Sample Body Paragraphs in Criticism Section Brave New World

Sample body paragraphs in criticism section – Brave New World

A majority of the literary critics focus their discussions on a predominate theme presented in the novel. One of these critics believes that the main theme developed by Huxley is that society is currently on an “unbending track of progress” which will ultimately lead to perfection but sacrifice freedom and creativity (Carlson 119). Robert Neilson also holds this idea to be valid in regard to the novel. He feels that continuous progress will bring a “universal unhappiness” at the excessively high cost of losing freedom, distinct personalities, veracity, and a purpose in life (633). Another critic comments that Brave New World depicts a civilization in which scientific advancement has murdered the essence of humanity and transformed people into mindless beasts (Pfeiffer 104). Likewise, Thomas Baker states that Huxley shows the destruction of humanity in a future world as the result of the power of science to control and manipulate man (215). The dangers of unrelenting progress are taken a step further by a fifth critic. John Grigsby believes that Huxley’s disproportional focusing on the advancement and exploration of science and technology inevitably ends in tragedy. He states, “Huxley sees the…scientific and technological society as destructive of that real world” (959). These critics all seem to have a different take on the same theme: the dangers of a society based solely on scientific advancements.

Aldous Huxley’s theme of individuality in a utopian society comprises another aspect that is the subject of much literary criticism. The critic John Grigsby feels that Brave New World displays a future utopia which has complete dominance over the individual, and “there is virtually no possibility of maintaining a sane, balanced, and full human existence” (958). This claim is rejected by Neilson. Neilson finds the spirit of the individual persists despite the conditioning and dominance of a mechanized society (635). Other critics, however, tend to support Grigsby. Carlson sees Huxley’s novel as an exploration of how a mass society can forget the “values of individualism” by allowing a false illusion of “perfection by standardization” (199). Baker further explains that Brave New World is a study of a culture that has given into to mechanization to the point where people are merely patrons and not citizens. The novel demonstrates a world where economic and social stability has replaced the need to be an individual (10). Therefore, the critics hold somewhat contrasting perspectives toward Huxley’s theme of individualism in his utopia.