John Versus Bernard in Brave New World

Introduction

In Brave New World, the dystopian society is structured by a hierarchy of humans who, from birth, are conditioned to conform in thought and behavior. Bernard, an Alpha male who feels out of place, is discontented with his life. John, a "savage" born from two Alphas and raised in the Savage Reservation, finds the new world truly abhorrent. Despite their mutual disdain for the society, their perspectives and reactions are vastly different.

Bernard's Alienation

Bernard, self-conscious about his appearance, becomes somewhat of a recluse among his fellow Alphas. Unlike others, he expresses emotions such as jealousy rather than taking soma, the drug used to suppress emotions. His refusal to conform and his differing opinions lead to his ostracism, being labeled as 'strange' and 'weird'. Consequently, he is excluded from activities like casual encounters with multiple females, common among his peers, which fuels his jealousy. He often confides in his only friend, Helmholtz, boasting about his achievements in an exaggerated manner, which strains their friendship. Bernard's struggle for acceptance highlights the pressure to conform in the dystopian world. As noted by Aldous Huxley (1932), the societal norms are designed to suppress individuality and maintain uniformity.

John's Perspective

John, the son of the Director and Linda, is born in the Savage Reservation and is marginalized there due to his mother's reputation and his skin color. He learns about the outside world only when Lenina and Bernard bring him and his mother out of the Reservation. His birth, rather than creation, and his lack of belonging to any group make him an anomaly. He despises the society his parents were raised in, one devoid of personal identity and ownership. As Huxley (1932) illustrates, the society's emphasis on collectivism erases individuality and personal connections, which are vital to John's understanding of life.

Contrasting Reactions to Society

Both Bernard and John harbor a mix of admiration and disdain for their society, yet their motivations and thought processes diverge. Bernard's hatred stems from his inability to fit in. However, upon gaining fame and attention after bringing John back from the Savage Reservation, he begins to embrace the society and even indulges in soma. In contrast, John initially marvels at the society's technology, beauty, and wonders, but his mother's deteriorating health due to soma reveals the society's flaws. He perceives the superficiality and corruption, especially in individuals like Lenina. This shift in perception illustrates the danger of blind acceptance of societal norms, as discussed by Huxley (1932).

Behavioral Changes

As their views change, so do their actions. Bernard becomes arrogant, confronting people with newfound confidence. He flaunts his successes with women and sports, a stark contrast to his previous inexperience. John, upon recognizing the dystopian reality, becomes reclusive, avoiding interviews and limiting interactions to Bernard, his mother, and Helmholtz. His confrontation with Lenina, where he lashes out and calls her a whore, underscores his internal conflict and rejection of societal values. Huxley's portrayal of these characters reflects the tension between individuality and societal conformity (1932).

Consequences and Resolution

After clashing with the ruling government, Bernard, Helmholtz, and John face relocation to an island. Bernard panics, denying his involvement, whereas John pleads for isolation, seeking refuge from civilization. The novel concludes without detailing Bernard and Helmholtz's fate, suggesting they assimilate into island life. Meanwhile, John attempts to practice his cultural habits in solitude but becomes a spectacle, overwhelmed by society's intrusion. His tragic end, committing suicide after another encounter with Lenina, highlights his inability to reconcile his values with the society's expectations. As Huxley (1932) poignantly illustrates, the struggle for individuality in a conformist society often leads to despair.

Conclusion

Ultimately, what sets John apart from society is his unfiltered perception of its reality, shaped by his upbringing in the Savage Reservation. He attempts to integrate but finds it morally repugnant, choosing solitude over conformity. Bernard's discontent arises from envy, which dissipates once he gains acceptance and status. The contrasting journeys of John and Bernard underscore the novel's exploration of individuality and societal pressure, as Huxley (1932) compellingly depicts.

References:

• Huxley, A. (1932). Brave New World. Chatto & Windus.