Thursday, June 20, 2013

Where is satire or irony in chapter 4 or 5?What quotes/passages are ironic or satiric?

Chapter 5 of "Brave New World" contains a parody/satire of a religious revival in the "Solidarity Service" where people are placed in groups of twelve, as the apostles were numbered.  The President of the group begins by making the sign of the T--a mockery of the sign of the cross. The Solidarity Hymn is played as soma tablets are laid on the table and strawberry soma ice cream is passed around for each to drink--a mocking imitation of communion in a religious ceremony.  As the cup is passed around again, a third Solidarity Hymn is played and the ritual begins.  The people move in rhythm, acting as though some sacred revelation will happen.  They sway and dance; then, they go off onto couches for the "orgy-porgy."  The evangelical-type of service degenerates into a sexual orgy instead of religious ecstasy.


With satiric descriptions, Orwell shows that the deep-seated need for mystic belief is still present in the New World.  But, this need has been directed into a conditioning exercise, a conditioning necessary for the New World.  However, just as some people have not found fulfillment in religious rituals, Bernard feels emptiness after the Solidarity Service.

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