Brave New World Study Guide

Why are fertilized eggs of Alphas and Betas treated in different ways?

This process is one of the major instruments of social stability.

Why aren't Epsilon embryos given enough oxygen?

This affects the development of the brain.

What colors are Alphas, Betas, Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons dressed in?

Alphas wear gray, Betas wear blue, Gammas wear green, Deltas wear khaki, and Epsilons wear black.

Why did the World State decide to avoid the love of nature among the lower castes?

People can enjoy nature without buying anything. The World State conditioned people to love sports that require complicated equipment so they contribute to the economy.

What is sleep teaching ideal for?

It is ideal for conditioning people.

Why shouldn't a child belong to a family?

Strong emotions can cause problems.

Compare the beliefs of the past and the New Era.

In the New Era, there are no families and everyone belongs to everyone else. Strong emotions are forbidden. They don't believe in God, they believe in Ford. The past is not important.

How did the New Era begin?

The New Era is counted from the year in which the Model T Ford, the first motor car, was first produced. Its inventor, Henry Ford, has become a god.

Why has Bernard got a bad reputation?

People say he doesn't like games and he spends most of his time by himself. He's so ugly and small that he looks low-caste.

What is soma and why do people take it?

Soma is a drug that makes you feel better.

Why did Fanny disapprove of Lenina's relationship with Henry?

It's wrong to have a long, intense relationship with only one man.

How does Bernard convince Lenina to go on a date with him?

He invites her to visit a Savage Reservation.

What disgusted Lenina when they got to Malpais?

There was rubbish everywhere, with flies and dogs all around it.

How did John's life change after the film, "The Savage," was shown?

A lot of people went to laugh at him.

How does Linda feel about living on the reservation and why?

She didn't feel comfortable because she missed civilization.

How does Bernard's life change when he brings John to the New World?

Bernard becomes more important and popular.

Why is the relationship between John and Lenina certain to end in tragedy?

John wanted their love to stay pure and beautiful, but Lenina wanted them to get married.

What was the connection between John the Savage and the Director?

The Director was John's father.

How did the Director feel when he met his son?

He felt completely humiliated and helpless.

What is the purpose of the religious ritual performed by the Savages?

The purpose is to please the gods and to make the rain come.

What did Linda look like?

She was a very fat woman. Her two front teeth were missing and the others were in bad condition. Her face was wrinkled, her breasts and stomach were enormous, and she smelled of alcohol.

Where and how did Linda die?

She died at the hospital after John began to shake her violently, and she couldn't breathe.

What motivates John's suicide at the end of the novel?

He thinks he has to punish himself, and many people go every day to laugh at him.

What is a feelie?

It is like a film, but you can feel what the characters are feeling.

Why did John try to stop people from taking soma?

He believed soma is poison to the soul and the body, and people who need it are slaves.

Why was Linda attacked by other women of the village in the reservation?

They were angry because she had been with their men.

How did Bernard react to the Controller's decision to send them to an island?

He jumped to his feet, stood in front of the Controller, and started to cry. Then Bernard knelt down in front of the Controller, talking and crying hysterically.

Describe how the relationship between Lenina and John develops during the story.

At the beginning, they both loved each other. But then John began to hate Lenina, and she became afraid of him.

In your opinion, why did people take soma so often in the story?

They weren't as happy as they thought they were.

What do you consider to be the positive and negative sides of Bernard's personality?

Positive sides: He thinks in a different way and he wants to help people.

Negative sides: He is fearful and self-interested.

In what ways is Lenina a victim of the system?

She does everything the way society wants her to, even though she wants to do things differently.

Why do you think John committed suicide? Could it have been prevented?

He didn't like the New World and he didn't understand it. It could have been prevented if they had let him return to the reservation.

If you lived in the New World of Brave New World, what aspect of life would be the most difficult for you to get used to? Explain the reason why.

The most difficult thing for me would be not being able to choose who I am friends with. For example, if I were a Beta, I might want to be an Epsilon's friend.