Common Themes In Aldous Huxley's Brave New World

Aldous Huxley’s novel, Brave New World, brings forth countless themes that leave his readers occupied with the thought of a foreseeable utopian future. However, a topic well worth noticing is that of Huxley’s own envisions with his novel, showing how the evolvement of science and technology has affected the individual person. In the foreword to his novel, Huxley states, “The theme of Brave New World is not the advancement of science as such; it is the advancement of science as it affects individuals”. The novel Brave New World incorporates a great deal of themes and concepts within it, however, the most prevailing theme in BNW is science as it affects individuals.

In BNW we see how science has truly managed to replace the traditional family

In its place, science has taken over to make sure individuals have no reason for self-denial or fear. Nearing the end of the Aldous Huxley’s novel, Mustapha Mond and the savage discuss the relevance of religion in their present society, if there is a need for God:

Us, the modern world. ’You can only be independent of God while you’ve got youth and prosperity; independence won’t take you safely to the end.’ Well, we’ve now got youth and prosperity right up to the end. What follows? Evidently, that we can be independent of God. ’The religious sentiment will compensate us for all our losses.’ But there aren’t any losses for us to compensate. (17.206)

In this quote, Mustapha Mond argues that there simply is no need for God in a society with no fear nor unhappiness. “You can only be independent of God while you’ve got youth and prosperity”, Mustapha’s choice of words, youth and prosperity, symbolizes happiness and success. He explains these features to be key to the independence of God since age, unhappiness and fear all draw man closer to what is Godly and divine. The World State has successfully created a society, free of religion, due to science. Science has kept the people from aging as well as insured their happiness through conditioning. Preserving the youth of people does however come with a cost. Lives are cut short as a consequence, yet people in society do it anyway for the sake of

On the other hand, science in BNW has also gone to conserve the society’s needs on an individual level. This is seen in the form of soma which, single-handedly, soothe anger, hostility and want. Notably, this is seen when Bernard takes soma to relive himself of his suffering, “Punctured, utterly deflated, he dropped into a chair and, covering his face with his hands, began to weep. A few minutes later, however, he thought better of it and took four tablets of soma” (12.36). With regards to this quote, one can clearly point out that science, in the form of soma, help to relieve people of the World State from their anxieties. This is seen when Bernard, exhausted and filled with misery, does not allow himself to feel the pain which he is currently going through. The fact that only a few minutes later, “he thought better of it”, indicates that he is well aware that this sort of behaviour is not permitted by the norms of society. Nevertheless, this method of drugging people is frequently seen throughout the book. Mostly to cover up or ease peoples emotions. Again, these actions towards sadness and emotions as a whole, accurately show that the society of BNW strongly insist, and do not tolerate, any other form of emotion except happiness. However, emotions are vital for sustaining human health, but even so, science has been able to