The Conclusion: 1984 and Brave New World

In reading Conclusion: The Two Futures: A.F. 632 and 1984, one can note the similarities between 1984 and Brave New World. This is expressed simply and accurately through examples from the texts, the opinion of the author, and outside sources. As a lay reader, one can draw comparisons while reading these two books. This article scrapes deeper into the crust of thinking and enlightens the reader about truth.

I appreciate the analogies of Beethoven and The Beatles, and Shakespeare and Noel Coward. The reference to two contrasting, well-known artists provides insight into the text that will follow. This description also provides an easy way to understand the author's analysis of a whole truth. He quotes Huxley's Music at Night, expressing that all contemporary authors 'of significance... prefer to state the Whole Truth' (118). This whole truth is expressed to be present in both Brave New World and 1984 (although the author contests that "Brave New World is too small in compass to sate satisfactorily the whole truth") (118).

I found it interesting that Huxley was moved by Orwell's novel, 1984. Huxley comments on the novel's ruling minority as possessing 'sadism which has been carried to its logical conclusion' in removing sex from the equation (119). It is comforting to see Huxley extend his opinion on 1984
because of the similar nature of the novels. This communication shows that Huxley was not entirely sure of himself and his assertions. The most interesting part about this is that no letters written by Orwell are found. One is left wondering if Orwell shared the ambitions to discover these truths as Huxley.

This article also discusses Zamyatin's novel, We, and how it most likely influenced Huxley. One notices the affect that works have on other authors. Zamyatin has most likely influenced Huxley, as Huxley has influenced Orwell. This process of gaining influence from the talents or ideas of others is a constant and cyclical process. When one responds to the ideas of another, the original person has the opportunity to rebuttal or concur. Huxley, however, defies the misconception that he was influenced by Zamyatin, in saying that he had not read We (122). This point shows that similar ideas may float through the heads of people. Orwell looks foolish in accusing Huxley of plagiarism. He opens the doors for catapults of rotten vegetables with his idea that he did not plagiarize, but another did.

Although both Brave New World and 1984 contain biblical allusions, the difference in the endings of the novels present the most striking comparison. John, The Savage, dies a sacrificial death (alluding to Christ), while Winston dies emotionally by giving into The Party (or the Satanic O'Brien) (127). These two contrasting fates show different opinions on religion, but more importantly, express the possible outcomes of people who try and be individuals in a cut and dry, one way, society. Regardless of whether or not the authors gained insight from others, the message is powerful. Through different characters and situations, one can witness the potential of similarly deadly, but not identical, worlds.

WORDs.

WORD. No, I am not agreeing with a dawg. I am drawing attention to the nature of "word" and words: the complexities, connotations, multiple meanings. I am picking up my green highlighter and coloring the importance of a paragraph. I am circling, underlining, scribbling, crossing out, writing, writing, writing for its sake (not just mine). If it has not been made apparent yet, I am a lover. My significant other? Language.

Reading is boring. My shoulders tense as I hear this. They must not know what it is like to be swallowed whole by the swirling smoke of a book. I hate English. I wonder how one can say that. Do you hate every syllable that comes out of your mouth? What about foreign languages? Are they just as despicable? Nein, нет, Não, Geen, Non, いいえ, Ingen, 沒有, No! Language is the source of all understanding. Without it, we would be struggling to coexist and communicate.

Language plays an essential role in self expression. Whether the pen chooses a poem, a rant, a novella, or just a few lines, it is all a part of the endless growing process. It is through writing and discovering new ideas through words that one gains a better understanding of oneself. As one can witness while reading A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, writing has the potential to relieve one from inner frustrations. Writing offers an outlet in which to act freely and discover emotion. The reader witnesses, throughout the novel, how Stephen becomes closer to language. It is clear, as seen through his speech, that he enjoys words. The power of writing is exemplified when Stephen decides that his desire to be a writer is worth abandoning his current life. One sees the affect that language holds when Stephen decides that he will choose that over Ireland. It is also wanting of freedom that leads Stephen away from Ireland. This theme of freedom is reinforced with the free act of writing.

If it were not for words, appearing on white lines, coming out of mouths, the thoughts of people would be severely limited. It is for this reason that one should be grateful for words. The world of 1984 presents the potential of "Newspeak". This form of speech makes expression limited because of what the author can say. "Newspeak" shortens the extent of expression by destroying words. It is with the destruction of words that free ideas are lessened.

It is through communicating that one interacts with others. Facial gestures can provide some form of understanding, however, do not match the power of a sentence. Words are what enable us to voice different opinions. If it were not for words, one may just accept everything as it was. Thoughts would be halted due to the fact that they could not be expressed. The beauty in language is that there can be dozens of outlooks on one subject. There is no "right answer" in expressing an idea. Everything is open for discussion.

I would lay my body on the line in defense of words. This may appear trivial to some, but, when one realizes the key role that language plays in society, one may think differently. Without language, there would be no blog. There would be no laughing. No questioning. No... Life's limitations would be far greater if one did not have the opportunity to express oneself with language. I am ready to stand up and lessen the limitations.