‘A squat grey building of only thirty-four stories. Over the main entrance the words, CENTRAL LONDON HATCHERY AND CONDITIONING CENTRE, and, in a shield, the World State's motto, COMMUNITY, IDENTITY, STABILITY.’
From ‘Brave New World’
That’s the opening of the novel Brave New World, set in a future society where human life is genetically engineered. Test-tube babies are created and labelled according to their ability, and accorded an appropriate work-role. They are indoctrinated through their childhood so that they become obedient adults in an efficient, harmonious society.
As with many science fiction narratives, Brave New World explores the theme of an individual’s role in mass society. Issues of state control are central to the novel.
A Clockwork Orange pursues a similar theme, and considers how an unco-operative and violent individual can be treated in order to make him placid, passive and socially useful.
The concept of socially responsible individuals and a peaceful, harmonious society seems an attractive ideal, but both Aldous Huxley and Anthony Burgess present their stories to draw attention to their fears of the denial of human rights in totalitarian regimes. They both saw state control as a threat to individual freedom.
‘What exactly is it, sir, that you’re going to do?’
‘Oh,’ said Dr Branom, his cold stetho going all down my back. ’It’s quite simple really. We just show you some films.’
‘Films?’ I said. I could hardly believe my ookos, brothers, as you may well understand. ‘You mean,’ I said, ‘it will be just like going to the pictures?’
‘They’ll be special films,’ said this Dr Branom. ‘Very special films…..After every meal, we shall be giving you a shot in the arm. That should help.’
From ‘A Clockwork Orange’
