In Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, John’s identities are shaped by two contrasting societies. Despite his efforts to assert his manhood and challenge the norms of the brave new world, he fails to gain genuine acceptance anywhere. John’s mother, Linda, comes from the brave new world but gives birth to him in the savage reservation. Her behaviors, influenced by the brave new world’s framework, contribute to John’s alienation in the reservation. Seeking acceptance, John moves to the brave new world where he becomes popular, but his identity shaped by his “savage” culture is rejected by the community. Consequently, John attempts to change the society’s framework out of conflict, but his efforts are in vain as they contradict the stability of the new environment and ultimately lead him to suicide. John’s inability to gain acceptance and prove his manhood in the savage reservation is a result of his mother’s unacceptable behaviors, which stemmed from the framework of the brave new world. Born in the savage reservation, John is an outcast and differs from others within that society. This isolation primarily arises from his mother’s unacceptable conduct. Linda was once a typical citizen in the brave new world, her character conditioned by its code of behavior that directly clashed with that of the savage reservation.
The main contrast lies in the perspective on sexual relations. In the pursuit of stability, the brave new world discourages its citizens from suffering due to their sexual desires. Even after visiting the savage reservation, Linda maintains this belief and engages in sexual activity without comprehending any wrongdoing. However, these behaviors are not accepted by the savage citizens, who believe that sexual activity should be based on love and marriage, accompanied by loyalty to one’s partner. As a result of this difference in viewpoints, women start to mistreat Linda, which not only deeply affects her emotionally but also alters people’s perception of John. Consequently, John becomes isolated and starts to reconsider his perspective on sex. Despite his efforts to focus on cultivating his reading skills as a way to establish his manhood, the fundamental disparity between the two cultures remains unchangeable. Consequently, John fails to attain acceptance within the savage reservation. His isolation serves as a testament to the clash between two contradictory cultures.
John gains popularity in the brave new world due to his special identity originating from the savage reservation. However, his “uncivilized” values are not accepted in this society. Despite being perceived as uncivilized in the eyes of the brave new world citizens, they remain intrigued by this enigmatic society that most of them never have the opportunity to experience. John’s uniqueness arising from being from the savage reservation and his shocking birth captivates the attention of the inhabitants. Consequently, all these factors contribute to John’s popularity within this society and even alter Bernard’s societal standing. Many individuals strive to be on good terms with Bernard in order to meet John, as Bernard’s destiny becomes intertwined with John henceforth.
Despite John’s popularity, society refuses to accept his true identities and values. He is merely seen as an experiment to others. The stark differences between the two societies have caused his values to be seen as unacceptable. His homeland is considered irrelevant and his religion is treated as a mere joke in the brave new world. Furthermore, most of his beliefs are considered erroneous within the framework of this new society.
However, after exploring the brave new world and interacting with its citizens, John’s initial anticipation turns into horror and disgust. His relationship with Lenina brings about a change in both their identities as they have conflicting views on love. Lenina believes that love is equivalent to sex, whereas John desires to prove his manhood and have a genuine connection with Lenina. This difference in perspective prevents Lenina’s desires from being fulfilled. Consequently, instead of feeling nothing towards John, Lenina begins experiencing strong passion and emotion towards him.
On the other hand, John cannot accept Lenina’s viewpoint on love and becomes infuriated by her actions. Their love eventually transforms into violence and pain. Despite John’s popularity, he struggles to prove his integrity, strength, and abilities to both himself and others. His talent for reading and enjoyment of Shakespeare sets him apart in the brave new world, allowing him to possess unique ideas and independent thoughts about this society.
John attempts to alter the framework of this courageous new world according to his values, but his efforts to resist stability are not accepted and ultimately lead to his demise. The death of Linda signifies a turning point in John’s life, exposing him to the apathy of its inhabitants. He is unable to comprehend their indifference towards the loss of a human life. Linda held the role of his biological mother, an affectionate bond that is absent in this brave new world. As a result, John cannot adopt the attitudes of its citizens and is viewed as a threat to the established order. This incident profoundly impacts John’s emotions, compelling him to oppose this society. His opportunity to confront this “enemy” arises from halting the distribution of soma. In contemplating rebellion, he reflects, “Linda had been a slave, Linda had died; others should live in freedom, and the world be made beautiful” (210). This introspection motivates him to discard soma.
This reaction also leads to Helmholtz’s awakening, as he realizes his desire to liberate the citizens. However, this rebellion cannot be sustained indefinitely, as it ultimately disrupts any semblance of stability. Many citizens have never cultivated their own identities, blindly adhering to the ideologies of the brave new world. They reject any notion of change and are incapable of acknowledging any criticisms against the community. Despite John’s conversation with Mustapha Mond confirming his beliefs, the community refuses to embrace his values, considering any changes, such as genuine art, science, and religion, as threats to societal stability. Upon discovering the true nature of their world, both John and Helmholtz embrace their own principles. They no longer value stability over happiness and therefore make the decision to depart for arduous destinations, choosing the suffering over an easy and comfortable existence. The freedom to think becomes paramount for them rather than a life of luxury. John finds solace in a tranquil place far from the brave new world and starts anew. He even subjects himself to self-inflicted abuse in order to eradicate any remnants of lavishness and comfort. The pain and punishment grant him the liberty to assert his manhood and worth. Unfortunately, this idyllic period comes to an end when someone exposes his actions. Countless citizens flock to his new abode, regarding him as a fool.The ridicule of others destroys his inner peace as their reactions reveal their inability to accept his beliefs, ultimately leading to his death upon Lenina’s arrival. Huxley portrays his fate through the manner in which he dies: “The feet turned towards the right; north, north-east, east, south-east…” (259). Despite being influenced by two societies, there is no genuine place that truly embraces him.
In general, the conflict between two contrasting cultures is responsible for John’s state of isolation. Linda’s exposure to the brave new world leads to John’s estrangement in the savage reservation. Concurrently, the savage reservation shapes his values and masculinity. As a result, he is unable to be accepted due to the inability of the “uncivilized” culture to be embraced by the brave new world.
John is a product of two contrasting societies. His identity is shaped by the structures of these societies, resulting in his isolation within each one. This impact influences his interactions within both societies, ultimately affecting his identity. This essay explores the consequences that contribute to John’s misfortune and isolation, as well as his societal interactions within these two societies.
