Brave New World Study Guide Chapters 10-12 Name:pshs.psd202.org/documents/hedwards/1512489182.pdf · Brave New World Study Guide – Chapters 10-12 Name: _____ Essential Questions

Brave New World Study Guide – Chapters 10-12 Name: ___________________________________

Essential Questions (These questions should guide your thinking throughout the novel, and you will focus your essay on one of these topics.)

Tech/Science: To what extent is society controlled by technology and science? How is this control both good and bad?

Consumerism: How is consumerism both beneficial and harmful in society?

Truth/Happiness: Are truth and happiness incompatible? (Is ignorance truly bliss?)

Self/Family: What roles do individuality and family have in society? Are they necessary?

Helpful Vocabulary (for your information)

Coquet (v.) Coquettishly (adv.): to behave flirtatiously; flirt (ch. 10)

Subvert (v.): undermine the authority of an established system or institution (ch. 10)

Demurred (v.): raise objections or show reluctance (ch. 11)

Ignoble (adj.): not honorable in character or purpose (ch. 11)

Mollified (v.): reduce anxiety or anger for something or someone (ch. 12)

Words and definitions (to be memorized)

Memory Cue (picture or words)

Sentence (definition of word should be clear by your sentence)

Heinous (adj.): utterly repulsive or wicked (ch. 10)

Impropriety (n.): improper behavior or character (ch. 10)

Recoil (v.): to spring suddenly or flinch in fear (ch. 11)

Magnanimity (n.): the condition of being generous or forgiving (ch. 12)

Latent (adj.): lying dormant or hidden until development is possible; existing yet not fully developed (ch. 12)

Find details and examples in the text to support your answers to these questions. Chapter 10

1. Why does the Director make the argument that unorthodox behavior is worse than murder? Why is unorthodoxy so dangerous?

2. Why do you think the word “mother” is considered more obscene than “father”? 3. How does the Director react in the Decanting Room to Linda and John’s entrance? Chapter 11 4. How does Linda react to being back in “civilization”? How does John feel about this? What does this

indicate about John’s view of what it means to live a truly human life? 5. How is Bernard transformed as a result of his association with John? How is social status like soma

to him? 6. Why do you think the author chose to have John called “the Savage”? Why does John quote the

Shakespeare line about the “brave new world” when he visits the lighting-set factory? What reaction does he have to what he sees there, and why?

Summary of pages 165-171:

At the feelies that night, she and John relax. There's a big deal made out of the fact that the musical

notes can range as low as the lowest note ever sung and as high as, well, the highest note ever sung (by

humans, anyway).

Two senses down, two more on the way when the feely starts.

The feely playing tonight is Three Weeks in a Helicopter.

We start off with… an intimate scene. John, because he's holding onto the amazing technological

breakthrough that is the feely armrest, can feel the tingling on his lips. And other places. There's also the

aforementioned bearskin rug.

The scene is between a black man (unknown caste) and a Beta-Plus blonde. Everything is going fine (in

the film) until the man bumps his head, gets a concussion, and becomes madly in love with the blonde,

which is not allowed in a world where everyone belongs to everyone else.

The black man kidnaps the blonde women and takes her up in his helicopter for three weeks. But not to

worry; all ends well. The helicopter is apprehended, the man is sent to Adult Re-conditioning, and the

blonde dates all three of the men who rescued her.

Afterward, Lenina takes John's arm and brings it toward her, but he's all bashful with downcast eyes and

such. Feeling unworthy, he tells Lenina she shouldn't see things like that (meaning the intimate scenes

like those in the feely).

This makes Lenina feel bad, but it doesn't kill her interest in him at all. When their taxicopter lands on

the roof of her apartment building, she fully expects John to follow her inside.

Of course, being the gentleman "savage" and all, John simply says "good night" and gets into the

helicopter. Looking below him as his helicopter zooms off, he can see Lenina standing on the roof

calling after him.

