ldous Huxley’s use of Theme and Tone in the novels Brave New World and Island
A utopian society is defined as a perfect place in terms of social, moral, and political issues (Webster). In two very different books written at two different stages of his life, Huxley uses similar themes but conflicting tones to show the differences in the nature of the two utopias, The World State and Pala. Brave New World (1932) and Island (1962) by Aldous Huxley both depict ideal societies where such problems as overpopulation, hunger, and violence have been resolved. The World State of Brave New World would not be a place in which one would want to reside. However, Pala of Island seems to be desirable and liveable. There’s irony in the fact that both societies use similar techniques and themes to achieve their idea of peace and plenty. The practice of eugenics, the widespread use and acceptance of mind control, the acceptance of sexual activity, a focus on the present, the use of mind-altering drugs, and shared belief system that approaches a religion are all elements of both societies. In Brave New World, these techniques are presented ironically, whereas in Island, all is in earnest.
Aldous Leonard Huxley (26 July 1894 – 22 November 1963) was born in Godalming, Surrey, England, the third son of schoolmaster Leonard Huxley and was surrounded by books from an early age. He wrote his first novel at age 17. However, he only began seriously writing in his early 20’s. He entered the literary world while he was at Oxford, meeting writers like Lytton Strachey and Bertrand Russell and becoming close friends with D. H. Lawrence. Huxley’s family spent time back and forth between Italy and England, so he witnessed first hand the effects of Benito Mussolini’s authoritarian state and this helped to provide the basis for some of his earlier novels. Huxley believed in educating the masses about the techniques that the government could use to control thoughts. He published a series of...