Summary of Articles

The first article I read about Brave New World was called "Alienation in Aldous Huxley's Brave New World."  This discussed the causes and effects of the alienation of the main characters, John and Bernard, from society.  It also pointed out some of the flaws in Huxley's dystopia, such as the destruction of all "great art;" the writer of the article says "a society without great art is one that's not worth living in, even if it means sacrificing happiness for pain, suffering, and alienation."


The second article I read was titled "Elements of Parody in Brave New World."  In this piece, the author explained how Aldous Huxley used satire to criticize the prevalent consumerism in society.  The writer explains how Huxley utilizes the work of Shakespeare to contrast with the World State; Shakespeare appeals to readers' emotions, which have basically been eliminated in the World State.  He also notes that men have taken the place of God by determining the place of citizens in society before they are born or 'decanted.'  


The last article I looked at was called "Bloom on Brave New World."  This article talked about all aspects of Brave New World.  It explained how John's suicide was the result of his confusion on the morals of the Reservation society and the World State because he was a part of both.  It also discussed the usage of Shakespeare in the novel and explained that Huxley included this because Shakespeare "offers a possible wisdom, as well as an education in irony and the powers of language."

Jane Eyre Philosophical Approach

     Jane Eyre- Philosophical Approach:

A.      What view of life does the story present?  Which character best articulates this viewpoint?

Life is viewed as a series of tests in this novel, because Jane is constantly faced with obstacles that challenge both her faith and her ability to face temptation without giving in.        

B.      According to this work’s view of life, what is mankind’s relationship to God?  To the universe?

When Jane is facing something that seems too much for her to handle she turns to God for help.

C.      What moral statement, if any, does this story make?  Is it explicit or implicit?

Jane Eyre shows its audience that there is always hope in any situation if you have faith.  This is implicitly stated in the novel.

D.   What is the author’s attitude toward her world? Toward fate?  Toward God?

Charlotte Bronte has an optimistic attitude toward her world; she shows readers that there is always hope and a positive attitude is important.  She demonstrates in this book how everyone creates their own fate and she shows how God is always there when you need Him most.

E.       What is the author’s conception of good and evil?

The author shows evil in the prejudices against lower classes and the unfair treatment of the poor in the story, and she shows goodness through generosity and kindness toward people who have less than they do.

F.       What does the work say about the nature of good or evil?

It says that it doesn’t matter if you treat people who have power over you kindly if you don’t treat people from lower classes than you kindly, like servants and beggars.

G.     What does the work say about human nature?

       

        Jane Eyre says that human nature can be selfish and unkind to people of a lower class, but if you forget about different classes of society and drop all prejudices, all of society would be able to get along much better.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

T   Thesis:  Jane Eyre demonstrates that all trials of life may be overcome through faith in God and determination.