization is sterilization”—particularly in regard to intellectual freedom and opportunity.
38 comments:
"Unchecked discovery [science?] can yield both prosperity and disaster."
Is it too much of a "fact?" Do I actually need to take a side or is being cautious about discovery rather than blindly pursuing it good enough?
Shoop-Da-Woop!
Brendan, the topic of morals and consequences of scientific discoveries fascinates me. It's so broad and powerful. For a 4-6 page essay, I think that you should define what types of discoveries and/or what prosperity/disaster look like. Consider referencing Brave New World in your thesis. I used this PowerPoint (Google: "writing a literary analysis essay mtsd") to help me write my thesis statement.
I have a wordy thesis. It's more of a topic, and not completely precise.
"Through John Savage's polytheistic background and the World State's implementation of religion, Huxley argues religion fills an infantile need in humanity for approval."
The essay would include a discussion within the context of BNW of approval on a peer level, the consequences of isolation, the role of dieties, and - throughout - how Savage experiences these.
Brendan, I would also analyze it in the comtemporary sense with things like the large hadron collider and contrast it with the technology in BNW.
The power point is very helpful! I am formulating ideas for my thesis and it gives me an idea of what I want to accomplish
Alphabitten- Megan Aldridge
"Huxley's utopia is much more attainable and realistic than Orwell's."
Is that too general? Should I include more specifics in my thesis?
Hahahahahaha, Alphabitten.
Really, you can change it to say your name when you post. I'm not sure how though.
Shruti, I think more specificity would be helpful. Because if I was imagining what your paper was about, I'm not sure what you would be talking about. The use of science? Happiness versus fear? Social class structures?
Here is another version of my thesis. Does it make more sense?
"Huxley argues religion fills an inherent infantile need in humanity for approval beyond social acceptance."
@Megan
Go to blogger.com. It should redirect you to your dashboard, which will have an "Edit Profile" link.
Lindsay, your thesis seems to be making a couple of arguments at once: first, that religion is a way to gain approval beyond social acceptance; second, that the need for approval beyond social acceptance is universal (inherent); third, that that need is infantile (and, because of its negative connotations in BNW, that this need is somehow harmful or inappropriate). Perhaps you should simplify your thesis just to make your essay more focused. But then again, I can’t really judge the merit of your thesis unless I know how you plan to develop your essay.
Also, based on the first version of your thesis, you seem to attribute the term “religion” to both John’s form of worship and that of the World State, but I think that the two forms of worship are actually quite different. In one of the small group discussions we had in class, my group discussed how for John, God is a god, but for the citizens of the World State, Ford is only an idol, to whom they look up but do not submit their lives. In order to argue that the same religious basis exist in both worlds, you’ll need to define religion, which might be a whole new argument in itself.
For my essay, I would like to argue something along the lines of “In BNW, Huxley argues for the need of truth and beauty as ends in themselves, rather than means to an end”. I got this idea while reading John’s confrontation with Mond. Mond’s explanation for the absence of religion (Lindsay might argue against me on this observation), beauty, and morality is that they are either no longer needed to fulfill happiness, or incompatible with a world where stability reigns supreme. Mond assumes that men’s ultimate goal in life is their own happiness, and that whatever we do must lead us toward that goal. John, however, believes (these are my interpretations) that God, beauty and morality serve no purpose – just as happiness does not – and should be pursued for their own sake. In the end he makes a claim, not an argument, for the right to be unhappy. The lack of logos in John’s part throughout the debate is consistent with his belief that there is no reason why truth and beauty exist. Their value is absolute and does not change regardless of the social context. As John quotes from Shakespeare, “Value dwells not in particular will. It holds his estimate and dignity as well wherein ‘tis precious of itself as in the prizer.” (Ch. 17)
To support my point, I will probably draw most of my evidence from Ch. 16 and 17. I will also contrast John’s attitude toward beauty, religion, and morality throughout the novel with that of the other characters. But the problem I have with my topic is that, although I can find several examples where John believes in the absolute value of truth and beauty, I am yet to find anything to support the assertion that Huxley is arguing for the universal need of truth and beauty. Can you guys find any evidence that Huxley is on John’s side? If not, how can I modify my thesis so that it doesn’t have to deal with what Huxley argues for, but, perhaps, what the consequence of the lack of truth and beauty is?
I'm trying to develop a thesis around religion, more specifically, "God doesn't change. Men do, though" (231). I was thinking of arguing about how religion has changed with the cultures and discoveries of man, but am worried that I will be writing more of a research paper than a persuasive one. Does anyone have any suggestions about what I can focus on to avoid this?
Kathy,
Using one of Merriam Webster's definitions of religion - a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices - I believe the World State does have a religion.
