Perfect+Society

What needs to be removed from society to make it perfect? ___

For a "perfect" society to be formed, all emotion, individuality, personalities, and relationships with meaning must be stricken from the citizens' lives. The novel imparts that in order to create a perfect society all aspects of original human behavior must be either taken away or restricted severely. It is brainwashed into the people from the very beginning of their lives that any emotion or feelings or unneeded and unwanted. Soma, a drug which provides instant happiness is introduced at an extremely young age.

Support Passages 1.) “Why don’t you take soma when you have these dreadful ideas of yours. You’d forget all about them. And instead of feeling miserable, you’d be jolly, So jolly.” Page 92 2.) “It makes me feel as though…” he hesitated for the words with which to express himself, “as though I were more me, if you see what I mean. More on my own, not so completely a part of something else. Not just a cell in the social body.” Page 90 3.) “Did you ever feel,” he asked, “as though you had something inside of you that was only waiting for you to give it a chance to come out? Some sort of extra power you aren’t using- you know, like all the water that goes down the falls instead of through the turbines?” Page 69 4.) “Stability” said the controller. “ stability. No civilization without social stability. NO social stability without individual stability.” He voice was a trumpet. Listening they felt larger, warmer.” Page

It is highly evident that knowledge equals power, and Aldous Huxley uses this wisely to his benefit. The statements he uses and brings to life through his characters are mostly treated as facts, not opinions, creating a much higher level of power and influence throughout the novel. Any ideas of individuality are considered "dreadful" and much be erased as quickly as possible by taking "soma." Also, the revelations that a few of the characters have, mainly about individuality" are cast in a light of hesitation and constant wonderment. This never-ending cycle of questioning pulls any sense of power and stability that those characters may possess. Huxley's purpose is to use these two distinct opinions--an ideal society and one of individuality and emotion--to display his fears of what type of society the future may hold. Being polar opposites, the two viewpoints continually contrast each other and leave the reader on the fence about the issues.

In a sense, a Brave New World has come to pass, although not to such a severe extent that exists in the novel. Huxley's predictions about emotions tied into a lack of individuality ring true.Especially in today's society, some people believe that it is better to not make emotional attachments as easily for a fear that something terribly bad will happen, or because they simply do not like to display their true feelings. Whatever the reasons may be, it is clear that many people have found ways to block these feelings, through the use of drugs and alcohol, similar to the use of soma in the novel. Consume the right amount and all of your troubles will vanish, consume to much and a more permanant "holiday" may be in store.