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Essay / Brave New World by Aldous Huxley - 1035
What is the value of protecting individuality? In a society dominated by falsified and scientifically manufactured happiness, individuality is rare. Aldous Huxley's speculative novel Brave New World demonstrates the consequences of this type of impassive society. Bernard, Helmholtz, and John are all different from their peers, and therefore they think individually. Due to their individuality, the group is ultimately banished from civilization and sent to a remote location. Being separated because of one's appearance or mental abilities and not being subject to the influences of society stimulates individuality; however, the knowledge and truth linked to individuality come at a price, in this case that of happiness. Bernard's isolation, resulting from a physical deformity, allows him to fully explore his individuality. Bernard's height constantly attracts scorn and ridicule from Alphas and members of lower castes, and they treat him like an outsider because he seems different to them. Constantly bullied by the mockery of all castes, Bernard “feels foreign; and feeling like a foreigner, he behaves like one…”(65). Isolation from society allows Bernard to spend time in solitude, giving him the means to question society's motives for mocking him. Bernard's lack of trust in society further alienates him from its inhabitants, creating a cycle that reinforces Bernard's isolation from his peers and, in turn, fosters his individuality. Furthermore, those around Bernard have always been interested in his physical defects. They talk about his malformation, suggesting that alcohol in his system and embryonic confusion are possible reasons. Society isolates Bernard because of his physical stature, "...and [his]...... middle of paper ......made from their peers isolated Bernard, Helmholtz, and John, it also deepened their individuality . This scenario, on a lesser level, often plays out today. People possess a natural desire to fit in and are often willing to give up their individuality to do so. Although one may acquire a facade of happiness by fitting in, being honest with oneself and expressing free will allows for an honest expression of individuality, a concept far greater than such a facade. A society without unique individuals is a society without humanity and, as these characters' experiences demonstrate, does not work. Ultimately, people need to realize that individuality, knowledge and raw emotions are more important to society than superficial happiness. Works CitedHuxley, Aldous. Brave New World. 1st ed. New York, New York: HaperCollins, 2006.