Conforming/Questioning? (Brave New World Essay)

In Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, Bernard Marx is caught between conforming to the standards of society while also questioning the way in which the World Controllers are running the world. He is surrounded by the World State rules so conforming is expected of him, but is tormented by his own thinking. Bernard’s outward conformity and internal thinking contribute to the author’s voice and develop his warning to the readers.
Bernard conforms by simply doing his job, working in the Hatchery and genetically engineering children. He doesn’t approve of what the World State is doing, yet he continually does what is expected of him. By Bernard taking soma and engaging in orgy-porgy, he’s conforming to the World State’s culture. He’s trying not to be a part of society but results to conforming to avoid internal questioning.

Bernard does however question actions of society, especially when he is alone. The World State doesn’t like when people, such as Bernard, are alone because it gives them the availability to actually think about their actions and thoughts. When alone, Bernard continuously questions the entirety of the World State and the culture that comes with. It’s uncommon for people in this society to question anything so Bernard is one of the few that are considered outcasts.

Bernard’s actions of conforming outwardly yet questioning inwardly are a representation of the author’s voice and attitude. The author portrays his voice through Bernard’s action. The author wants the reader to question this dystopian society and the restriction of freedom. Through the process of reading the story, Bernard’s personality urges the reader to ponder the importance of freedom and the dangers of scientific driven society.