Brave New World Chapter 14 Review

Questions and Answers

In one word, which best describes Linda's hospital room based on the imagery at the beginning of chapter 14?

Undisturbed

What element of this chapter is ironic?

The Savage calling the people of the World State civilized

How is this chapter's structure important to the story?

The lack of action contributes to the mood of sadness surrounding Linda's death

What makes the nurse uncomfortable?

When John says Linda is his mother Signup and view all the answers

What human emotion does John express when the boys are commenting on the appearance of Linda?

Anger Signup and view all the answers

Why were the boys so intrigued/appalled when they saw Linda?

She was very old compared to other girls they knew, and she was fat and ugly Signup and view all the answers

Why is John so unique compared to everyone in the Brave New World?

He was born Signup and view all the answers

What word does John say that disturbs the nurse?

Mother Signup and view all the answers

Who enters the room when John is visiting Linda?

Bokanovsky Twins Signup and view all the answers

Whose name does Linda call out?

Popé Signup and view all the answers

What does the twin ask John when he is leaving?

Is she dead? Signup and view all the answers

What is the central message of the chapter?

Because of the World State, stability and the needs of the community are the most important thing to do. This makes strong emotions and connections not as important and is outweighed by the needs of the community. Signup and view all the answers

How can relating the book to real life be important?

Relating to the book can allow us to see how Huxley saw the future. Not all of it is accurate, nor will it ever be, but it helps us to see the flaws in our own society. Signup and view all the answers

How can the themes of this chapter explain why the World State does not approve of mothers and fathers?

Flaws in the World State being things such as not having families, but mass producing humans at different levels to work and to be 'happy.' Also the theme of the cost of happiness comes in when the World State prohibits John and Linda from finding true happiness. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 14 Overview

Linda’s hospital room is depicted as undisturbed, setting a tone of isolation and stillness reflecting her condition.
The irony of John, a Savage, referring to the World State inhabitants as civilized highlights the stark contrast between actual emotions and imposed societal norms.

Structure and Tone

The chapter's structure is marked by minimal action, enhancing the mood of sadness surrounding Linda's impending death, emphasizing the emotional depth rather than plot progression.

Character Interactions and Emotions

John's assertion that Linda is his mother creates discomfort for the nurse, revealing societal conditioning against familial ties.
John's anger is a strong emotional response when other boys make disparaging remarks about Linda's appearance, showcasing his protective instincts.

The Concept of Age and Beauty

The boys react with fascination and repulsion upon seeing Linda because of her age and physical condition, contrasting sharply with the youthful ideals they are accustomed to.

John's Unique Identity

John is distinguished from other characters in Brave New World because he was born naturally, symbolizing a link to authenticity and individuality lost in the World State.

Disturbing Terminology

The use of the word "mother" by John deeply unsettles the nurse, as familial terms are foreign in the World State context.

Key Events and Characters

The Bokanovsky Twins' entrance during John’s visitation signifies the sterile, emotionless environment of the World State.
Linda's call for Popé underscores her past connections and longing for intimacy, contrasting with her current isolation.

Central Themes

The chapter conveys a central message that in the World State, societal stability necessitates suppressing strong emotions and personal connections, prioritizing communal needs over individual feelings.

Real-Life Relevance

Relating the narrative to contemporary issues can reveal Huxley’s insights into potential future societal flaws, provoking critical reflection on current cultural trajectories.

Familial Relationships and Happiness

The absence of nurturing familial relationships in the World State is rooted in a system designed for mass human production, prioritizing calculated happiness over genuine emotional fulfillment, thereby illustrating the costs of an engineered utopia.

Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 14 of 'Brave New World' with these flashcards. Explore key themes, ironic elements, and the chapter's emotional impact through thought-provoking questions. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of the text!