'Our Ford' does not appear as a god to us because we know he doesn't exist. According to Christianity, all other religions worship idols, because there is only one God. But to the people engaged in that belief system, they are worshiping a god.
I agree that the word infantile is redundant. The remaining two arguments you identified in my thesis will fit well together in my essay.
I like your sentance "Their [religion and beauty] value is absolute and does not change regardless of the social context" and I think some of that wording could be used in your thesis. I started out using "means to an end" in my thesis, but Mr. Duncan didn't approve.
"That's inconclusive and demands little argument. You have to specify what end is served, and why. Whose interests are being served? What do humans lose when religion is manipulated or debased?" - Mr. Duncan
Lindsay
Shruti-get rid of 'much'
I want to talk about the way religion has changed over time and how it has once again been changed to fit the society in Brave New World. Ideas?
I don't know guys, I like alphabitten and eventually people will realize it's me because it is such a bizarre post name.
-Megan
Oh, by the way, this is a really handy resource if you want to have an effective literary analysis. I figured that in order to personally develop an effective one It was pertinent that I knew exactly what an effective literary analysis looked like and was made up of.
Enjoy,
Megan.
Emily, that's an interesting idea. I think maybe you could talk about how given time, religion today could eventually evolve into something like the belief system of the World State Society. Maybe that's kind of off the path you want your paper to follow, though.
Okay, here's my edited thesis:
"Because it fulfills needs and suppresses the masses through conditioning rather than force, Huxley's utopia is more attainable and realistic than Orwell's dystopia."
Better? Worse?
Shruti,
Better! I can't say much else though - thesis writing is an art. So if it seems good to you, go for it. I'm always rather insecure about my thesis statements.
Emelia, it would be way cool if you contrasted a specific totalitarian government's (or two) adaption of religion in the past, and how brave new world has specifically adapted it. But I'm not sure if that's still literary analysis? It sounds like a great paper.
Shruti,
That's definitely the path I was going to take with my paper, starting with historical examples.
Emelia
I'm having a little trouble wrestling structure from my stubborn thesis. :/ So, I guess I'll confer with the geniuses here to see if the thesis itself needs its wings trimmed.
"By using the trouble-free society in Brave New World, Huxley argues that the only true adversity in society is the battle against human nature."
I'm trying to figure out just how I could effectively connect all the strings I've pinpointed, including:
1. The internal battle against promiscuity (which is convieniently undermined in BNW)
2. Physical suffering (this too is relatively absent in BNW, and in fact is laughed at and made into feely movies)
3. The conscience, also relating to morality (utterly demolished in BNW)
4. And more...
Do the points of evidence I have seem to point to a different thesis? I had another thesis idea that seems like it might work, but is somewhat theological rather than factual (but isn't all literary analysis?):
"The human soul is recognized by its battles against human nature."
This thesis would have the same main points, but supporting the idea that internal/external battles absent in BNW causes the utopia's citizens to be souless, basically animals.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that all help is greatly appreciated!
Hey guys, what did we do on thursday? I have the sore throat and I stayed home and slept. :(
Did we get a hand out about our essay or anything? Also, I'm to about page 30 on Oedipus
-Megan
We pretty much just read Oedipus Rex (or Tyrannos, as we later learned was its true name) until about page 34. Before that, Mr. Duncan told us a little bit about Sophocles and his rivals and a litle bit about hubris and hamartia...maybe someone will be able to truly fill you in on Monday.
What does Huxley’s ending for his novel, what imply about the ability of an individual—the self—to survive in a world such as the “Brave New” one?
I want to use Duncan's topic as a starting point for my thesis. I'm thinking along the lines of comparing the inability for "the self to survive" in BNW with how Huxley felt about the same issue in real society. Talk about how the inability for the self to survive in the end reflects the weakness in human nature to stand as one. I'm only in the very first stages and was just wondering about comments. Could this potentially develop into a full paper?
Katie - I like it AND I have a (silly) way to trim it down
Original: "By using the trouble-free society in Brave New World, Huxley argues that the only true adversity in society is the battle against human nature."
Lindsay's super-short version: "Human nature causes all adversity in society." hmm. "Huxley argues human nature causes all adversity in society through...."
You mentioned you were trying to add in "Huxley" and "BNW" in class to your thesis statement, and I totally think it needs that, and some more detail than my 7 word thesis. I think of my thesis as the logical structure my paper is going to take. If I look at this version here I would define human nature, define adversity, and then use the types of solutions in Brave New World as evidence that human nature is the cause of those problems. I don't know - I wish I could talk to you in person, so we could discuss our essays more. Call me, k?
ac2919, Sounds like a good essay. Here are some questions that come to mind when I read that prompt. Why can't 'self' survive in Brave New World? Why does 'self' struggle in our modern world? Huxley's lifetime? How do they relate? I take it that suicide is one common factor, but what are the causes of those suicides? Peer pressure? Hopelessness? The media?
