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Brave New World essay on religion

 

            In Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World", there is a powerful religious undertone. Huxley's use of biblical allusion underscores the innate necessity of spiritual belief, in even the most mundane society. By incorporating religious references into the society, 3 particular characters, and John, he successfully defines the absolute need for religion in any culture. .
             The society of Brave New World is full of religious symbolism, emphasizing the need for a spiritual belief in a larger group. As first introduced on page 21, this society uses the terms "Ford", and "Our Ford Above", to pay respects to a "higher being". This saying is further accompanied by the ritualistic action of the "T", which is similar to the cross, lacking the top portion. Another example of how religion is interwoven through the story line is found on page 70. Bernard attends his weekly solidarity service, during which a group gets together to chant and gratify "Ford". Specifically, they take part in some "rituals" that are very similar to what would take place in a church. For example, on page 72, the group all says "I drink to the Greater Being" and then sips the soma liquid in the "Loving cup". At the same time a cup of soma ice cream is passed around the group. This is very like how modern day Christians pay their respects to Jesus Christ, by drinking the wine (the blood of Christ), and eating bread (the body of Christ). Indeed, Huxley successfully demonstrates how the necessity for belief is present in even the most ignorant of societies. .
             To be more specific, Huxley uses religious allusion, to show that the innate belief in Brave New World is responsible for characters inadvertently playing biblical roles. For instance, Bernard plays a very "Judas" like role. When Bernard first meets the character John, he is supportive, and thoughtful of him. As the story progresses, Bernard begins to use John for a higher social position, and in a sense, betrays him.


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