After arriving safely at home, John sits down to read Othello. He remembers that Othello, much like the

man in the feely, is a black man.

Cut to Lenina, who is horribly upset and, predictably, takes some soma to deal with it.

7. What is revealed about Mustapha Mond in the passage about the research paper he decides to

censor? 8. Has Bernard’s newfound popularity changed him in any way? What does the way that the people

that Bernard invited to his party treat him reveal about their attitude towards Bernard? 9. Describe Helmholtz’s reaction to Shakespeare. What does he admire about his work, and what does

he dislike? What do you think he means when he says, “We need some other kind of madness and violence”?

Thematic Topic

(Essential Questions)

Quotation/paraphrased information and

citation (include source and page #)

Why it’s Important

(Discussion and analysis – what is the significance

of this statement?)





Brave New World Study Guide – Chapters 4-6 Name: ________________________________________






Word and definition Memory Cue (picture or words)


Atonement (n.): reparation for a wrong or injury. (Ch.5)

Imminence (adj.): the state or condition that something is about to happen at any moment (ch.5)

Imperiously (adj.): something done in an overbearing way, or with a feeling of superiority. (Ch.4)

Manifest (adj.): display or show (a quality or feeling) by one's acts or appearance; demonstrate. (Ch.4)

Plaintive (adj.): sounding sad and mournful (Ch.4)

Prone (adj.): likely to or liable to suffer from, do, or experience something, typically something regrettable or unwelcome (Ch.5)

Rapture (n.): a feeling of intense pleasure or joy (Ch.5)

Ruminating (v.): compulsively focusing attention on the symptoms of one's distress, and on its possible causes and consequences, as opposed to its solutions. (Ch. 4)

Stoicism (n.): the endurance of pain or hardship without a display of feelings and without complaint. (Ch.6)

Unabashed (adj.): not embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed (Ch. 6)

Find details and examples in the text to support your answers to these questions.

Chapter 4

1. What does the narrator suggest is the source of Bernard’s self-consciousness and dissatisfaction with society?

2. How is Bernard different from other Alphas? What is rumored to have caused his differences? What do his differences tell you about the society’s values?

3. What thoughts have been recently plaguing Helmholtz? How does the author use those differences to point out the work’s themes?

Chapter 5

4. What is the crematorium and for what is it used? What is the point of this process? What observation does Lenina make about it?

5. Huxley uses alliteration to describe Lenina’s childhood discovery of the hypnopeadia devices. Examine the structure of the passage. What makes Huxley’s use of language especially effective?

6. After Henry and Lenina leave the cabaret, Huxley comments that they remain in “happy ignorance of the night” and describes the stars as “depressing.” What social commentary does he make by using his description of nature?

Chapter 6

7. Why do you think the Reservations are maintained? What is shown about the people of this society by their attitude toward and treatment of the “savages”?

8. What does Bernard believe about the effects of conditioning? Does Lenina agree with him?

9. a. Explain the meaning of Lenina’s phrase: “Was and will make me ill, I take a gramme and only am” (104).

b. After Lenina’s comment, the narrator states “…roots and fruits were abolished; the flower of the present rosily blossomed.” How does this relate to the theme of truth and happiness?

Thematic Topic






of this statement?)

Brave New World Study Guide – Chapters 7-9 Name: ________________________________________








Sullen (adj): bad-tempered and sulky; gloomy (ch. 7)

Indignant (adj): feeling or showing anger at what is perceived as unfair treatment (ch.7)

unorthodox (adj): unusual, untraditional; not orthodox (ch. 7)

Inconceivable (adj): unbelievable (ch. 8)

Lecherous (adj): having or showing excessive sexual desire (ch. 8)

Patronizing (v): treat with an apparent kindness that reveals a feeling of superiority (ch. 8)

Cordial (adj): warm, friendly; cordiality (n) noun form of cordial (ch. 8)

Pensive (adj): engaged in deep or serious thought (ch. 9)

Resonant (adj): echoing (ch. 9)

Deferential (adj): respectful (ch. 9)

Find details and examples in the text to support your answers to these questions.

