I've repeatedly mentioned that the world Huxley creates for this novel isn't sex positive and is not the alternative to his culture's attitude towards sex, one which we can label "purity culture". Instead, it is a sex-mandating purity culture to mirror Huxley's own sex-averse or sex-controling purity culture. That makes this chapter Purity Culture Clash.
Were I to guess at Huxley's intention, I would imagine that he intends for us to agree with John's judgment but, at the same time, sympathize with Lenina. When I first read this book, back in the 90s and back as a High School Student, I did. Then again, I had a lot more agreement than disagreement with Huxley back then.
This chapter begins with Lenina being distracted by her affection for John. Her job is, apparently, administering vaccinations to feti.
Note: InquisitiveRaven, way back at the first part of this deconstruction, commented that the vaccinations are issued at a point before a fetus would have a functioning immune system. It's just more science that we have to forgive for the sake of the story.
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Were I to guess at Huxley's intention, I would imagine that he intends for us to agree with John's judgment but, at the same time, sympathize with Lenina. When I first read this book, back in the 90s and back as a High School Student, I did. Then again, I had a lot more agreement than disagreement with Huxley back then.
This chapter begins with Lenina being distracted by her affection for John. Her job is, apparently, administering vaccinations to feti.
Note: InquisitiveRaven, way back at the first part of this deconstruction, commented that the vaccinations are issued at a point before a fetus would have a functioning immune system. It's just more science that we have to forgive for the sake of the story.
( Read more... )