Brave New World - General questions

What character do you sympathise most /the least with ? Why?
Which scene in Brave New World do you find most moving? Why?
What aspects of scientific discovery seem to you most frightening in Brave New World?
How far have Huxley's prophecies been realised? What aspects seem to have clear parallels in our own society?
How does Huxley's use of Shakespeare contribute to our appreciation of the novel?
In what ways are people in our society encouraged to conform?

Brave New World - Chapter 18

Describe how John manages to find some peace at the lighthouse. What purifying methods does he apply?

Why do those peaceful days come to an end?

What do you think drives him to commit suicide?

Why do you think did Huxley choose such an ending to his novel?
Can you think of a different ending? What would the effect be on the reader?

Brave New World - Chapter 17

How different are Mond's and the Savage's views on religion?
Discuss the significance of the following quotes:

• "One believes things because one has been conditioned to believe them." To what extent do you agree with this?
• "Civilization has absolutely no need of nobility or heroism" p194-5
• "If after every tempest come such calms, may the winds blow till they have wakened death." p195
• "Nothing costs enough here." p196 "I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness. I want sin." p197

How does Huxley create an atmosphere of frustation for John towards the end of the chapter?