Chapters 7

1. What things do Bernard and Lenina find disturbing about the Indians’ way of life and environment? Describe some of the scenes they witness.

2. What is the significance of the steady beat of the drums used in the Indians’ ritual? What similarities are there between some aspects of the Indians’ way of life and the way people in the “brave new world” live?

3. What do Lenina and Linda’s comments show about the culture of consumerism in the modern world?

Chapter 8

4. How is Linda’s behavior different from the women on the reservation? How does this lead to Linda’s conflict with John?

5. Describe the childhood experiences that influenced John’s personality. Why does he have such a peculiar way of speaking? In what important ways are John and Bernard similar?

6. Why is Bernard so eager to take John and Linda to London – what plan does he have? What is ironic about John’s proclamation that he is going to a “brave new world?” What foreshadowing is there in Bernard’s response to this proclamation?

Chapter Nine

7. Who does Bernard appeal to for permission to bring Linda and John back into civilization? Why does this person grant Bernard permission?

8. Explain how the works of William Shakespeare influence the way that John frames his experience of seeing the sleeping Lenina. What is ironic about the way that he perceives her? Do you think that John is noble or naïve? Explain your answer.

Thematic Topic






of this statement?)





Brave New World Study Guide – Chapters 10-12 Name: _______________________________________








Heinous (adj.): utterly repulsive or wicked (ch. 10)

Coquet (v.) Coquettishly (adv.): to behave flirtatiously; flirt (ch. 10)

Impropriety (n.): improper behavior or character (ch. 10)

Subvert (v.): undermine the authority of an established system or institution (ch. 10)

Demurred (v.): raise objections or show reluctance (ch. 11)

Recoil (v.): to spring suddenly or flinch in fear (ch. 11)

Ignoble (adj.): not honorable in character or purpose (ch. 11)

Mollified (v.): reduce anxiety or anger for something or someone (ch. 12)

Magnanimity (n.): the condition of being generous or forgiving (ch. 12)

Latent (adj.): lying dormant or hidden until development is possible; existing yet not fully developed (ch. 12)

Chapters 10 1. Why do you think Huxley chooses to juxtaposition (place close together in order to contrast) the

description of the process of human fertilization in labs at the Bloomsbury Centre at the beginning of Chapter 10 with the scene between John and the sleeping Lenina at the end of Chapter 9?

2. Why does the Director make the argument that unorthodox behavior is worse than murder? Why is unorthodoxy so dangerous?

3. Why do you think the word “mother” is considered more obscene than “father?”

Chapter 11

4. How does Linda react to being back in “civilization?” How does John feel about this? What does this indicate about John’s view of what it means to live a truly human life?

5. How is Bernard transformed as a result of his association with John? How is social status like soma to him? In what way(s) are Bernard’s unorthodoxy and dissatisfaction with society more superficial than Helmholtz’s?

6. Why do you think the author chose to have John called “the Savage?” Why does John quote the Shakespeare line about the “brave new world” when he visits the lighting – set factory? What is the reason for his reaction?

Chapter 12

7. Has Bernard’s newfound popularity changed him in any way? What does the way that the people that Bernard invited to his party treat him reveal about their attitude towards Bernard?

8. Contrast John’s admiration of Lenina with the Arch-Community-Songster’s attitude towards her. What detail(s) suggest that Lenina is beginning to mind being treated like a “piece of meat?”

9. Describe Helmholtz’s reaction to Shakespeare. What does he admire about his work, and what does he dislike? What do you think he means when he says, “We need some other kind of madness and violence?”

Thematic Topic






of this statement?)









