2nd group discussion- ch. 6-10

Theme: Individualism vs. Assimilation

Individualism- The habit or principle of being independent and self-reliant.

Assimilation- the state of being assimilated; people of different backgrounds come to see themselves as part of a larger national family.


John the savage is an example of individualism.
Developed society is an example of assimilation.


Connections: 

On page 113 John the savage uses and makes reference to Shakespeare as an innovator and this connects to Shakespeare's influence in our world. John enjoys Shakespeare literature, but others outside of the reserve ad within believe its creativity goes against the common grain of society.

The  lifestyle of John also makes a connection to primitive human life in our world. He lived in such a way that we would make reference to the Native Amaricans who lived off of the land in a primitive way as does the community where John was born.

Important Quotes:

Ch. 6- "When the individual feels, the community reels." (81)


Reactions: Prior to this statement, Bernard is expressing his need to feel passion. Lenina responds by saying that if an individual "feels" something, he really shouldn't be. If people start feeling things then the community will be staggered. This thinking is another indication of the control in the society. People are not supposed to speak out or do something that might disrupt the utopia. This is another example of how the government controls society because it does not want people to experience emotions, like passion. 

Investigation:


Savage Lifestyle- The term Noble Savages refers to primitive society untainted by outside forces such as the government. This makes refference to John's lifestyle.
  
Summarizer: 

There is a great difference between the Reservation and City, or past and present, life, as seen in these 5 chapters:

1. Bernard and Lenina traveled overseas to Santa-Fe to visit the Savage reservation, which is kept heavily guarded by the outside forces.
2. The Indian community is not affected by the civilized world outside the reservation. The people live primitive lifestyles, such as living in pueblos and hunting for their own food.

3. John (the Savage) lived a very miserable life and was discriminated against the community because of his foreign origins.
4. Linda and John (the Savage) were brought back to London to experience the new world and for Bernard to boost his social status.  

5. The director was publicly embarrassed by Linda’s crying passion and was humiliated by John’s dramatic entrance into society.

Illustrator

What we think the Savage Reserve looks likes. This is their house, the Pueblos.