With access to powerful narcotics that simulate happiness, people within this society do not feel the need for change. Henry and Lenina represent the majority of civilization. Society expects people to have multiple sexual engagements, " ˜it's not as though there were anything painful or disagreeable about having one or two men besides Henry. . . . After all, every one belongs to every one else' " (Huxley 43). With the opportunity to have relationships with any number of people, society does not feel the need for individuality. Soma combined with the prospect of sexual intercourse satisfies people so that the loss of independency and freedom are overlooked.
As one of the few people to penetrate the illusion of happiness, Bernard Marx mourns the loss of his individuality and freedom. He attempts to convey his feelings and opinions to Lenina, " ˜It makes me feel as though . . . as though I were more me, if you see what I mean. More on my own, not so completely a part of something else. Not just a cell in the social body' " (Huxley 90). In this society, Bernard finds himself of no unique value. Just as every other Alpha Plus, civilization expects him to contribute to society and function as a "cell in the social body " (Huxley 90). He expresses the desire to have an individual purpose as well as a function within society. This desire remains unfulfilled due to the societal limitations of individuality. The response to such an unorthodox opinion heightens Bernard's craving for individual purpose, " ˜But, Bernard, you're saying the most awful things.' ˜Don't you wish you were free, Lenina?' ˜I don't know what you mean. I am free. Free to have the most wonderful time. Everybody's happy nowadays' " (Huxley 91). Lenina's response to Bernard's desire for independency reveals the reluctance of society to alter the current lifestyle. She refuses to acknowledge the loss of her freedom in order to sustain the illusion of happiness that she has created.
