In later chapters, Huxley sharpens this distinction between these two unhappy Alphas and constructs a common resolution for them both. In contrast to Helmholtz, Bernard seems merely childish and whiny. Helmholtz's discontent, Huxley stresses, is on a higher plane than Bernard's. Although popular and socially successful in the ways Bernard is not, Helmholtz nevertheless longs for some meaning in his life and work. When Bernard seeks the company of Helmholtz Watson, another Alpha who is dissatisfied with life, Huxley offers a new view on his character by contrast. Sexually obsessed, Bernard lingers over Lenina's beauty but is repulsed by the conventional (for this world) attitude she exhibits.īernard may be a misfit, but he shows little of the true rebel's conviction and seriousness of purpose. Infatuated with Lenina, he dreams of a vacation alone with her but flinches when she mentions it in public. Bernard, however, lives in a state of misery, anxious and angry short for his caste, he faces ridicule from women, insubordination from inferiors, and exclusion from the cheery intimacy of social life among his equals.īernard at once longs for and scorns the joys of his world. Even the unconventional Mustapha Mond seems happy, in his own way. and Henry Foster, for example - move through the futuristic world with confidence and gusto. Here Huxley offers a contrast of two important and very different characters: Bernard, the Alpha-Plus psychologist and Lenina, the Beta technician.Īs an Alpha Plus, at the top of society's strict caste system, Bernard should be enjoying every benefit of his society especially reserved for the elite - including relative freedom. Despite his overpowering stature and success with women, Watson, too, feels 'all alone,' because he has 'too much ability.' As a result, he senses a kinship with Bernard - the knowledge they share that they are 'individuals.' Because of this, he feels like a social 'outsider': 'I am I, and wish I wasn't.'īernard flies to Propaganda House to meet his friend, Helmholtz Watson, who writes state propaganda as an Emotional Engineer. Although an Alpha Plus, Bernard worries over his short stature (due, apparently, to a mistake during his decanting as a test-tube embryo). The second half of the chapter returns to Bernard, who feels inadequate.

It unfolds as a miniature version of this futuristic world - from Charing-T Tower to Hounslow Feely Studios to the Obstacle Golf Course. She's late for a date with Henry Foster.Īs Lenina and Henry take off in their helicopter for the date, their trip offers a panoramic view of London and its suburbs. In fact, Bernard wants to express his feelings to her, but when he tries, Lenina fails to notice.

She wants to talk with him about their planned trip to New Mexico, but he seems hesitant. This chapter opens on an elevator where Lenina sees Bernard.

Sparknotes brave new world 14