Student Question

In Brave New World, how is Bernard and Helmholtz's exile to an island beneficial?

Quick answer:

In some ways, it's actually a good thing for Bernard and Helmholtz to be exiled to an island because both men are conscious individuals who don't agree with the governmental systems in place. While Helmholtz is respected, both men are too intelligent to enjoy the aspects of the World State, and both have high criticisms of the life they are supposed to be conditioned to live. The island will give them a chance to be free.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

In Brave New World, Huxley creates an environment where a class system exists and everyone in it is literally conditioned to play their role. However, there are Alphas in the system that help create and maintain it, but this means that select group of workers sees beyond the veil...

Unlock
This Answer Now

Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

of "Community, Identity, Stability."

Bernard and Helmholtz are two examples of Alphas that help create and maintain the World State, however, they are not like the rest of their group. They have a vastly superior intellect, and because their perceptions exceed far beyond their peers, they don't play into and or enjoy the Utopian dream-scape that is the World State. Because of their level of consciousness, they have feelings about their roles and their place in society that others don't and can't.

In this sense, it could be a great thing for Bernard and Helmholtz to leave the World State and get exiled to an island. It would mean they don't have to play the game of their society or conform to the Alpha role they were conditioned into; they could actually have some sense of autonomy where they don't have to be actors on a stage. They would also be surrounded with others like themselves who do not conform to the standards of the World State.

Mond tells Helmholtz that he wanted go to an island when he was offered the chance, proving that even someone as intelligent and conscious as Mond is not completely happy within his place of power in society. With this opportunity, both Bernard and Helmholtz can take off their Alpha masks and get a real chance at freedom.

Approved by eNotes Editorial