Chapter 13-18 Guided Reading Questions Brave New World Honors 9th Grade Lit

What advice does Fanny give Lenina about how to deal with John? Compare this scene to the first scene between Benvolio and Romeo in Romeo and Juliet.

Fanny tells Lenina she must either forget John, sleep with other men, or take initiative and directly go to John. This is similar to the Romeo and Juliet scene when Benvolio is giving Romeo advice on how to deal with Rosaline.

How does Mustapha Mond describe soma?

He describes soma as "the greatest drug ever" since it keeps people "happy".

What does Mond plan to do with Helmholtz and Marx? How does each man respond to his punishment?

He planned to send them to an island. Helmholtz wasn't too upset and took it well. However, Bernard is very upset and begged for his life and he had to be given soma and sent to another room.

What books does Mond refer to as "pornographic?"

He refers to the Holy Bible, Imitation of Christ, and varieties of religious experience as "pornographic" books.

Why do you think Mond ends his conversation with John with the words "You're welcome"?

I think Mond ends the conversation with "you're welcome" because he feels he is doing John and the rest of society a favor, when he is really doing them an injustice.

According to Mond, why is beauty dangerous? What is the "price that must be paid" for social stability?

If people start to like the "beauty" in old pieces of writing then they are going to start liking new things and in their society they don't want people to like new things.

How does John attempt to "save" the Delta workers? How do they respond to him?

John attempts to "save" them by telling them not to take the soma and that they could die from it. He also began to get rid of the soma. The deltas respond by angrily charging at John.

How does John respond to Lenina's presence? What do his actions incite the crowd to begin doing?

John begins to whip Lenina. The crowd proceeds to chant "orgy porgy" as he expresses his frustration toward Lenina.

Where does John choose to live after leaving civilization? What is symbolic about his choice?

John chooses to live in an abandoned lighthouse. This is symbolic because lighthouses tend to give ships guidance on their voyages and John needs some guidance on what to do with his life.

What does John realize when he wakes up? What does he do because of this realization? Do you think he made the right decision?

John realizes he whipped Lenina and consequently had pushed her away from him; he likely will never see his love again. As a result of this, and his horrible experience in civilization, he hangs himself. Suicide is a really touchy subject, but I think this action helps bring Huxley's point across.

According to Mond, what is dangerous about science? What limits are imposed on scientific inquiry?

Mond says science, if not controlled, is very dangerous and only illuminates facts not beneficial to an individual's happiness. Limits are posed on science b/c it can be a destabilizing force in society.

What is Mustapha Mond's position in the Word State?

Mustapha Mond is the controller of the World State.

What attracts reporters to the lighthouse? How does John respond to their intrusion?

Some workers had seen John whipping himself and spread the information. John was extremely angry with their intrusion and ended up kicking one of the reporters.

Why does John's grief upset the nurse? What is she worried might happen as a result of his public display of emotion? How does she attempt to remedy the situation?

The nurse is surprised to be anyone mourning over a dead person since in the BNW society, dying is seen as beneficial. She is worried that the group of boys in death conditioning will be affected by John's grief, so she tries to redirect their attention with an offer of chocolate éclairs.

Based on his half of the telephone conversation, what event causes John to leave his house abruptly?

The phone rings and John answers, and he learns that (his mother) is sick. As a result of this, John rushes out of the room and rushes to the hospital Linda is in.

Describe the steps that have been taken to create a warm and positive atmosphere at Park Lane Hospital for the Dying.

There are many steps in the process. For one, the room is large, has plenty of sunshine, and painted with bright colors. They also make sure people die in company with all the modern conveniences. Finally, every bed has a TV set and there is a music box that plays happy melodies.

How do the policemen manage to subdue the angry mob? Why do you think they don't use fear or violence as a method of control?

They pumped soma gas into the air and they have water pistols with anesthetic and a music box with a calming voice, and when they woke up they began hugging and kissing one another. I think the goal of society is to project that violence is never the answer and happiness is always the best choice.

Once John and Mustapha Mond are alone, what do they talk about?

They talk about things the other two men (Bernard and Helmholtz) wouldn't understand, such as religion, philosophy, and why the world is.

What is ironic about Henry Foster's suggestion that Lenina might need a Violent Passion Surrogate treatment?

This statement is ironic because Lenina is filled with passion and rage; however, her passions aren't directed at Henry, but John rather.