Dialectical Journals 9-13

9

“But it’s  terrible,” Lenina whispered……imagine yourself sitting there with a little baby of your own.” Pg 111 & 112

Lenina is unable to face reality without here soma. Seeing the aging process first hand horrified her, while Bernard started questioning his government issued beliefs about relationships wondering about the physical bond between a mother and child.

 

10

 

“ The young man sighed and shook his head…..he was ashamed and turned away.”  (Pg. 116 & 117)

This is Benard’s and Lenian’s first meeting with John. John references Shakespeare’s Macbeth. He compares the blood of the sacrificed Indian to the blood on Lady Macbeth’s hand. John is filled with guilt for not being able to be the scarified one due to his complexion and Lady Macbeth is guilty for her role in urging Macbeth to kill the king of Scotland.

11

 

“She shuddered. It was worse than……And I was so ashamed.” (Pg. 119 & 120)

Linda is caught between two world: the one she was raised in as a test tube baby and the dirty world that she was thrust into after having the baby. The reference to alcohol and soma shows the differences between these worlds. Soma signifies the elegance and grace of the superior race, while alcohol indicates an inferior class with the bad side effects.

 

12

 

“He opened the book at random…..staring into his own.” (Pg. 131, 132 & 133)

 Pope brings John The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, which was considered a forbidden book because it caused people to think. This is ironic, as the words from this book about Hamlet, give John the courage to attack Pope with a knife.

 

13

 

“O wonder! He was saying…Let’s start at once.” (Pg. 139)

The meaning of the title of the story Brave New World is revealed through Bernard’s invitation for John to join him in his civilized world. John quotes Shakespeare’s  The Tempest comparing Bernard’s world to a “brave new world.” John thinks this is his chance to fit into a society and belong since the Indian world will not accept him for who he is.