Comparison between Brave New World and United States

Throughout Brave New World there were a few similarities between our world today and that of the distopic society depicted in the book. The first similarity that stood out was that in both societies those who were different were persecuted. Noone allowed Bernard or John to be a part of the groups but singled them out. Similarly the United States tends to leave out the mental ill, the homeless, and those who believe differently. Another similarity is the way the press act. In both societies the press will do anything to get a good story even if it hurts an innocent man. The third similarity is that technology has a big part of their entertainment and daily lives. Although Brave New World is ahead of the United States they enjoy feelies and musical smells while our society uses computers and Ipods.

Brave New World 2

Compare and contrast social condition of Lenina through hypnoeapedia and John through Shakespeare, and why they are not able to understand each other.

Both Lenina and John receive their morals through something they do not understand. Both of them quote the method, but they do not understand why their way is right and how the idea is morally correct. Neither of them have needed to explain their ethics because everyone in their communities believe the same. However, faced with the challenge of explaining they are unable to do so which creates many conflicts.

Lenina and John are unable to understand each other because neither can change shoes. Both characters can concieve that another way might be right. They are caught between loving eachother and hating eachother because they do not always understand what the other does. John cannot handle having Lenina before they are married, but Lenina does believe in marriage so believes that John does not love her when he refuses to have her.

Brave New World

In both the Brave New World and in Utopia the government has been able to take control of the civilians and take away everyone's sense of self. Both worlds are dominated by the social structure and that there is no me, but just the community as a whole. Also in both worlds the people do not spend a lot of time working, but they are not free to do whatever they want. In Utopia people were expected to read and learn and in Brave New World people are suppose to interact.

There are a few things that are good about the Brave New World society. All diseases have been extinguished so everyone is healthy and can work everyday. Also everyone has a place, where they are able to contribute to the community. The mentally ill (epsilons) have work as well as the high ranking individuals (Alphas). No one is made without purpose.

The most disturbing thing I found about the society is the amount of control the drug soma contains. People take it whenever they start feeling anything. It takes away the emotions and thought of the population. Soma is what the government uses to keep the people from wanting more from their lives, and it empowers the government to stay in control.

Book II: 41-61

In the last section of Thomas More's Utopia the description of the slaves, warfare, and religion was written.
Their slaves were only criminals or those from other countries that had to sell themselves into slavery for money. If a society was to have slaves this would be the only way. Their is no discrimination and no one is born into the life. Slavery is the ultimate punishment for the worst of criminals. They also give the slave from other countries better jobs and often treat them as countrymen.
Utopians believe that assisting someone in suicide is acceptable if their is no hope in recovering and the persons wishes it. This is an honorable way to die and it keeps anyone from being burdened by helping them all the time. I think that this is an acceptable practice their is no need for someone to suffer if their is no hope in a normal life.
Utopians believe that warfare should only be used if all other sources have been exhausted. They are always prepared but hate to waste their time in war. When a winning battle is over they take prisoners but do not slaughter the survivors or put fire to the towns. And when a treaty is made the honor it for a lifetime. Putting these factors together will ensure that peace is maintained and war is rarely used.
Utopians are able to take part in whatever religion they wish. However, the majority of people believe in a supreme deity they do not all agree on which one. This freedom is parallel to the freedom in the USA and takes out much of the fighting that might have broken out for religious laws.