Huxley, Orwell & Golding delivering keynote speeches at an LSE Conference on Climate Change, 19 August 2023
Brave New World, Nineteen-Eighty-Four, Lord of the Flies, Animal Farm
1. Summary of Huxley's Brave New World
"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley is a dystopian novel set in a future world state where society is meticulously engineered by the government to ensure universal happiness and social stability. The story unfolds in London, in the year A.F. 632 (After Ford), where advancements in reproductive technology, sleep-learning, psychological manipulation, and a caste system centred on intelligence and labour define human existence.
The plot centres around Bernard Marx, an Alpha caste member who feels outcast due to his physical stature, and Lenina Crowne, a woman who, despite following societal norms, is intrigued by Bernard's uniqueness.
They visit a Savage Reservation, where they meet John, the
"Savage," who was born outside of the World State's control and
represents the connection to a bygone way of life that valued individuality,
family, and uncontrolled emotions.
John's introduction to the World State society brings him into conflict with its values, particularly the concepts of free love and the absence of personal connections. His struggle to find a place in this new world, coupled with his attraction to Lenina and his disillusionment with the superficial happiness of society, drives him to a tragic end.
The novel explores themes of technology's role in society, the loss of individuality, the commodification of human beings, and the use of drugs ("soma") to maintain and control, social order and personal contentment.
Huxley's vision is a cautionary tale about the dangers of losing human connection and freedom in the pursuit of technological progress and manufactured happiness.
1.1. Chapter by chapter summary
"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley unfolds over 18 chapters, detailing a society where human beings are mass-produced and pre-destined for roles in a caste system. Here’s a concise chapter-by-chapter summary:
- Introduction to the World State: The novel opens in the Central London Hatchery and Conditioning Centre, where humans are artificially produced and conditioned for their place in society.
- The Conditioning Process: It explains the process of conditioning children to fit into their societal roles, highlighting the use of sleep-teaching, or hypnopaedia.
- A Tour of the Hatchery: The Director of Hatchery continues the tour, introducing the concept of Bokanovsky's Process and conditioning, with Lenina Crowne and Bernard Marx introduced among the characters.
- Introduction to Bernard Marx: Bernard shows signs of discontent with society. He and Lenina plan a visit to a Savage Reservation, highlighting Bernard's alienation.
- Bernard's Uniqueness: Bernard is revealed to be unique in his feelings and doubts about society's values, contrasting with Lenina's contentment.
- Visit to the Reservation: Bernard learns that he must report to the Director upon his return, hinting at his impending exile. He and Lenina visit the Savage Reservation.
- The Savage Reservation: Lenina and Bernard meet Linda, a woman from the World State who lives on the Reservation, and her son John (the Savage).
- John’s Background: John tells Bernard and Lenina about his life on the Reservation, his mother Linda's past, and his desire to see the "Other Place" – the World State.
- Bernard's Plan: Bernard decides to bring John and Linda back to London as a way to undermine the Director, who had threatened him with exile.
- John's Arrival in London: John and Linda are brought to London, causing a sensation; the Director's hypocrisy is exposed, and he resigns in shame.
- John’s Disillusionment: John becomes a media sensation but is increasingly disillusioned with the superficiality and moral emptiness of World State society.
- John's Refusal to Attend a Party: John refuses to attend a party, causing embarrassment for Bernard, who begins to lose his newfound status.
- Helmholtz Watson: The friendship between Bernard, Helmholtz Watson (a discontented Alpha), and John deepens, with discussions about freedom and literature.
- John’s Rebellion: John reacts violently to the distribution of soma to Delta workers, leading to his arrest along with Bernard and Helmholtz.
- Before Mustapha Mond: Bernard, Helmholtz, and John are brought before Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, who debates them on the virtues of the World State.
- Mustapha Mond’s Explanations: Mustapha Mond explains the foundations of World State society and why certain things like literature and religion are banned.
- The Isolation of the Rebels: Bernard is exiled to an island; Helmholtz chooses to go to the Falkland Islands; John is allowed to live alone outside London.