Well, thanks Lindsay! Except one minor problem...I think the evidence I've collected seems to more support my second thesis idea:
"By creating a soulless utopia in Brave New World, Huxley argues that the human soul is recognized by its battles against human nature."
Do you think this needs some trimming? Maybe I'll try to call you later today...
Katie, I really like the phrasing of your thesis. I'm just curious: what do you mean by "reconizing the human soul"? Do you mean a spiritual recognization, like John's epiphany about God and beauty? Or moral recongition, as BNW basically lacks a moral standard? Or something else?
I am writing about a similar (maybe?) topic about the necessity of suffering. Here's my thesis:
"Huxley argues that pain and danger are essential for self-actualization, without which one cannot attain true happiness. "
(I like your "battle against human nature".. much more specific than my "pain and danger")
Some supporting points I have identified are:
1. According to Mond, BNW-ians cannot appreciate beauty because they lack violent experiences; thus BNW-ians cannot experience the sort of "peak happiness" that John does through suffering.
2. BNW-ians use soma to escape pain, but by avoiding pain, they are also avoiding reality. An essential characteristic of self-actualization, according to Maslow, is the acceptance of reality.
3. Without pain, BNW-ians do not experience the full range of human emotions. They do not experience true passion, close personal relationships, or even the grief of death.
I also plan to somehow incorperate Nietzsche's idea that “The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment in life is to live dangerously” into my essay.
Any ideas on additional supporting points I can use? Critiques on the thesis?
I should probably stop posting...because everytime I do I've changed my mind. :P
Kathy:
I think what I meant was recognition as just a realization that it exists; however, I think I've critiqued my thesis even more, but not sharply enough to post it here.
Perhaps to replace your "pain and danger" phrase you might include the word(s): peril, affliction, or even going as far as to mention instability (or would that be completely tangent from your argument?).
For my thesis I was thinking of doing something like this:
"Brave New World's laws are created simply for the purpose of making society run smoothly and deny people the ability to aspire to true happiness."
I want to deal with a main quote for Mustapha Mond when he says because he makes the rulse he can break them and how our laws in the USA deal with the persuit of happiness.
Any suggestions are welcome.
Thanks!
*Rules
Amber: I think you have a great start towards an essay but your thesis seems to be written in a really relaxed tone. Perhaps my idea is too stiff but you could try-
“The laws of Brave New World are created to make society run smoothly, denying citizens the ability to aspire towards true happiness.”
I’m also planning on dealing with true happiness in my essay. I’m thinking of using the following as my thesis.
“Brave New World implies that true happiness cannot be achieved without hard work, adversity and meaningful relationships.”
I would use John as my primary example throughout the essay- Looking at his experience making pots, his experience alone in the woods and his relationships (probably with a focus on Linda or Lenina).
I’m wondering if this seems too much of a cookie-cutter thesis. Or if it seems to narrow.
Any suggestions?
Dang it - I lost all the nice lovely comment I wrote. Harrumph.
Here it is again.
Sarah, your thesis isn't too narrow, but the group of three does sound cookie cutter. My suggestions are to rewrite it in the positive and without subjunctive (because Strunk & White lives in my head).
I'm looking at my thesis and thinking the word choice is a little misleading.
Huxley argues religion fills an inherent need in society for approval beyond social acceptance.
Would this be better?
Huxley argues religion fills an inherent need in people (or 'among individuals') for approval beyond social acceptance.
Sarah: for writing about "true happiness" whatever that may be, be sure that you define clearly how you interpret it because the term "happiness" is something that everyone can see differently.
I feel very behind. Thank you Lindsay for your advice and that thesis powerpoint. Here is the first try for my thesis:
:Through John's struggle to be an individual among conformists, Huxley proves that the human "self" will ultimately surrender to the pressures of society.
Ooo, very nice Ariel. I think your thesis is worded very elloquently. As long as you have good support, I'm sure you'll do well!
Personally I've always been really interested in words. Not necessarily how they can be strung together to create some insanely powerful devices, but how they're structured and the linguistic value of them as it strikes the individual.
I was thinking about the neologisims in BNW and how Huxley purposely created words that are awkward to say and tricky to twist your tongue around in order to invoke a sense of discomfort in the reader.
My thesis is:
"The reason behind Huxley's linguistic strategies is to create discomfort and even confusion in the reader, provoking him or her to question basic assumptions about the organization of society and the nature of our human relationships."
-Alexis
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