Brave New World Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Describe transportation in the World State.

Lenina talks about taking the Blue Pacific Rocket to New Mexico with Bernard, and numerous helicopters fly about locally as well as rocket planes.

Why does Bernard find it difficult to interact with others?

He is self-conscious about his physical inadequacy, feels inferior due to size, and is convinced that others think poorly of him.

Who is Helmholtz Watson and how does his character act as a foil for Bernard Marx?

Helmholtz is a powerful, well-built lecturer at the College of Emotional Engineering. He contrasts with Bernard, who is physically unfit and an outcast.

What do Bernard and Helmholtz have in common and what is the basis for their friendship?

Both suffer from a mental excess and have physical defects, leading to a friendship based on the acceptance of each other's individuality. Signup and view all the answers

How does hypnopædia help condition people to be happy, and what details suggest that it is not completely effective?

Hypnopædia conditions brains to accept societal norms but fails for individuals like Bernard and Helmholtz who resist the conditioning. Signup and view all the answers

What do people in the World State believe about life after death?

They do not fear death and view it as beneficial to society, as cremated bodies provide phosphorous for plants. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the transformation of Westminster Abbey. What was its original purpose, and what purpose does it now serve?

Westminster Abbey was originally a church and now serves as a venue for music and entertainment, like a Cabaret. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Transportation in the World State

The Blue Pacific Rocket is a prominent transportation option, specifically mentioned for travel to New Mexico.
Helicopters are widely used for local transit, showcasing advanced transportation methods.
Rocket planes also contribute to the efficient movement of people within the society.

Bernard faces social difficulties due to a rumor about alcohol in his blood surrogate at decanting, impacting his self-image.
His negative perception of others makes him feel inadequate and isolated, evidenced by his quick withdrawal from conversations.
Fear of rejection led to his hesitance to approach Lenina, despite her eventual agreement to spend time together.
Bernard's physical attributes, deemed insufficient for his caste, heighten his self-consciousness and further alienate him from peers.

Helmholtz Watson as Bernard's Foil

Helmholtz is well-built and exhibits traits expected of an Alpha Plus, contrasting Bernard's physical inadequacy.
He serves as a lecturer and emotional engineer, actively engaging in creative work, unlike Bernard’s outcast status.
The juxtaposition highlights Bernard’s struggles against societal norms and Helmholtz's almost effortless conformity.

Commonalities and Basis for Friendship

Both men grapple with mental excess; Bernard lacks physical robustness while Helmholtz suffers from excess capability.
Their friendship hinges on mutual recognition of individuality and acceptance of their respective differences.

Hypnopaedia and Societal Conditioning

Hypnopaedia functions as "sleep teaching," aimed at conditioning societal acceptance and promiscuity from an early age.
Subliminal conditioning through hypnopaedic slogans ensures people embrace their societal roles and status, regardless of their caste.
While hypnopaedia promotes societal conformity, individuals like Bernard and Helmholtz demonstrate resistance, questioning their roles based on personal reflections on inadequacy and cultural fit.

Beliefs About Life After Death in the World State

The state's social control leads citizens to dismiss philosophical questions regarding death.
Death is viewed pragmatically, as indicated by Henry’s remark about the utility of cremated bodies for agricultural benefits.
A lack of fear or existential contemplation around death signifies the effectiveness of state conditioning.

Transformation of Westminster Abbey

Originally a church, Westminster Abbey has been repurposed to host music and cabaret events.
The shift in its function reflects the broader societal changes and loss of traditional values in the World State.

Description

Test your knowledge on Chapters 4 and 5 of 'Brave New World' with these flashcards. Explore key concepts such as transportation in the World State and Bernard's social difficulties. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of Huxley's dystopian society.

Brave New World Flashcards - Chapters 4 & 5