- The Tragedy of John the Savage: John tries to live in isolation but is hounded by the media and tourists. Unable to reconcile his beliefs with the world around him, John takes his own life.
Each chapter of "Brave New World" builds upon Huxley’s vision of a dystopian future where human freedom is sacrificed for societal stability and happiness, exploring the consequences of such a world on the individual spirit.
2. Summary of Orwell's 1984
"1984" by George Orwell is a dystopian novel set in Airstrip One (formerly known as Great Britain), a province of the superstate Oceania in a world of perpetual war, omnipresent government surveillance, and public manipulation. The story is centered around Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the ruling Party in London, who works at the Ministry of Truth, where he alters historical records to fit the Party's propaganda.
The Party, led by Big Brother, employs the Thought Police to persecute individualism and independent thinking, known as "thoughtcrimes." The Party's three slogans are: "War is Peace," "Freedom is Slavery," and "Ignorance is Strength." Society is organised into three classes: the Inner Party (the elite ruling minority), the Outer Party (Winston's class), and the Proles (the vast majority of the population).
Winston feels frustrated by the oppressive control of the Party and begins to secretly rebel against Big Brother, expressing his dissent through a diary. He also enters into a forbidden romantic relationship with Julia, a fellow Party member who shares his disdain for the Party's rigid controls.
Their rebellion leads them to O'Brien, a member of the Inner Party, whom they believe is secretly opposing the Party. However, O'Brien turns out to be a loyal servant of Big Brother and betrays them. Winston and Julia are captured by the Thought Police and taken to the Ministry of Love, where prisoners are tortured and brainwashed.
Winston is subjected to intense interrogation and torture by O'Brien, aimed at reforming him and eradicating his rebellious thoughts. The climax of Winston's torture occurs in Room 101, where he is confronted with his worst fear, leading him to betray Julia by begging for her to suffer in his place.
Ultimately, Winston is broken and reforms. He is released back into society after he genuinely professes his love for Big Brother, having lost all critical thought and individuality. The novel ends with Winston sitting alone in a café, tears streaming down his face, overwhelmed with love for Big Brother, as he awaits a reported victory in the ongoing war.
"1984" explores themes of totalitarianism, surveillance, censorship, and individualism, warning against the dangers of oppressive government control and the erasure of personal freedoms. It remains a powerful commentary on the potential for tyranny that can arise from the pursuit of absolute power and the subjugation of individual will.
LN
2.1. Chapter by chapter 1984
"1984" by George Orwell is divided into three parts, with a detailed and intense exploration of themes such as surveillance, truth manipulation, and the psychology of totalitarianism. Here's a brief chapter-by-chapter summary:
Part One: Introduction to Winston’s World
- Introduction to Winston Smith: Winston returns to his dilapidated apartment building, Victory Mansions, and begins to write a diary, an act of rebellion against the Party.
- The Two Minutes Hate: Winston participates in the daily Two Minutes Hate, expressing the Party's directed fury towards enemies. He notices O'Brien, a Party elite, and feels a strange connection.
- Winston’s Job at the Ministry of Truth: Describes Winston's job at the Ministry of Truth, where he falsifies historical records to match the Party's changing narratives.
- Winston Remembers His Family: Winston recalls his family and the disappearance of his parents during the purges of the 1950s.
- The Party’s Control Over Reality: Further exploration of the Party’s control, including the concept of "doublethink" and the erasure of individuals from history.
- Winston’s Discontent Grows: Winston reflects on his rebellion and writes "DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER" in his diary.
- An Encounter with the Dark-Haired Girl: Winston has a brief encounter with Julia, a co-worker, causing him to suspect her of being a spy and to fantasise about killing her.
- The Proles: Winston wanders into a prole district, hoping to find some connection to the past before the Party's dominance.
Part Two: Winston and Julia’s Rebellion
- Secret Messages: Julia secretly passes Winston a note saying she loves him, leading to their covert relationship.
