ERP Persuasive Essay

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is an engaging science fiction novel published in 1932. In a dystopian future where technology is used to reduce human individuality for commerce under the pretext of ensuring social stability, Huxley uses this piece to highlight the dangers of scientific development for commerce instead of the well-being of the people. Despite with the protagonists suicide, I believe Huxley has achieved his goal, assisted by his simple language. I was taken on an enlightening journey, as it challenged my beliefs in technology at some points, such as the appearance of John, who lived away from the World State. Its only weakness, however, would be that it abruptly changes the central protagonist - Bernard is replaced by John, after which he loses his significance in the story. Nevertheless, it should be included in our syllabus. Analysing this book would be beneficial to the Year 2s, because today, we rely on technology to make life more comfortable, whereas in the book, technology causes undetected discrimination in society, masked by the phrase Community, Identity, Stability. Alpha embryos are destined to be intellects, while Epsilons perform menial labour. I debated the definition of stability multiple times while I was reading as the authorities did manage to maximise commercial output smoothly, but not everyone was satisfied, such as Helmholtz,who believes that he has got something important to say and the power to say itonly [he] [doesn't] know what it is, and [he] can't make any use of the power. Conflict is escalated with the appearance of John, who was raised outside the World State, where he gained an appreciation of Shakespearian works. His childhood makes him popular in society, but he is also in an internal conflict as he is sexually attracted to Lenina while he disapproves of the World State norms, such as the use of Soma for pleasure. These multi-layered conflicts then result in Johns debate with Mond, the Resident World Controller. While it is interesting, Brave New World also reminds me of The Chrysalids. Although Waknuk is a primitive community, Tribulation, which destroyed the Old People, is actually caused by nuclear warfare, a result of wrongly using technology. Much like how Uncle Axel has seen the world outside, John was raised in the Reservation, and it is similar to the Fringes where the Deviations are sent to. Its links to The Merchant of Venice are even more impressive. John enjoys Shakespeares work, and is able to quote lines from the plays. I believe that John can inspire the same passion in Rafflesians. This book can be a transition from The Chrysalids to The Merchant of Venice, making it a worthy addition to our syllabus.
Arivarun Anbualagan (2G 2012)