Aldous Huxley - Brave New World - Page 3 - Writers Forum

Mira · 08-16-2007, 04:58 PM

I loved Brave New World, one of the best books I've ever read. Reading through these comments, I'd just like to add that both this book, as well as 1984 were written during the rise of communism in Eastern Europe. For me, both authors serve a powerful warning about the dangers of the communist system? Or do people not agree with that?

ToPrint · 08-16-2007, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mira

I loved Brave New World, one of the best books I've ever read. Reading through these comments, I'd just like to add that both this book, as well as 1984 were written during the rise of communism in Eastern Europe. For me, both authors serve a powerful warning about the dangers of the communist system? Or do people not agree with that?

Very true. Historical/cultural context is so important when understanding anything. I thought of something to add to the context stated above. BNW is written by a British writer who is largely critiquing the U.S. Within his pages, readers find loads of commentary including the treatment of African Americans in the early 1900s; Henry Ford, his assembly line, and the implications/fears of mass production; the philosophies of Thoreau; and the narrative of America as the great new world. Also, Huxley's title comes from Shakespeare's THE TEMPEST.

Stewart · 08-17-2007, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Besh

Not so sure about Orwell claiming ignorance, if the notes from my copy of 1984 are anything to go by:

"As a child Orwell was fascinated by H. G. Wells's Modern Utopia. He told Jacintha Buddicom that he might one day write a similar type of book. He was introduced to Yevgeny Zamyatin's We by Gleb Struve, and he told him on 17 February 1944, 'I am interested in that kind of book, and even keep making notes for one myself that may get written sooner or later.'"

I'm guessing there are sources out there which counter this though, but I'm more inclined to believe the book.

Thanks for that, it's interesting. It's the first I've read a counter to the Orwellian claim I'd previously read.