"What the two men shared was the knowledge that they were individuals." page 67
At this point, we learn of Bernard and Helmholtz and their individuality. They both feel a certain sense of loneliness and individualism. For Bernard, his small stature frustrates him and makes him feel inferior and not like a true alpha. For Helmholtz, his "mental excess," and his desire to do more important work set him apart from people in society. I think these two characters are in contrast with the other characters, such as Henry and Lenina, who are typical citizens going through the motions of the predetermined society, not feeling isolated from their fellow citizens. For this reason I feel that Bernard and Helmholtz are more dynamic characters. I think they will be central in the action of the story.
I like how the author sets up a contrast in two characters, that oddly makes them similar. Bernard feels inferior because he is significantly shorter than the alphas. For this reason he struggles to feel a sense of belonging in his caste. Contrastingly, Helmholtz feels exceedingly intelligent ("mental excess") and exceeding successful in other aspects of his life, such as physically abilities and his charisma with females. Helmholtz feels sort of empty in the respect that he should be doing something more, something more important. He talks of writing piercingly, but of writing of nothing of importance. Both Bernard and Helmholtz feel alone and feel like individuals.
No comments:
Post a Comment