"They learn to associate topsy-turvydom with well-being; in fact, they're only truly happy when they're standing on their heads." (pg. 17)
This quote, spoken by Mr. Foster, is a paradox that expands on the theme of everything in this alternate world being different than what we are taught. In general, topsy-turvydom and well-being are not associated with one another. However, the way that the embryos are conditions causes the above quote to make perfect sense. Somehow, it also apparently causes all people to be happy, because they are conditioned to be happy in their role. It also makes me wonder if people in this world are actually happy, or if they just think they are happy. I guess it begs the question; is there a difference? Hopefully the more I read the more I'll understand about that idea.
In the meantime, I'd like to comment on the way that children are conditioned to associate books with pain and terror in the beginning of chapter two. Again, there is only one word that I can personally use to describe it; disturbing. The electric shock of children, and the way that the Director seems to pleasure in the process combine to create an alarming picture of what the future could be like. When talking with a friend about this book, she questioned the sanity of the author, Huxley. What kind of mind would create and imagine such a world. I, however, believe that Huxley understood the insanity of his work, but wrote it as a warning. I don't believe that he was demented or deranged himself, but allowed himself to expand on the idea in order to get his point across.
while it's certainly disturbing, you want to try and push through that and look for an explanation as to why this society is behaving this way.
ReplyDelete