Sunday, April 1, 2012

Brave New World Journal #1

Motif: In the first third, I noticed several things. The word pneumatic describing Lenina and chairs, identifying the people as animals, the phrase 'Oh Ford!', and the repetition of the hypnoaedic jingles. The dictionary definition of pneumatic is 1. containing air spaces to reduce weight 2. well rounded, esp with a large bosom. We first see the word used to describe Lenina. "Oh, she's a splendid girl. Wonderfully pneumatic" (chp 3) and than " When they had arrived and were comfortably stretched out on the pneumatic sofas in Bernard's room" (Chp 4). Pertaining to air holes is a strange way to describe things. It suggest the society has lots of holes, things that are lost in exchange for comfort. The repetitious use of 'Oh Ford' demonstrates what is important in the society. Ford alludes to Henry Ford who emphasized consumerism and technology. By changing the religious 'Oh Lord' to 'Ford', I can conclude that this society has replaced religion with materials and technology.

Setting: The first chapter is in some sort of science building. "And in effect the sultry darkness into which the students now followed him was visible and crimson, like the darkness of closed eyes on a summer's afternoon" (Chp 1). This description gives connotations of blood, organic body, organ pictures in the mind. Ironically, this is where they have replaced natural reproduction with decanting. As the Director shows the students around I can tell this society is very organized. People are in their places and doing their job.

Language: The language is rather formal. The characters use scientific words such as pneumatic and decanting in place of comfy and born. It is also mentioned about all the dead languages such as German, Spanish, and French. This novel was purposely written in English to show how the English prospered after the 9 years war. A lot of what the characters say is very rhythmical because they are repeating the sleep teachings. This society talks in very similar ways. Simple, scientific, and robotic-like.



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