- Their Secret Relationship: Winston and Julia begin their affair in a rented room above Mr. Charrington’s shop, which appears safe from surveillance.
- O'Brien Makes Contact: Winston and Julia are contacted by O'Brien, who suggests he is part of the rebellion.
- The Book: O'Brien provides Winston with a book by Goldstein, the supposed leader of the resistance, which explains the structure of society and the nature of war.
- Caught: Winston and Julia are caught by the Thought Police in their rented room, which had hidden telescreens. Mr. Charrington is revealed to be a member of the Thought Police.
Part Three: Winston’s Imprisonment and Re-education
- In the Ministry of Love: Winston is detained in the Ministry of Love, where he encounters other prisoners and realises the extent of the Party’s control over reality.
- Torture by O'Brien: O'Brien tortures Winston, forcing him to accept the Party’s version of reality and to betray his innermost beliefs.
- Room 101: Winston faces his worst fear in Room 101 - rats. Faced with this terror, he betrays Julia by begging for her to be tortured instead.
- Release: Re-educated, Winston is released. He meets Julia one last time; both admit to betraying the other and feel nothing.
- Acceptance: Winston accepts the Party completely, loving Big Brother as he hears of a victory in war.
"1984" serves as a grim warning of the dangers of totalitarianism, exploring the profound impact of oppression on the human spirit and the extremes to which a government might go to maintain control and power.
3. Summary of Golding's Lord of the Flies
"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding is a novel that explores the dark aspects of human nature through the experiences of a group of British boys stranded on an uninhabited island. The book begins with the boys' plane crashing on a remote island during a wartime evacuation. With no adults surviving, the boys are left to govern themselves.
Ralph, one of the older boys, is initially elected as the leader, and he emphasises the need for order, rules, and the maintenance of a signal fire to attract rescuers. He is assisted by Piggy, an intelligent but socially awkward boy who wears glasses, which become crucial for starting fires.
Jack, another boy, becomes the leader of the hunters and gradually represents the appeal of savagery and the power of fear over civil and moral order. As the novel progresses, the struggle for power between Ralph and Jack becomes more intense and violent.
The boys develop a belief in a mythical beast that stalks the island, which serves as a symbol of the fear and savagery that increasingly dominate their existence. Simon, a sensitive boy, discovers that the "beast" is actually a dead pilot with a parachute, but he is killed by the other boys in a frenzied ritual before he can communicate this to them.
Jack's hunters eventually become completely savage, adorning themselves with war paint and engaging in rituals. They break away from Ralph's authority and form their own tribe, which is dedicated to hunting and hedonistic indulgence.
The conflict escalates to the point where Piggy is killed during a confrontation for his glasses, and Ralph is hunted like an animal by Jack's tribe. The novel culminates in Ralph's desperate flight from the hunters, leading him to the beach where he collapses in front of a naval officer, who has arrived to rescue the boys after spotting the island's smoke.
The presence of the officer suddenly brings the boys back to reality, and they are confronted with the realisation of their own savagery. The novel ends with the boys weeping for the loss of their innocence and the darkness they've discovered within themselves and humanity as a whole.
"Lord of the Flies" is a profound, allegorical novel that uses the microcosm of the stranded boys to explore themes of civilization vs. savagery, the loss of innocence, and the inherent evil within mankind.
3.1. Chapter by chapter Lord of the Flies
"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding is structured around the descent into savagery of a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island. Here's a brief chapter-by-chapter overview:
Chapter 1: The Sound of the Shell
- The boys, Ralph and Piggy, meet and find a conch shell, which they use to summon the other survivors. Ralph is elected leader.
Chapter 2: Fire on the Mountain
- Ralph proposes making a signal fire to attract rescue. The boys' first attempt at making a fire is chaotic and the fire spreads uncontrollably.
- Tensions arise between Jack, who becomes obsessed with hunting, and Ralph, who prioritises shelter and rescue signals.
