John+and+his+Fordship+have+a+Discussion

What function(s) does this scene perform? What is it doing? > > > > > > > > Why has it been written? What purpose does it serve? > > > > > > How is the scene’s construction (i.e., the way it’s built) conducive to its function & purpose? > > > >
 * It creates a skirmish between old world ideals and new world ideas; John and Mr. Mond engage in an ethical debate on the nature of humanity and the current implications of this “Brave New World.”
 * Illustrates the extent of censorship within society and the irreverent aspect of gods irrelevance.
 * Discusses the definition of God
 * Invalidates the usefulness of god in discussing a society of perpetual youth and prosperity. A society of no loss, no gain, no desire, and of content. He validates the existence of his “modern Society.”
 * Establishes the right of man, and it’s limitless boundaries
 * Ultimately asserts that the values proposed by John are now obsolete.
 * Provides a deeper look at the character of Mond, showing just how much of the world is controlled by a “world creator”.
 * John offers ways to change the society, and Mond immediately thinks of a response to show why they would not work. For example, John brings up the idea of a society with all Alpha-pluses, and Mond tells him about the Lord of the Flies-esc island of all Alphas experiment.
 * show the values and beliefs that form the foundation of how the World State operates
 * contrast between current societal norms and those of the World State
 * suggest what the World State has gained as well as lost as a result of their technological advances
 * Examine the reasons underlying humanity’s religious sentiments and faith in God
 * Better analyzes John’s obsessions with the structure of life, reader did not know how much these little details first mattered to him.
 * Shows how much research has done to make sure the society is perfect, and how that sort of research inhibits respect for human life in the World State. Again, how Mond and the other World Controllers were willing to risk the life of all the Alpha-pluses in the island experiment.
 * Written as a dialogue between two opposing worldviews, as expressed by John and Mond
 * References to literature familiar to readers, i.e. Othello and King Lear to contrast the values expressed in those texts with those of the World State
 * Mond is very liberal with the information that he gives John. It contrasts from the rest of the book, with there being such a limit on information. This sudden rush of facts adds to the climax of the novel.
 * Lots of info is stated with little time in between for the reader to process it. This helps the reader to relate with John in his confusion, putting the reader in his shoes.

“Outdated philosophers” start up to ...when there is the social order? (234)

__Modern God__ “Then you think there is no God? …. never be quietly alone (235).

__Pleasant Vices:__ “Do you remember that bit in king Lear?...that’s what Soma is (238).

__Claiming tears:__ “But the tears are necessary...You’re welcome, he said.”