Power In Brave New World
“Power can be defined as the possession of control, authority, or influence over others” (“Power”1). It is a term that has been passed down since the beginning of time or humanity that has led to the development of modern society today. Power is not necessarily used in a negative way. It can be used as a way to lead, similar to the president, as well as to set an example for people in the world. Throughout history, power has evolved from being utilized for violence and self-benefit, to the development and betterment of the general masses. In modern society today, it is a massive driving force in determining what is to happen next. This idea of authority is a continuous theme in Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. In modern society as well as in
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Oppositely, Huxley’s novel encourages the use of drugs as they are used by people on a regular basis, as well as given to people by the “government”. In both modern society and in Brave New World, drugs are controlled by those whom have power and can cause a negative impact that can hurt society as a whole. Soma, the equivalent to the type of drugs we have today, is the most efficient tool that Mustapha Mond utilizes when it comes to controlling the population. Mond describes soma as being “Euphoric, Narcotic, pleasantly hallucinant” (Huxley 53), all of which are characteristics that the people face as they take soma. Soma not only sedates and calms, but it most importantly sidetracks people, allowing them to lose conscious of the enslavement that is occurring to the citizens. Again, Mond knowing that “they strengthen powers capable of controlling every single facet of their subjects' life by depriving them of all critical attitude” (Varricchio 1), he uses his power to distribute the drug to the people in order to manipulate them. Today, many drugs are used for the benefit of people, but like most things, there are always downfalls in using them. The government allows for the use of medical drugs as they help prevent serious, and ultimately save people from dying, but some corrupt governments allow the use of illegal drugs (marijuana for example) to be brought into areas which cause “ill health, sickness and, ultimately, death” (Impact of drugs) if abused. It all begins with term power, the government is given the responsibilities to support the people and allow for a smooth problem less life, but “Power corrupts, and when you're in charge, you start doing things that you think are right, but they're actually not.” - George Lucas (“Power Corrupts”). The government being the
Oppositely, Huxley’s novel encourages the use of drugs as they are used by people on a regular basis, as well as given to people by the “government”. In both modern society and in Brave New World, drugs are controlled by those whom have power and can cause a negative impact that can hurt society as a whole. Soma, the equivalent to the type of drugs we have today, is the most efficient tool that Mustapha Mond utilizes when it comes to controlling the population. Mond describes soma as being “Euphoric, Narcotic, pleasantly hallucinant” (Huxley 53), all of which are characteristics that the people face as they take soma. Soma not only sedates and calms, but it most importantly sidetracks people, allowing them to lose conscious of the enslavement that is occurring to the citizens. Again, Mond knowing that “they strengthen powers capable of controlling every single facet of their subjects' life by depriving them of all critical attitude” (Varricchio 1), he uses his power to distribute the drug to the people in order to manipulate them. Today, many drugs are used for the benefit of people, but like most things, there are always downfalls in using them. The government allows for the use of medical drugs as they help prevent serious, and ultimately save people from dying, but some corrupt governments allow the use of illegal drugs (marijuana for example) to be brought into areas which cause “ill health, sickness and, ultimately, death” (Impact of drugs) if abused. It all begins with term power, the government is given the responsibilities to support the people and allow for a smooth problem less life, but “Power corrupts, and when you're in charge, you start doing things that you think are right, but they're actually not.” - George Lucas (“Power Corrupts”). The government being the