Literary Analysis 1 Brave New World Character Analysis

1.      Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World uses a mixture of both direct and indirect characterization. For direct characterization he describes each caste system and attributes them to a character in the novel. These castes include Alphas, Betas, Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons, Alphas being the highest in the caste and Epsilons being the lowest. For example he describes a Beta as someone who hates nature, high classed, and well groomed. When describing Lenina he says she’s a Beta and all her actions reflect that of a Beta’s. Another example would be Bernard Marx. Bernard Marx is described both directly and indirectly in that Aldous Huxley says he has some characteristics of a Delta yet he is a freethinker. His freethinking side is revealed through indirect characterization when the reader is given insight to how he thinks about the society he lives in and how much he criticizes it. Aldous Huxley uses indirect characterization with the protagonist John. John’s actions and thoughts reveal what kind of character he is. John refuses to sleep with Lenina due to his beliefs and restrain showing he has self-discipline. He also is interested in love and therefore reads Shakespeare.

2.      There are various parts in the novel where Aldous Huxley focuses on a character. When focusing on a character the diction becomes more lyrical to express not the author’s emotions but the character themselves and how they think and feel. This is very evident when John talks and thinks about love and Shakespeare. Aldous Huxley’s syntax becomes more complex and in depth when focusing on a character. When exploring Bernard Marx’s mind the syntax becomes more descriptive therefore making it more complex to understand.

3.      John is more static throughout the novel despite being introduced to a new environment. He firmly holds onto his beliefs and views. If he was dynamic he would’ve changed when brought to the modern world and partied and consumed soma like the rest of them but he doesn’t. Not only that but he would’ve changed his views and beliefs as well especially when talking with the director but he doesn’t. John is also flat character in that he doesn’t change who he is throughout the novel. He continues to be the person he was after leaving the reservation.

4.      After reading this novel I felt like I met a character rather than a person. This might be due to the fact the novel was told in third person and any description of a character was told in a narrative tone. “Bernard gave his orders in the sharp, rather arrogant and even offensive tone of one who does not feel himself too secure in his superiority. To have dealing with members of the lower castes was always, for Bernard, a most distressing experience. For whatever the cause…Bernard’s physique was hardly better than that of the average Gamma. He stood eight centimeters short of the standard Alpha height and was slender in proportion. Contact with members of the lower castes always reminded him painfully of this physical inadequacy.” To me Aldous Huxley just seems to be describing the characters but I can’t relate to them. This is why I feel like I only met a character in a novel.