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Free Will In Brave New World

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Though many try to obtain free will, this difficult task often results in defeat. In the novels, Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, the characters’ lives are predetermined; thus, driving them into mental instability. A predetermined life acts as a catalyst for mental deterioration. The protagonists suffer from depression as a result of their predetermined lives, as well as, the characters blindly obey their controllers, and have a longing to break free from being controlled. A study was conducted and determined that, “feeling trapped is a direct experience and symptom of inner passivity. [...] It’s a feeling of helplessness and powerlessness” (Collin 248). Therefore, a predetermined life results in …show more content…

In Brave New World Bernard feels oppressed, resulting in his determination to break away from the seemingly utopian society. While discussing the hypocrisy of conditioning with Lenina, Bernard discusses the feeling of being enslaved, “No the real problem is: How is it that I can’t, or rather because, after all, I know quite well why I can’t -- what would it be like If I could, if I were free -- not enslaved by my conditioning” (Huxley 78). Bernard’s life is always controlled; therefore, he ponders on what life would be like if he was self-determining. He has a longing to break away from the seemingly utopian society; thus ending his mental deterioration that is prevalent due to his lack of control. Furthermore, Bernard receives a permit to visit the Mexican Reservation as a holiday. In order to visit the Reservation, Bernard must have the Director’s approval, “A permit for you to initial, Director” (82). Bernard is attempting to escape reality and break free from the promiscuity that is prevalent throughout the society. He wants freedom and the ability to escape the control that other’s have over him; therefore, eradicating the mental instability that he has experienced. Bernard escapes his powerless life by visiting the Savage Reservation, while Dwayne tries to break free from the control others possess over him by falling into a violent rampage. Finally, similar to Dwayne, Bernard has a longing to escape from his predetermined life that is driving him to mentally

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