The Past, Present, and Future

Okay, we are officially finished our first book. I was fairly pleased with the result and I hope that you were as well. I would like to spend a little time reflecting on the successes and short-comings of our BNW experience. Then, we will start scheming on our next literary exploit.

In your comments, I would like you to respond to the following:

(1) What did you like about the format of the book club so far? (Responses to this can address things like length of reading assignments, frequency of discussion questions, structure of discussion questions, etc.)

(2) Are there any structural or procedural suggestions that you have?

(3) List two books that you are interested in reading next.


After everyone has posted, I will create a poll on the website so that everyone can vote on the next book.

Brave New World: Final Discussion

Here are a few questions that I would be interested in discussing. Feel free to make your own observation or remark.


1) What is Huxley saying about religion and society?

or

2) What is Huxley saying about human nature?

or

3) Why does the Savage feel the need to be self-flagellating?

Brave New World: Discussion Question for Chapters 13, 14, and 15

What did you find interesting or provocative about this week's reading?

Brave New World: Discussion Question for Chapters 10, 11, and 12

In these chapters, Huxley juxtaposes the socio-cultural norms of the Savage with those of BNW. He does this, primarily, by exposing us more and more to the inner-conflict experienced by individual characters in the novel. How does Huxley use the inner-conflict of his characters to help us explore or reconsider basic human nature / human needs?

Brave New World: Discussion Question for Chapters 7, 8, and 9

What did you find most interesting about the way Huxley compares and contrasts life on the Savage Reservation with life in the "Other Place" (AKA London)?

OR

Compare John and Bernard's experiences as social outcasts.

Brave New World: Discussion Question for Chapters 5/6

This week, I'm throwing the ball back at you. I would like each of you to post your own discussion question. After everyone has posted, you should respond to a question created by another book club member.

Let's get some more chatter this week!

Brave New World: Discussion Question for Chapters 3/4

In this section of the book, Huxley begins exploring the relationship between unbridled human impulse (human nature) and conformity to convention. How is this theme and the concept of repressed impulses addressed in the reading?