Brave New World - Chapter 13

Consider the following:

• From Lenina's conversation with Henry Foster, to what extent do you think she's turned out to be different? ("But he's the one I want ... I shall always like him.")


• Be ready to comment on John's declaration of love. What does he mean by "At Malpais you had to bring her the skin of a mountain lion..."


• How does Lenina react to this? "What a horrible idea!" What idea does she consider so horrible?


• "The strongest oaths are straw to the fire in the blood" p159. What does this quote reveal of Jonh's feelings?


• What makes John get so furious? "Whore! Impudent strumpet!" This is a quote from Othello, as he mistakenly believes his wife Desdemona has committed adultery and ends up murdering her. What does John do?


• What happens at the end of the chapter - p 162?

Brave New World - Chapter 12

I'd like you to consider a couple of things to discuss in class..

• What does Lenina attribute John's not wanting to come out of his room to? (p142)


• What language does John use in moments of distress and fury? How can you account for that?


• Read carefully the extract involving Mustapha Mond. "What fun it would be if one didn't have to think about happiness" How do you interpret his words?


• Please, note: "O she doth teach..." p 145This extract from Romeo and Juliet epitomizes romantic love, which John worships, as distinct from the temptations of the flesh, described in the next par in connection with Lenina and the Arch-Community-Songster.


• "One of the principal functions of a friend..." p147 A piece of psychological truth: because our friends are accesible and vulnerable, we sometimes take it out on them.


• Why did Watson and John take to one another at once?