1970. Choose a character from a novel or play of recognized literary merit and write an essay in which you (a) briefly describe the standards of the fictional society in which the character exists and (b) show how the character is affected by and responds to those standards. In your essay do not merely summarize the plot.
In some works, authors create a society we know; an often nostalgic reflection of our life. One feels they can live in Avonlea or Cold Sassy, converse with the characters, and understand their values. Other works instead provide glaring contrast to comment on our society and dangers the author perceives. Huxley belongs in this second camp with his novel Brave New World. Through the numbed and materialistic standards of his dystopia and its destructive effect on John, Huxley comments on human nature and his fears for the goals we may pursue.
The standards of the dystopia in Brave New World revolve around creating comfort and peace; facilitated through detachment. The lack of live births and families seek to eliminate the entangling and often painful bonds of kinship; severing one of the deepest attachments, that between mother and child. A communistic approach to relationships is taken to further avoid the heartache and jealousies of love and monogamy; exclusivity is frowned upon. Work, another stress, is mechanized or performed by the genetically altered and brainwashed Epsilons, leaving the Alphas and Betas to secure jobs they are brainwashed to enjoy. The conflict of religion is done away with and the hole is replaced with "orgy-porgies", drug laced community orgies to create unity and provide an imitation spiritual experience. They now worship materialism.
The effect of this society on John, and on humanity, is soul-destroying. Originally viewing the society as a haven from his pariah condition on The Reservation, John delights in the wonders the city can offer, exclaiming rapturously "Oh Brave New World, that hath such people in it!", quoting Shakespeare and reflecting the innocence of Miranda in his utterance. John has been raised on Shakespeare, taught a life of passion and strife from his words. His speech therefore contrasts with the city's un-poetic mantras and represents the falseness of his expectations. John is eaten away by the materialistic values of the World State, finally enraged by the mere curiosity shown by children at his mother's death. Realizing that he cannot live a life without pain, that humanity is not satisfied without struggle, John hangs himself in an act of penance and violent rebellion.
The World State's values result in the destruction of John, comfort and fear of ostracism killing passion and individualism. This dystopian vision serves as Huxley's commentary on what we feel may fill the void and how material pleasures will never satisfy a spiritual need.
The World State's values result in the destruction of John, comfort and fear of ostracism killing passion and individualism. This dystopian vision serves as Huxley's commentary on what we feel may fill the void and how material pleasures will never satisfy a spiritual need.
You did a good job with the introduction paragraph. It is structured according to the AP style format and the opening sentences are interesting and draw the reader in. Your thesis answers the prompt and clearly sets up the rest of your essay. I would mention in your thesis more clearly the meaning of the work, but you did do something to that effect. You answered both goals of the prompt (describing the standards and describing their effect on a character). I would just suggest more clearly stating how the details you included contribute to meaning, or create a separate paragraph to discuss meaning.
ReplyDeleteAs always, your opening paragraph is very good. I know I have heard it somewhere, not sure if it applies directly to writing AP essays, but I am pretty sure you are suppose to avoid using first and second person. You do a very good job of supporting your thesis with an ample amount of evidence. I would suggest making the meaning a little more clear, however. Overall, great job.
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