Brave+New+World

Discussion Leader Questions and Activities

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Brave New World

Block D Block D BNW ch 1-2 Block D BNW ch 3-4 Block D BNW ch 5-6 Block D BNW ch 7-9 Block D BNW ch 10-12 Block D BNW ch 13-15 Block D BNW ch 16-18

Block G Block G BNW ch 1-2 Block G BNW ch 3-4 Block G BNW ch 5-6 Block G BNW ch 7-9 Block G BNW ch 10-12 Block G BNW ch 13-15 Block G BNW ch 16-18

Introduction:
 * What type of book is BNW? (science fiction, satire, dystopia)
 * When was it written? 1932
 * What is the significance of the title?

Essential Questions:
 * What should be done to enhance humanity's future?
 * What are the ultimate goals of human society?
 * Can human beings be trusted in their use of scientific developments? (In other words: if it can be done, should it be done?)
 * Who should decide what to do with scientific discoveries and developments?
 * How important is freedom of choice? When should one give it up?
 * What is the value of an individual human life?
 * What does it mean to be human?
 * How does modern society manipulate / take advantage of people’s desires?

The World State
 * What is the significance of the World State motto? Community, Identity, Stability (denotation, connotation)
 * after the war
 * cloned society
 * no pain or disease
 * no problems or stress
 * drugs are legal and free
 * the caste system: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Deltas, Epsilons
 * Ford is god -

Key terms: viviparous - natural birth

What about all the sex in BNW? Here is the approach of the World State:
 * everybody belongs to everybody else
 * sexual promiscuity is normal
 * no desire should be left unfulfilled
 * no marriage, no commitment
 * the religious ceremonies!
 * 1) Why might Huxley include this content? Think about the genre of the book.
 * 2) Think about the question, "What does it mean to be human?" in relationship to this issue in BNW.

Consumerism in BNW What connections do you see between BNW and modern society?

Ideas and conflicts: manipulation herd mentality individual vs society individual as a consumer and worker - not a person

Traits of modern consumerism:

-god is Henry Ford - more stuff -mass production -economy over ethical behavior -individuals are only consumers
 * advertising and industry

-people are conditioned consume without thinking -self-denial vs. self-indulgence -satisfying desire vs. reflective thinking
 * mindless consumption based on instant gratification

-What would my life be like without technology? -What is the significance of being plugged into the Internet, cell phones, etc. ?
 * reliance on technology

- Does mass media / consumption reduce the ability of individuals to think for themselves? - Are you being told what to think - instant answers to everything on the Internet?
 * atrophy of creative thinking?

Consider this BNW Unit Plan