What Do I Read Next?
- George Orwell's dystopian novel, 1984 (1948), was written after Brave New World and subsequent to the rise and fall of Hitler and Stalin. It presents a much bleaker, more violent, and oppressive vision of the future. Unlike Huxley, who penned his novel before television became common in American households, Orwell integrates television into his futuristic world. At the time of writing, television's potential and influence were just beginning to be recognized.
- Brave New World Revisited (1958) is a compilation of essays by Aldous Huxley that delve deeper into the themes discussed in Brave New World. In this collection, Huxley examines the social and scientific advancements since the original book's publication. He also shares what he would alter if he were to rewrite it. Notably, he reflects that he wishes he had included some of the harsher aspects of totalitarianism that emerged in the 1930s and had provided the Savage with more than just two choices—sanity or insanity. He would have offered the Savage a way to navigate life within an imperfect society.
- Point Counter Point (1928), written by Huxley before Brave New World, is regarded as one of his best works. The intricate narrative structure mimics the rhythms, harmonies, and dissonances found in music (counterpoint refers to a musical technique involving contrasting melodies). The protagonist, Philip Quarles, aspires to write novels that incorporate musical concepts, much like the one he inhabits. Other characters, including his wife and friends, have diverse experiences, dreams, and viewpoints, serving as conduits for Huxley’s extensive ideas.
- This Perfect Day (1970) by Ira Levin is another futuristic novel depicting a totalitarian society with values starkly different from contemporary ones. Similar to Brave New World, citizens numb their pain and fears with drugs and are genetically very similar. Those with genetic differences are more likely to feel discontented with the controlled society, which is overseen by a massive computer that distributes mood-altering drugs.
- The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) by Margaret Atwood narrates the story of Offred, a woman living in the Republic of Gilead—a future oppressive society where women's roles are extremely restricted. Gilead is actually a future version of America, where right-wing extremists have taken over and virtually enslaved women to serve men.
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