Chapter 6 Summary and Analysis

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When this chapter begins, Lenina is having doubts about going on vacation with Bernard. In the weeks leading up to the vacation, they go on various dates, each of which leaves Lenina with the impression that Bernard is “odd,” as she puts it. Instead of wanting to play golf, he wants to talk. When she drags him to a wrestling match, he becomes surly. On the way back home, he frightens her by shutting down his helicopter’s propeller and allowing it to hover over the ocean, in spite of the bad weather. He tells her that he doesn’t like being “just a cell in the social body,” though the thought of not being part of the social body makes her cry. Seeing this, Bernard agrees to go, and the two wind up in bed together, though this disappoints him. The next day, he tells her he didn’t want to jump right into bed with her, and this idea seems dangerous to her. Nevertheless, she still intends to go on vacation with him.

Bernard has the unpleasant experience of seeing the Director to get a document signed: a permit for his vacation to the New Mexican Reservation, also known as the Savage Reservation. It leads the Director to reminisce about his own visit to the Reservation, about twenty years before, when his girlfriend got lost and he had to leave her behind. It upset him a lot at the time, but he’s more or less over it now—just the occasional nightmare. He says all this as if Bernard isn’t really there, and when he comes back to himself he is irritated with Bernard and reprimands him for his “odd” behavior outside of work. This paradoxically leaves Bernard elated, and he boasts about it to his friend Helmholtz, who looks at him with such embarrassment that Bernard blushes and then has to look away.

Bernard and Lenina fly down to New Mexico. On the first night, they stay at a “lovely” hotel in Santa Fe, then move on to the Reservation, where their lodgings are primitive: no TV, no hot water. Bernard tells Lenina she can stay in Santa Fe if she wants. The next day, the Warden of the Reservation takes them on a tour, warning them that they’ll see things they find unsettling: pagan rituals, children who were born rather than decanted, diseases. When Bernard calls up his friend Helmholtz, asking him to run by his apartment, Helmholtz tells him that the Director has decided to replace Bernard. He is to be sent to Iceland. The thought terrifies him. In the wake of his news, he takes four soma tablets and is flown with Lenina out to the Reservation itself, where they are to stay in a small square house. Their pilot tells them not to worry—the savages are tame.

Foreshadowing

Huxley foreshadows two major events in the novel: first, Bernard’s discovery of John, the Director’s illegitimate, natural-born son, and second, Bernard’s exile to Iceland. Both events are alluded to in this chapter, but the former will delay the latter.

Themes

Ageism. Hand in hand with the themes of racism and classism is that of ageism, which is yet another form of prejudice that this brave new world blithely embraces. Bernard explains to Lenina that they’ve all been bioengineered to live in a state of perpetual youth until their premature deaths roughly at the age of sixty. This prevents the population from aging, becoming infirm, and experiencing any of the unpleasantness associated with death. The bodies are then cremated, allowing the living to move on without fearing death or having negative associations with it. In later chapters, readers will see how children are conditioned not to be affected by death.

Exile. In a world where the thought of not being part of the social body can drive people like Lenina to tears, the threat of being exiled is a grave one and makes Bernard reconsider if he really wants to be so “different” from others. His isolation, though essential to his character, is only possible and fruitful if it takes place within the context of civilization of a whole. Being an exile is, as Bernard discovers, very different from being an outcast, and he doesn’t want to go to Iceland. Luckily for him, the events of the next few chapters will delay that exile, but not for long.

Racism. This novel was written in 1932 and unfortunately proves itself to be a product of its time in terms of race and gender. It’s no accident that the lower castes are almost always described as people of color and that Native Americans are referred to as “savages,” like they were when the racists and early “pioneers” of the United States perpetrated the genocide against the Native Americans (one could argue that this genocide is still going on today). Though there are some characters from the upper castes who appear to be people of color, such as Benito Hoover, Alphas and Betas are, for the most part, white, which makes the fact that this brave new world is fueled by what amounts to slave labor all the more unsettling.

Expert Q&A

How would you rephrase Lenina's statement, "Was and will make me ill. I take a gramme and only am," in Brave New World?

Lenina's statement can be rephrased as: "Thinking about the past and future makes me anxious. I take soma to stop thinking and just exist in the present." This reflects the society's conditioning to avoid deep thinking and focus on immediate pleasures, as seen in their reliance on soma to maintain happiness.

In Brave New World, why does Bernard visit the reservation?

Bernard visits the reservation due to his dissatisfaction with his society and his desire to experience a different culture. As an Alpha-Plus, he has the privilege to go, and he wants to impress Lenina by taking her there for privacy. Additionally, his visit is crucial for the plot, as it leads to the introduction of John, the Director's biological son.

