Aldous Huxley's Brave New World and the Contemporary Reality

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to draw an outline of similitude by analyzing and comparing one of the critically acclaimed dystopian novels, Brave New World (1932) by Aldous Huxley, with the contemporary society. Although on the surface Huxley’s novel depicts an ideal fictional society, on delving deeper it is ascertained that it is a dystopia disguised under the garb of utopia. It explores the themes of genetic engineering, Pavlovian conditioning, consumerism, dissipation of science, and sexual promiscuity. while reflecting on the shifting concerns and angst of contemporary society. The novel prompts the readers to consider their own morals, convictions, and decisions in light of the fictitious social settings that Huxley has created. The crux of this paper is to trace the affinity between Huxley’s Brave New World and the contemporary world which has seen various forms of advancements in technology and behavioral modulations and has undergone numerous changes. Our journey towards Brave New World doesn’t seem like a far cry. Huxley broods over the fundamental issues hovering over mankind.