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Questions and Answers
How does Lenina respond to the things she sees on the Reservation? What aspects of the life of the savages are particularly distressing to her?
How does Lenina respond to the things she sees on the Reservation? What aspects of the life of the savages are particularly distressing to her?
Lenina is uncomfortable with what she witnesses on the reservation, finding it very peculiar. She is particularly distressed by the savages being whipped, mother-child relationships, their aging and imperfections, and the fact that they don't know who Ford is.
What does Bernard realize when he meets the young blonde savage named John?
What does Bernard realize when he meets the young blonde savage named John?
Bernard realizes that John's father is the director, 'Tomakin'.
Summarize the religious ceremony that Lenina and Bernard witness.
Summarize the religious ceremony that Lenina and Bernard witness.
The ceremony included pounding drums, black hissing snakes, and a young man being whipped, aiming to bring rain for crop growth.
How does John's mother, Linda, respond when she sees Bernard and Lenina?
How does John's mother, Linda, respond when she sees Bernard and Lenina?
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What is Linda able to teach John?
What is Linda able to teach John?
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What does Pope give John shortly after his twelfth birthday?
What does Pope give John shortly after his twelfth birthday?
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Explain how the works of William Shakespeare influence the way that John frames his experience of seeing the sleeping Lenina.
Explain how the works of William Shakespeare influence the way that John frames his experience of seeing the sleeping Lenina.
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What is John tempted to do when he finds Lenina sound asleep? Why does he stop?
What is John tempted to do when he finds Lenina sound asleep? Why does he stop?
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Why do you think Huxley chooses to juxtaposition the description of the process of human fertilization in labs with the scene between John and the sleeping Lenina?
Why do you think Huxley chooses to juxtaposition the description of the process of human fertilization in labs with the scene between John and the sleeping Lenina?
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What do Bernard and John have in common? How do the ways that they deal with pain differ?
What do Bernard and John have in common? How do the ways that they deal with pain differ?
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What does Bernard offer to do for John and Linda? How does John respond to his offer?
What does Bernard offer to do for John and Linda? How does John respond to his offer?
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Who does Bernard appeal to for permission to bring Linda and John back into civilization?
Who does Bernard appeal to for permission to bring Linda and John back into civilization?
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What is ironic about John's perception of Lenina as pure?
What is ironic about John's perception of Lenina as pure?
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Study Notes
Lenina's Reactions on the Reservation
- Lenina feels uncomfortable and finds the life of the savages "peculiar."
- Distressing elements for her include witnessing whippings, mother-child relationships, aging, imperfections, and ignorance of Ford.
- Bernard counters her criticisms by suggesting that conditioning keeps them from being savages too.
The Religious Ceremony
- The ceremony involves drums, black snakes, and a youth being whipped.
- Its purpose is to invoke rain for crops.
- The ceremony seems influenced by elements of Christianity.
Bernard's Discovery
- Bernard learns that John, the blonde savage, is the son of the Director (Tomakin).
Linda's Condition on the Reservation
- Linda reacts joyfully to Bernard and Lenina's presence.
- She complains about living conditions and lack of respect due to her origin from the community.
- Linda struggles to civilize John, largely failing in her attempts.
John's Childhood Memories
- John's memories center around Linda's mistakes and her promiscuity, hindering his acceptance among the savages.
Education from Linda and Popé
- Linda teaches John to read using letters on walls.
- Popé gifts John "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare" on his twelfth birthday.
Shakespeare's Influence on John's Perspective
- John's reading of "Hamlet" shapes his understanding of his mother's relationships and his own feelings about fidelity and betrayal.
Bernard and John's Shared Isolation
- Both John and Bernard feel different within their societies.
- Bernard fears rejection and avoids confronting it, while John embraces his distinctive beliefs.
Bernard's Offer to John and Linda
- Bernard proposes to take John and Linda back to London, eliciting excitement from John, who insists Linda should accompany them.
Permission from Mustapha Mond
- Bernard seeks Mustapha Mond's permission to bring John and Linda back to civilization.
- Permission is granted due to the interest John and Linda represent from a scientific perspective.
Shakespeare's Influence on John's Views of Lenina
- John likens his admiration for the sleeping Lenina to Romeo's affection for Juliet, perceiving her as "trustful," "helpless," and "pure."
- Ironically, Lenina's experiences contrast sharply with John's idealized view of purity.
John's Temptation with Lenina
- John contemplates touching Lenina while she sleeps but refrains out of fear of defiling her.
- His action reflects naïveté, as he attempts to unzip her pajamas, suggesting poor judgment rather than nobility.
Juxtaposition of Themes
- The contrast between sterile laboratory fertilization processes and John's emotional turmoil highlights the tension between human experiences and societal conditioning.
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Description
This quiz explores key events from the Reservation in Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World', focusing on characters like Lenina, Bernard, and John. It delves into Lenina's reactions to savage life, the religious ceremony, and Linda's struggles with her past. Test your understanding of these pivotal moments in the narrative.