In A Brave New World, what does the Director mean by Bernard's lack of "infantile decorum"?

In "A Brave New World," the Director criticizes Bernard for lacking "infantile decorum," meaning he fails to conform to the societal norm of indulging in childlike behavior and immediate gratification. Bernard's reluctance to take soma and his desire to delay sexual gratification with Lenina signal his departure from the expected promiscuity and emotional impulsiveness. The Director warns Bernard that failing to adhere to these norms risks being exiled to a less desirable location like Iceland.

How does Bernard's behavior change in Chapter 6 after the Director threatens him with exile to Iceland?

After the Director threatens Bernard with exile to Iceland, Bernard's behavior shifts unexpectedly. Instead of becoming fearful, Bernard becomes more confident and cocky. The threat invigorates him, making him feel alive and rebellious. He perceives himself as significant and important, believing that standing against societal norms makes him special. Bernard's confidence is bolstered by his skepticism that the threat will be carried out, viewing it as a stimulating challenge rather than a genuine danger.

How does Bernard react to his impending exile to Iceland in Brave New World?

Bernard and Lenina arrive on the Reservation and are horrified by the primitive way of life. Bernard receives the news that he will be sent to Iceland, and is depressed about leaving the World State.

Why is the significance of Lenina looking at the moon in Brave New World?

The significance of Lenina looking at the moon symbolizes her fleeting awareness beyond her societal conditioning in Brave New World. The moonlight offers moments of potential self-awareness and freedom, though Lenina remains deeply conditioned. While the moon traditionally symbolizes mystery and imagination, Lenina perceives it without depth due to her conditioning, unlike John, who finds meaning in it. Her interactions with the moon reflect her internal conflict and limited emotional capacity.

What does Lenina mean by "Progress is lovely, isn't it?" in Chapter 6 of Brave New World?

Lenina's remark, "Progress is lovely, isn't it?" reflects her society's belief that any technological or social advancement is inherently positive. This statement occurs as she and Bernard prepare to visit the Reservation, contrasting her comfort in a modern hotel with the primitive conditions they expect to encounter. Lenina's comment underscores the novel's critique of her society's shallow, unquestioning embrace of progress, highlighting the emptiness of such advancements.

What techniques are used in this quote from Brave New World: "I'd rather be myself," he said. "Myself and nasty. Not somebody else, however jolly."?

Some techniques in the quote "'I'd rather be myself,' he said. 'Myself and nasty. Not somebody else, however jolly'" are dialogue, antithesis, and repetition.

How does Bernard's quote about the sea in Brave New World signify his redemption?

Bernard's quote about the sea signifies his redemption by highlighting his individuality in a conformist society. Unlike others, Bernard seeks to explore his identity and feels more himself when contemplating the sea, expressing a desire to be "more on my own" and not just part of the "social body." This contrasts sharply with Lenina and others, who fear individuality and are conditioned for social unity, thus redeeming Bernard as a unique character.

In chapter 6 of Brave New World, what are Helmholtz's thoughts about Bernard?

In Chapter 6, Helmholtz Watson is disillusioned with Bernard Marx's behavior. Although they are friends and both feel out of place in their society, Helmholtz dislikes Bernard's tendency to oscillate between boasting and self-pity. After Bernard recounts his confrontation with the Director, claiming to have stood up to him, Helmholtz feels disgusted by Bernard's bragging and remains silent, which embarrasses Bernard and prompts him to leave.

Does Bernard's protest in Chapter 6 of Brave New World suggest more talk than action? How does Helmholtz react?

Bernard is an intellectual who struggles with his emotions and his conditioning. He is a "seeker"--seeking out Lenina at the Reservation, seeking to understand the Savage, seeking to find his own identity. When he does express himself, he talks more than acts. His bravado is empty: after telling Helmholtz of his confrontation with Mustapha Mond, Bernard turns away in shame when Helmholtz does not respond as expected. Bernard believes that by talking about doing something, he will be more committed to completing it. Helmholtz Watson-Jones sees beyond the facades that Bernard hides behind: he knows Bernard'

In chapter 6 of Brave New World, why does Helmholtz suddenly dislike Bernard?

Helmholtz dislikes Bernard because of his habit of boasting and theoretical courage, where Bernard acts boldly only when he doesn't believe he'll face real consequences. After Bernard receives permission from the Director to visit the reservation, he arrogantly assumes he won't be punished for his non-conformity. However, when faced with the real threat of being sent to Iceland, Bernard's bravado vanishes, revealing his cowardice, which Helmholtz finds repellent.

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