Unorthodoxy In The World State In Aldous Huxley's Brave New World

William O. Douglas, former American jurist and politician, once wisely stated, “The great and invigorating influences in American life have been the unorthodox: the people who challenge an existing institution or way of life, or say and do things that make people think” (“Quotations by Author”). Contrary to Douglas’ positive view on unorthodoxy, the World State in Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World condemns such heresy. Citizens of the World State are born artificially. People are conditioned from conception to fit into societal castes. When they are born, they continue to be conditioned by the World State. Bernard Marx is an Alpha Plus, which is the most prestigious caste, but is a social misfit. He is critical of the World State until he meets John the Savage, an outsider without direct affiliation to the World State. Bernard uses John to gain popularity among the society. John, not being conditioned by the World State, cannot assimilate into the superficial, repulsive society. He seeks to live as a recluse. John soon realizes that society will not leave him in isolation, and decides to commit suicide. In Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World there are three characters which showcase unorthodoxy: Bernard Marx, Helmholtz Watson, and John the Savage. Bernard Marx shows he is certainly unorthodox throughout …show more content…
There is a misfit who just longs to fit in, an intellectual who longs for true meaning, and even outsider who completely juxtaposes societal norms. Despite the World State’s pessimistic attitude towards unorthodoxy, thinking outside of the box has allowed Bernard and Watson to reach true freedom in lands far away. Unfortunately, John’s only escape was death. These individuals, to vary extents, realize the World State is not as just or moral as they may portray. Their unorthodoxy gave them a stronger purpose. Bernard Marx, Helmholtz Watson, and John the Savage all clearly display