What type of society & government is Brave New World by Aldous Huxley? And what aspect from the novel is relatable to history or modern society?
I need to find something to challenge(a topic/idea/argument Huxley made in his novel) and write a research paper to back up my argument.Thinking of totalitarian(but I am not sure its totalitarianism or communism or something else I am unaware of) perspectives of social order and stability and relating to to history(russian revolution, chinese cultural revolution, communism, etc.) But I don't know how to formulate this and make proper research. I don't think my topic is the right fit for a topic.
I want to write social commentary and governmental obfuscation of reality etc. and critique the legitimacy of the author's depictions of the topic. Basically, I wish to better understand the various aspects and perspectives of the type of society(what is the name/type?) employed by Brave New World and how I can narrow it down to one topic with context to modern society or history as means of evidence/support.
Any suggestions? Thanks.
As I recall (it's been years since I read the novel), the form of government Huxley describes can be called totalitarianism. The people are controlled, economically, socially and even sexually by the government. The government in power accomplishes this by drugging the people into thinking they are happy. Without the drugs, they might realize they are not happy.
For parallel examples in history or in the contemporary world, there really are none. No government uses pharmaceuticals to maintain control. You can make a parallel or analogy with governments that use propaganda to convince people that all is well. Most notably, the Third Reich in Germany did just that. Another example is Stalinist Russia (Soviet Union). Another might be military rule in Argentina in the late 20th century (not so long ago). Or Pinochet in Chile, or Cambodia under dictatorial rule in the 1980s.
Make sure you understand what totalitarianism is. Read about the concept by putting the word in your search engine (Google, Bing, whatever you use) and find articles that define it and give examples. Also look up oligarchy and communism. Communism is an economic system, not a form of government, although it's often confused with Russian and Chinese totalitarianism or oligarchies.
Ok thanks for the advice. Though do you think the topic I have chosen is competent for a 1000 word paper(meaning there is enough I can research upon it?)?
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley depicts a dystopian society and government known as a "World State." This World State is characterized by a highly centralized authority that controls all aspects of human life, including reproduction, education, and social order. The society in Brave New World can be seen as a totalitarian regime, as it enforces strict control over its citizens and suppresses individuality and personal freedoms.
To find a topic for your research paper, you can explore the theme of totalitarianism in Brave New World and compare it to historical and modern examples. Here are a few suggestions to help narrow down your focus:
1. Compare Brave New World's World State to totalitarian regimes in history: Analyze the similarities and differences between the World State and real-world totalitarian governments like Nazi Germany, Stalinist Soviet Union, or Maoist China. Examine the methods used to maintain control, manipulate information, and suppress dissent in both the novel and the historical regimes.
2. Explore the link between technological control and social order: One notable aspect of Brave New World is the use of advanced technology to maintain social stability. Investigate how the World State's use of technology, such as conditioning and chemical control, mirrors or differs from modern technological surveillance and control in society. Discuss implications for individual autonomy and privacy.
3. Critique the legitimacy of the World State's social order: Brave New World presents a society that prioritizes conformity, happiness, and stability over individuality and personal freedom. Explore the consequences of suppressing natural human desires and emotions in the novel and analyze whether such an approach is sustainable or desirable in reality. Offer a critical evaluation of Huxley's depiction of the World State's social order and its potential implications for modern society.
When conducting research, consider using a combination of literary analysis and referencing academic sources that examine the themes, contexts, and interpretations of Brave New World. This will provide you with a foundation for understanding the novel in its historical and social contexts and support your arguments.
Remember to refine your topic as you gather more information and develop a specific thesis statement. This will help you structure your research paper and present a clear argument backed up by evidence and analysis.