A Clockwork Orange Human Nature

A Clockwork Orange, by Anthony Burgess, is a satirical novel, in which the society is heavily criticized and is revolved in many controversial issues, regarding to human nature, morality and human freedom. Alex, the protagonist of the novel, shows the darkest side of mankind and society. Due to Alex’s obscene behaviors and crimes that he has committed, the state attempts to cure him with the controversial Ludovico’s Technique, by forcefully “injecting” him with goodness and depriving him from human freedom at the same time. The novel debates on whether morality should be imposed by force or free will, and whether order in society or freedom of choice helps to build a stronger character. A Clockwork Orange explores the human nature, morality
In hopes to decrease crime rates and put order in society, the authorities of the state find it appropriate to simply change one’s character by medication, rather than reforming the mentality of the individual. In a way, authorities are trying to play the role of God, who created human and human nature in the first place, by changing the human nature of certain unfavorable individuals, and recreating the new characters for such individuals. Although being evil is deemed as a bad characteristic, it is his evilness that makes Alex more human. Instead of being perfect and controlled, under the influence of medication, Alex is himself and his evilness is a composite of his character. Human nature cannot be altered by force, but only by own will and faith, or else the meaning of being human is
Is it worth it to keep the society in order at the cost of human freedom? In the state’s attempt to keep the society in perfect order, Alex has become less human without his own distinct human nature, as mentioned earlier. He has conformed to society unwillingly, also signifying his lost of freedom as well as individuality. In prison, he is recognized as a number, “6655321”, and after prison he still has no control over himself. His actions are restricted by the effects of the Ludovico’s Technique, not by his own will. If the society is kept in order in a way such that men are reformed only physically and not mentally, by force and not by faith, then it is pointless to try to change men, who do not believe in goodness, as they still desire violence. Men should be granted with freedom to choose to believe and accept goodness, because they can be truly reformed by this way. Towards the end of the novel, without the aid of the medication, Alex seems to starting having a sense of morality. This time, he is really