Conforming to Society in Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Conforming to Society Often individuals choose to conform to society, rather than pursue personal desires because it is often easier to follow the path others have made already, rather than create a new one. In the novel Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, this conflict is explored. Huxley starts the story by introducing Bernard Marx, the protagonist of the story, who is unhappy with himself, because of the way he interacts with other members of society. As the story progresses, the author suggests that, like soma, individuals can be kept content with giving them small pleasure over short periods of time. Thus, it is suggested in the book that if individuals would conform to their society’s norms, their lives would become much†¦show more content†¦In conclusion, Bernard is interested in pursuing his personal desires, instead of conforming to society because he doesn’t like the way society is and what it is restricting people from. Although Huxley starts the story by introducing Bernar d and his disapproval with the way society works, he suggests that individuals can be prevented from pursuing personal desires, if they are kept content with giving them small pleasures over short periods of time. The way which Bernard’s society keeps its people happy is by encouraging them to take soma regularly and to have sexual relationships with multiple partners. Drugs and sex, only keeps people happy for a short period of time and that is while it is happening. As soon as it is over they return to the misery they were in before, but the society encourages more, thus individuals who comply with the society are always kept content. Bernard is similarly kept satisfied by soma, even though he doesn’t take it too often; it’s his way of escaping reality when he is deeply unhappy with how his life is going. Intimacy with the other sex doesn’t keep him content because he questions this belief, but instead going on a date with Lenina or visiting the reserva tion does. The protagonist appreciates spending quality time, for instance when he suggest that for his date with Lenina, they â€Å"land on top of the Skiddaw and walk for a couple of hours in the heather†(77) or when he wishes to â€Å"look at the sea in peace†(78). InShow MoreRelatedBrave New World Discussion Questions1321 Words   |  6 PagesBrave New World Discussion Questions Question 1: Each novel immerses us, instantly, into a world that simultaneously is foreign and familiar. Establish the characteristics of the society that the author creates and analyze the intricacies (complexities) of the society being presented. In what ways is it like and unlike our own society? In Aldous Huxley’s science fiction novel Brave New World, a distinct society is illustrated. 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