World State Values Different from Our World State Values Similar to Our Own

Own Societal Values Societal Values

Lenina had been "had" by almost all of Popularity = dating many (57)
the men (57)
We have our beliefs, and if people do
They think that having sex often, with not or choose not to follow them we tend
other people, is normal (and taught to to ostracize them (almost cast out)
children)
Those that do not fit in or are “different”
There is no modesty or sense of are seen as weird or outcasts
embarrassment (especially regarding
nudity, sleeping around with others, or
when it comes to children playing)

Questions: Answer in complete sentences. Put some thought into these

responses.
1. What is soma? What are its purposes in the World State? When do you
notice people using it?

Soma is a drug that is used to make people feel happy. It is used by all to make
sure that no one ever experiences a bad moment or a moment of thinking on
their own. They take soma any time that they are able to, such as eating, drinking
coffee, or whenever they are even slightly feeling down.

2. What do Alphas in the World State use for personal transportation? Why is
this an important type of transportation?

Alphas in the World State use helicopters for personal transportation. This is an
important type of transportation because not everyone is able to use them for a means
of transportation, it is a representation of their status in social ranking.

3. Why does Lenina hate the color khaki? What does this say about how she
has been socially conditioned?

She hates the color khaki because she has been raised to believe that it is the color of
worse and poorer people, people that she should not associate herself with. This shows
that people with higher social rankings are socially conditioned to hate the lower
castings and not want to socialize with the others.

4. Why is Bernard Marx insecure? Explain his insecurities in terms of the World
State and what it values as a society

Bernard Marx is insecure because he is not the “typical” physical resemblance of other
Alphas. Due to his smaller stature, lack of muscles, and height that is expected of a
typical Alpha, he is seen as a disgrace to his rank.

5. Who is Helmholtz Watson? What do he and Bernard have in common?

Helmholtz Watson is someone that has a higher ranking, similar to Bernard. They both
have in common the lack of wanting to be a part of the typical lifestyles of the World
State. Watson uses Bernard as his therapist and a way to share how he does not feel
like he belongs in their world, even though he has such ranking and status.