BRAVE NEW ESSAY

In Kate Chopin's The Awakening (1899), protagonist Edna Pontellier is said to process "that outward existence which conforms, the inward life which questions." In a novel or play that you have studied, identify a character who conforms outwardly while questioning inwardly. Then write an essay in which you analyze how this tension between outward conformity and inward questioning contributes to the meaning of the work. Avoid mere plot summary. 

      According to our world’s morals today, Bernard Marx is a character that serves as possibly the only sane person in the novel “Brave New World.” Unlike in our world, in the World State Bernard is seen as an outcast. Though people view Bernard in different ways he has the most trouble dealing with his own self. He is surrounded by the World State rules, but tormented by his own mind and beliefs. This battle between Bernard himself contributes to the meaning of the work, because it makes it relatable to the reader.

      Although Bernard is an Alpha, he is very distinct from the pack. He is considered, short, abnormal, and an outcast. He believes sex is something intimate that should not be discussed with others, and believes in monogamous relationships, something the D.H.C is against of. The first to notice that something is different about him is Bernard himself. The reader later learns through indirect characterization that he very different. A good example of this is when Bernard is grounding his teeth while hearing Foster talk about Lenina as if she were a piece of meat. He is evidently angered and annoyed by Foster’s talking of Lenina in sexual/graphic terms. This behavior is abnormal in the World State and that is exactly why Bernard observes and keeps quiet throughout the conversation. He keeps to himself because his inward feelings do not match those of the outward world.

      Bernard is different and the people around him notice these differences quickly. Unlike all of the inhabitants of the World State, Bernard focuses on one woman, Lenina. Some of the first observations the reader sees from Bernard are through direct characterization. When Fanny and Lenina speak of Bernard, they bring up how he is an Alpha plus, but does not have such a good reputation, and spends his time alone. An example of direct characterization would be when Lenina approaches Bernard about their relationship and intimacy. Everyone around the two characters freezes and stares. They are waiting for a response. This moment is a getaway for Bernard. It is the moment in which he can prove himself a bit “normal” to the men, but quickly looses the opportunity by trying to change the subject on Lenina. Bernard is trying very hard not to be a part of the World State, but cannot help but participate in some of its practices.

      No matter how hard Bernard tries to fight the World State he will always be a part of it. His inward feelings are not as strong or as big as the World State pressures.  Though we see Bernard battling inwardly we also see him slightly conforming to this world. An example of this is his participation in the Fordson Community Singery. He is a part of it yet he fakes his feelings of “wonderfulness” to please the people there. Bernard is not conformed with his world, but is unsure of how to battle it out just like many of us human beings want to be a part of society, but do not want to be dragged in to peer pressure. There are many things in our world that I agree and disagree on, but one thing I fight against as a teenager is peer pressure. I have to inwardly fight with myself and not conform with something if I know it is not right. Bernard is one of us, confused and fighting.