Chapter 4: Painted Faces and Long Hair
- Jack's hunting group paints their faces for camouflage. They kill a pig, but in their delirious obsession, they let the signal fire go out, missing a rescue opportunity.
- During a meeting to discuss order, the boys express their fears of a beast. Ralph struggles to maintain authority, and the idea of the beast becomes more real to them.
- A dead parachutist lands on the island, and the boys believe it to be the beast. Jack and Ralph lead an expedition to hunt it.
Chapter 7: Shadows and Tall Trees
- The boys' expedition to find the beast heightens their fear. Ralph experiences a crisis of leadership and identity.
Chapter 8: Gift for the Darkness
- After a confrontation with Ralph, Jack leaves to form his own tribe, focused on hunting and savagery. Simon encounters the Lord of the Flies.
- Simon discovers the "beast" is actually a dead parachutist. He tries to tell the others but is killed by them in a frenzied dance, mistaken for the beast.
Chapter 10: The Shell and the Glasses
- Jack's tribe steals Piggy's glasses to make fire. Ralph's dwindling group is powerless to act.
- Ralph and Piggy confront Jack's tribe to get the glasses back. Piggy is killed, and the conch is destroyed in the confrontation.
Chapter 12: Cry of the Hunters
- Ralph is hunted by Jack's tribe. He stumbles onto a naval officer who has come to rescue them after seeing the island's fire. The boys are suddenly faced with the reality of their actions and break down in tears.
Throughout "Lord of the Flies," Golding explores themes of civilization versus savagery, the loss of innocence, and the inherent evil of mankind, with the island serving as a microcosm for broader human society.
4. Compare and contrast the themes in these three books
The novels "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley, "1984" by George Orwell, and "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding, while distinct in setting and plot, explore overlapping themes related to control, the nature of society, and the human condition. Here’s a comparison and contrast of the themes in these three books:
- Brave New World depicts control through pleasure and conditioning, presenting a society where people are genetically engineered and indoctrinated to be content with their predetermined roles. The authority is maintained not by surveillance and fear but through the manipulation of culture, history, science, and happiness.
- 1984, in contrast, represents control through surveillance, fear, and the suppression of free thought. Authority is maintained by constant observation, the threat of violence, and the manipulation of truth, creating a state of perpetual anxiety and conformity.
- Lord of the Flies explores control in the microcosm of a group of boys stranded on an island. Initially, attempts at democratic leadership and order are made, but the situation quickly devolves into a struggle for power, marked by fear and savagery.
- Brave New World suggests that human nature can be completely moulded by society to fit into a peaceful but superficially happy world devoid of deep emotions, meaningful relationships, or personal freedom.
- 1984 offers a grim view of human nature under totalitarian rule, where trust and love are eroded by the omnipresent fear of betrayal and punishment, showing how oppressive regimes can crush the human spirit.
- Lord of the Flies presents a more primal take on human nature, suggesting that societal norms are thin veneers that can easily be stripped away to reveal underlying savagery and the instinct for power and dominance.
- Brave New World portrays individuality as nearly non-existent, sacrificed for the sake of societal stability and happiness. Personal identity is submerged in the collective good and individual desires are seen as threats to societal harmony.
- 1984 dramatically highlights the conflict between individuality and authoritarian control, showing a society where personal freedom and truth are subjugated to the whims of the ruling Party. The protagonist’s struggle for individual thought and love is brutally crushed.
- Lord of the Flies examines how societal structures influence individual behavior and how quickly individuals can revert to savagery when those structures collapse. The boys' descent into violence and chaos reflects the fragility of civilised behaviour in the absence of societal norms.
4.1. Conclusion
While "Brave New World" explores the consequences of a society that controls through pleasure and the illusion of happiness, "1984" portrays a world where control is maintained through fear and suppression. "Lord of the Flies" strips away the layers of civilisation to examine the inherent savagery within humans when societal structures disappear.
Each novel, in its way, grapples with the tension between the individual and society, offering insights into the potential paths humanity could take under different forms of governance and in different states of nature.
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