Contempt (n), Contemptuously (adj): the state of being despised; dishonor (ch.13)

Persevere (v): to persist in anything despite difficulty (ch.13)

Rakish (adj): displaying a self-confident appearance (ch.13)

Aghast (adj): filled with horror; shock (ch.13)

Reproach (v): expressing disapproval or disappointment (ch.14)

Imploring (v): beg someone to do something (ch.14)

Undefiled (adj): pure (ch.14)

Sublime (adj): so excellent that it inspires admiration (ch.14)

Wanton (adj): of a cruel or violent action (ch.15)

Menial (adj): not requiring much skill (ch.15)

Chapter 13

1. What does Henry suggest Lenina do for her bad mood? What is the overall purpose of this incident at the beginning of Chapter 13? How is it ironic?

2. After Fanny advises Lenina to go after John aggressively, where does she find the courage to follow her advice? What does this indicate about the character of people in this society? Why do you think the author includes the paragraph that begins, “Twenty-two years, eight months, and four days from that moment…?”

3. Describe the philosophical differences regarding romance that cause conflict between John and Lenina. How does Lenina handle her feelings, and how does John think he should handle his?

Chapter 14

4. Why do you think the society has instituted death conditioning? How is it done? What are the possible benefits?

5. Examine Huxley’s use of descriptive language and imagery in the section describing the arrival of the children at the hospital. Which descriptions are especially effective or evocative?

Chapter 15

6. What reaction does John have to the groups of identical workers waiting for their Soma distribution? Why does he have this reaction? What quality of this society is epitomized by them?

7. What do Miranda’s words come to mean to John (“O, Brave New World!”)? What do the

reactions of the Deputy Sub-Bursar and the workers indicate about why his effort is doomed to fail? According to John, in what way are the people of this society “slaves?” What does it mean to John “to be free and men?”

8. What reaction does Helmholtz have to the scene at the hospital and why? What is ironic about his and Bernard’s use of expressions like “Ford helps those who help themselves” and “Ford be praised?”

Thematic Topic






of this statement?)













Gesticulating (v.):Making deliberate movements (ch. 16)

Impunity (n.): exemption from punishment (ch. 16)

Wrath (n.) : extreme anger (ch. 16)

Superfluous (adj): unnecessary (ch. 17)

Obscured (v.) : Keep from being seen

Lulling (v.): calm or send to sleep (ch. 17)

Pacified (v.): to lessen anger, agitation, or excitement (ch. 18)

Flagrant (adj): deliberate offense (ch. 18)

Vermin (n.): wild animals that are believed to be harmful and carry disease (ch. 18)

importune (v.): asking persistently (ch. 18)

Chapter 16

1. Describe Mustapha Mond. What is ironic about his being a World Controller, and how did he end up in this position? What did he give up in order to become a World Controller, and why? How does he treat these “rebels” (John, Helmholtz, and Bernard) that is different from how they expected to be treated?

2. How is science a threat to the stability of this society? Why are technological advances kept to a minimum? What change brought about by Ford instigated a shift away from truth and beauty, and why?

3. What does Mond plan to do with Helmholtz and Marx? How does each man respond to his punishment? What do their responses reveal about their characters? Why does Mond say their punishment is actually a reward?

Chapter 17

4. According to John, in what way are the people of this society being “punished” for their “sins?” What arguments does Mond give against the value of endurance, self-denial, and chastity? Why are nobility and heroism outdated?

5. What is the outcome of Mond and John’s discussion? What does Mond show John that he actually wants? Why do you think Mond ends their conversation with the words, “You’re welcome?”

Chapter 18

6. What is the symbolic significance of John’s chosen home – both its nature and its location? Why is the area so empty of people despite its beauty? What kind of life does he have planned for himself and why?

7. Why does John feel guilty? How does he seek to purify himself? Initially, what is life like for him?

8. Consider the decision John makes for himself at the end of the novel. Why does he make this decision? Besides the uproar and breach of his privacy, what factors do you think led to his decision?

Thematic Topic






of this statement?)





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Brave New World Study Guide Chapters 10-12 Name:pshs.psd202.org/documents/hedwards/1512489182.pdf · Brave New World Study Guide – Chapters 10-12 Name: _____ Essential Questions