Your Future Is Written (Brave New World - Aldous Huxley)

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Product:	Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
Date:	14/03/02 (658 review reads)
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Advantages: An Outstanding Novel For Science Fiction And Non Science Fiction Enthusiasts Alike, Believable Reality Through Brilliant Imagery, A Well Revised Plot

Disadvantages: : Stark Resemblance To George Orwell's Work

It is a rare occasion when a novel goes beyond the restraints of the science fiction genre. Often these boundaries consist of monsters or the monotonous presence of aliens; it was only when I read the fantastic new novel by Aldous Huxley that I truly appreciated what the genre of science fiction had to offer. Brave New World, rather than offering the token mythological tale of aliens or extraordinary beings, takes a realistic look at science fiction and poses the daunting question, what if?


The genius of Aldous Huxley lies with in the actual storyline of Brave New World. Aldous Huxley not only examines the social structures in society today, but he then goes onto to examine what shall become of a race, dependant on the efficiency of technology. Aldous Huxley inevitably creates an abstract but compelling world filled with mystique and adventure.


In this world, the class system is taken to a whole new orientation; previously humans were born through traditional methods, but now in a Brave New World, they are genetically coordinated in test tubes. Depending on the wishes of the scientist the baby, in his infant years can either start to develop into an Alpha (A brilliant human that shall receive the highest paying jobs and the most opportunities) or an Epsilon (A less knowledgeable human who is destined to the lower paying professions and generally a harder life). This is just the beginning of a thrilling novel and the consequences that this anti-utopia society reaps are nothing less than pure ecstasy to read.


This arouses the question in the readers mind. What is happiness? Huxley explores this to a paramount extent. Everyone in this society is trained to like who he or she is. This is something that mankind has searched for, for many years - to be at peace with themselves. Because nobody is unhappy with their class or intelligence, an artificial utopia society is created.


The novel only starts to evolve with t
he arrival of Bernard Marx. An unhappy character, dissatisfied with the hierarch situation to which he has been born into. Everyone around him is pleasant and satisfied but somewhere along the line, this sleep specialist has started to think and react for himself. Rather than having almost a collect consciousness, there is one individual who refuses to adopt the lifestyle, which has been dictated to him, thus a dystopia world is born.


Imagine yourself the only one of your kind. How many of your reading this review can say that they would want to be Bernard Marx rather than a categorised Alpha? When reading a Brave New World you find yourself pondering on this exquisite thought provoking question. Although the Alpha's, Beta's, Delta's and Epsilon's of this world are trapped by the boundaries of a totalitarian state, they have achieved happiness, no matter who they are; why would one want to become an outsider to this extravagant utopia? Bernard Marx is just that and the psychological changes, which he must endure, are beautiful to watch Huxley unravel.


Yes, there are no wars and people are generally satisfied with each other and themselves, but watch as one man observes the conditions of this happiness. Stoma, a drug that stimulates the synchronised behaviour of all is gravely encouraged. The interesting aspect of Bernard Marx's life is the fact that he is alone, with only cohort John to advise.


The climax of Brave New World sees the interference of Mustapha Mond (a powerful ruler in the year 632 AF - After Ford) in the thoughts of Bernard Marx. It must be noted that the conclusion is slightly abrupt and unsuspecting but this is something that is relevant throughout the novel, the essence of suspicion; this I believe is the ingredient to a great novel.


Brave New World is a tale of caution. To warn the evolution of society in the same manner that it is currently advancing. The reliance on te
chnology is a dangerous thing. Not being a previous enthusiast of science fiction, it was initially difficult for me to open the harsh pages of Brave New World. In retrospect this plunge was well worth it. Brave New World is a story of a very much possible future, it is clear that Huxley has closely studied the fashion of today's society. A close link can be drawn between Brave New World and the British fraction here in England. We are ruled by royalty, people who are born into luxury, not through achievements or hard work, but through genetics, enter a life that promises great things. This is very similar to the Alpha generation that is documented in Brave New World. With the ever advancing break throughs in technology, who can say what the future has to offer. Brave New World is just one possible future, the interpretation of one man; but when reading the bold phrases and allusions, Huxley will indefinitely make you believe in his shocking Brave New World.

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