As I was reading Brave New World, it automatically became apparent to me that Henry Ford is revered in this society as a sort of god or deity. It potrays the society as being so focused on industry and techniques of mass production that everything functions similar to an industrial corporation (for example, children being grown in factories). The use of the Ford's name ("Our Ford", "His Fordship", "Oh, Ford", etc.) is similar to how we use the words "God" or "Lord". Instead of the Cross, citizens in this society make a "T" on their chest in reference to Henry Ford's Model T automobile.
This example of religious change and utilization are apparent almost as soon as one picks up this book. However, as I continued reading the book, other religious themes became known to me, although not at first. For example, I was reminded of a previous class discussion earlier this year about the Christian sect, Calvinism. In this religion, it is stated that God predetermines whether an individual will go to Heaven or Hell before they are born. This element of predeterminism is present in the book, as children are chosen before they are "born" whether they will be an Alpha or Epsilon, what they will and won't like, and what their job will be. There is no choice involved, and no opportunity to work harder to move up in your social caste.
I was wondering if there were any other references to religion that I've missed. I am sure that there are many more.
I found your comparison between Calvinism and their predeterminism interesting, for I picked up on the other references as you did in the first few chapters, but I linked their reverence for Ford as something related to Catholicism due to their gesture of making the T on their chests. However now that you have pointed it out I do see the Calvinist aspect of their society. I see a few differences along with the multiple similariteis, for in Calvinism their afterlife is predetermined, as you said it is decided whether an individual will go to heaven or hell, but in the book it is their earthly life that is predetermined. Until you pointed it out, I never realized that the strong use of the caste system and the inability to change caste is used to maintain order in their soceity as it also serves as a source of structure in the Hindu faith. But I feel there is a stronger corrolation between their worship of Ford and Christianity than Hinduism, particularly the Calvinist sect.
ReplyDeleteIt is extremely interesting, and as I read, I keep changing my thoughts on the author's purpose for having Ford revered as a god. When I read a line that said Ford was called Frued in psychologic matters, it was like a slap in the face with the Christian belief that God is three in one and three separate entities at once, only this time its two in one: Ford and Frued. I am perplexed on the point of using Ford and Frued as a replacement of Father, Son, and Spirit.
ReplyDeleteThe belief that Ford is somewhat of a religious deity figure is quite possible. It is also a good possibility that he could be some sort of past ruler whose beliefs and ideals affected the utopian society that the world takes residence in the book. I believe that Ford's role in society is much bigger than the aspect of religion or psychology, it is more focused on ideals that make up a society where your future is set in stone before you even come into the world.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mikaela in the fact that Ford is referred to as a religious diety and god like figure. It is especially apparent,for instance, when many of the characters say in the novel "In the name of Ford", or "Only Ford knows" , just as we would say expressions such as "Oh my God" and "In the name of God". Just as Kirsten mentions, there is a definite resemblance to Catholism with making the T shape, just as Catholics make the sign of the cross with their hands. However, I do not think that it counts as a religon or belief in a "God" like figure because their decisions in every day life are not decided with the help of the thought "What would Ford think of this?"
ReplyDeleteThere are times where Ford is treated like the Christian God. Later, when Bernard is at a meeting of sorts, the people were using soma and hymns to help think of Ford's coming. They were getting excited like any Christian would over Jesus' coming. They were shouting that he was on the steps ready to come. The people are using their everyday life things like sex, soma, and socially belonging to everyone as a form of respecting Ford's way. It is very ironic to me. I would consider some folks beimg religious while the others are like the halfhearted believers. In my opinion, these actions define the reverence of Ford akin to a religion.
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