Phase 3 Writing Prompts for Oct. 15

Huxley writes that A Brave New World deals with the kind of "herd-poisoning" he argued that Hitler used to move the masses. How relevant is Huxley's novel for today's technological advancements and society?

Here are the writing prompts for Phase 3. Don't forget to post your 500–750-word reading responses by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 15. As always, I am available during office hours and via email if you need any advice during the writing process. The Writing Center is also a valuable resource; they are open 9:00 to 5:00, MWF, on the first floor of the Philosophy building next door.

Prompt 1: Compare the "savage" reservation in A Brave New World to the "civilized" society in London. How do the people in London define "civilization"? In what ways are the people on the reservation considered "savage" to them? Then, make an argument about which place is more "human" in the way that you think "humanity" should be defined. Do the people on the reservation depict what it means to be human, or do the people in London come closer to achieving the goals that humanity strives for? Be sure to support your argument with specific moments from the text.

Consider researching different depictions or definitions of "civilization" and "humanity." What are "the humanities"? What does it mean to be "savage"? Share where you gathered your information and discuss how these definitions illuminate the usage of these words in Huxley's novel.

Prompt 2: Who do you think is the "hero" of A Brave New World? What I mean is, which of the characters do you think is the best example of what it means to be human and intelligent? Keeping in mind what Huxley writes in "Propaganda Under a Dictatorship," are there any characters in his novel that illustrate the "intellectuals" who refuse to become herd poisoned? Who would they be? Do you think that anyone in the novel "does the right thing" in the end, or are they all misguided? Choose a focused argument inspired by one or more of these questions and support your argument with specific examples from the text.

I recommend referring to Huxley's article in your response. Also, consider looking at other articles that Huxley published on similar issues, or researching some of the historical or cultural contexts of either A Brave New World or A Brave New World Revisited (where Huxley's article was originally published).

Prompt 3: Margaret Atwood argues that a A Brave New World is still applicable to today's society. Do you agree? If you do, piggyback onto Atwood's article and discuss ways—besides the ones she mentions—that Huxley is still an important read today (and worth reading in spite of the political incorrectness of many aspects regarding race and gender). If you disagree, respond to Atwood's article and argue why Huxley's novel is outdated for today's audience. (You may also write a mixture of agreeing and disagreeing, but just be sure that you argument is still specific and focused.)

Consider researching reasons why A Brave New World has been banned in the past and including these cases as part of your discussion. I definitely recommend referring to Atwood in your response. Consider focusing your response on how Huxley handles themes of technology, class, race, gender, or education. You also might want to include research about today's modern technology to point out whether what Huxley claimed about science and progress holds true today or not.

Already have an idea of what you want to write about? Great! Go for it. I do, however, require that if you do not follow one of the above prompts, you must email me in advance your thesis statement or the question of your own that you want to answer. This way, I can give you helpful feedback concerning scope and depth, and you can rest assured that you are on the right track for this assignment.