1.
Helmholtz found himself in trouble with the authorities over a poem he wrote and shared with his Advanced Emotional Engineering students. Who turned him in?
Correct Answer
D. The principal of the school
Explanation
page 180
2.
Why does the Director tell John that the citizens of the World State will not understand Othello?
Correct Answer
C. In order to have tragedy, one must have social instability.
Explanation
page 220
3.
Mustapha Mond explains that "the optimum population...is modelled on the iceberg..." (Huxley 223). What does he mean?
Correct Answer
A. There can only be a few leaders to a majority of followers.
Explanation
Mustapha Mond's statement about the optimum population being modeled on an iceberg suggests that in a stable society, there should be a small number of leaders who guide and control the larger population of followers. This analogy implies a hierarchical structure where a few individuals hold power and make decisions for the majority. Just as the visible tip of an iceberg is only a small fraction of its total size, the leaders represent a small portion of the population but have a significant influence and control over the society.
4.
Why does Mustapha Mond say that sending Bernard Marx to an island is more of a reward than a punishment?
Correct Answer
C. The most interesting men and women in the world live there.
Explanation
page 227
5.
What book does Mustapha Mond show to John?
Correct Answer
A. The Holy Bible
Explanation
page 230
6.
John expects that he will react to the World State like ____________ did to the island in The Tempest, but he actually turns out to be more like ___________.
Correct Answer
B. Miranda, the savage
Explanation
John expects that he will react to the World State like Miranda did to the island in The Tempest, but he actually turns out to be more like the savage.
7.
Who best serves as Bernard's foil?
Correct Answer
D. Helmholtz
Explanation
Helmholtz best serves as Bernard's foil because he is portrayed as a contrast to Bernard's character. While Bernard is insecure, socially awkward, and rebellious against the norms of the World State, Helmholtz is confident, popular, and charismatic. He represents the ideal citizen of the society, fully embracing its values and conforming to its expectations. This sharp contrast between Bernard and Helmholtz highlights Bernard's outsider status and further emphasizes his dissatisfaction with the society he lives in.
8.
What likely inspired Huxley's Brave New World?
Correct Answer
A. Dictators taking over as a result of fear, anger, and uncertainty.
Explanation
Huxley's Brave New World likely drew inspiration from the idea of dictators taking over as a result of fear, anger, and uncertainty. This theme is reflected in the dystopian society depicted in the novel, where a totalitarian government controls every aspect of people's lives. The fear, anger, and uncertainty of the masses are exploited by the ruling class to maintain their power and control. This concept aligns with the historical context of the time when Huxley wrote the novel, as dictators like Hitler were rising to power by manipulating the fears and discontent of the people.
9.
What is one thing Huxley satirizes in Brave New World?
Correct Answer
A. Nationalism and the British Commonwealth of Nations
Explanation
In Brave New World, Huxley satirizes nationalism and the British Commonwealth of Nations. He criticizes the idea of blind loyalty to one's country and the notion of a hierarchical global organization. Huxley portrays a dystopian society where individuality and personal freedom are suppressed in favor of a homogeneous world order. By satirizing nationalism and the Commonwealth, Huxley highlights the dangers of sacrificing individuality for the sake of conformity and the negative consequences of a global power structure.
10.
Brave New World was published in __________.
Correct Answer
A. 1932
Explanation
Brave New World, a dystopian novel written by Aldous Huxley, was published in 1932. The novel depicts a futuristic society where technology and genetic engineering are used to control and manipulate the population, exploring themes of conformity, individuality, and the dangers of a totalitarian regime. The publication year of 1932 is significant as it reflects the author's vision of a future world and provides a historical context for the ideas and criticisms presented in the novel.
11.
What appears to be Huxley's attitude towards communism?
Correct Answer
A. He feared it.
Explanation
Huxley's attitude towards communism can be inferred from the statement "He feared it." This suggests that Huxley had a negative view of communism and possibly saw it as a threat or danger.
12.
What was a common characteristic of writers during WWI.
Correct Answer
C. They shared a profound sense of disillusionment.
Explanation
During WWI, writers commonly shared a profound sense of disillusionment. This means that they felt a deep disappointment and loss of faith in the ideals and values that they once held. The horrors and atrocities of war had shattered their optimism and made them question the meaning and purpose of life. This sense of disillusionment was reflected in their writings, which often portrayed the grim reality of war and its devastating effects on individuals and society.
13.
What genre is the novel, Brave New World?
Correct Answer
A. Dystopian
Explanation
The correct answer is Dystopian because "Brave New World" is a novel that depicts a futuristic society where technology and science have taken over and individuals are controlled by a totalitarian government. The novel explores themes of conformity, loss of individuality, and the dangers of a utopian society.
14.
From what perspective does Huxley write?
Correct Answer
B. As one who has witnessed severe changes in society throughout his lifetime, and he fears that one day his society will be unrecognizable.
Explanation
Huxley writes from the perspective of someone who has experienced significant societal changes and is concerned that these changes will ultimately lead to a society that is unrecognizable. This suggests that Huxley's writing is influenced by his observations of the world around him and his anxieties about the direction in which society is heading.
15.
How is the novel, Brave New World structured?
Correct Answer
B. In media res
Explanation
"In media res" is the correct answer because it refers to a storytelling technique where the narrative begins in the middle of the action, rather than at the beginning. This structure is often used to engage the reader immediately and create a sense of intrigue. In the case of Brave New World, the novel starts with the protagonist already living in the dystopian society, and the backstory and world-building are gradually revealed throughout the story.
16.
What does Ford symbolize in Brave New World?
Correct Answer
D. Huxley deifies Ford to represent the citizens commendation of mass production and consumerism.
Explanation
Huxley deifies Ford to represent the citizens' commendation of mass production and consumerism. This means that Huxley portrays Ford as a god-like figure in order to emphasize the citizens' worship and admiration of mass production and consumerism. By elevating Ford to a deity, Huxley is critiquing the society's obsession with materialism and the dehumanizing effects of a consumerist culture.
17.
What is the theme of Helmholtz's poem?"Yesterday's committee, Sticks, but a broken drum, Midnight in the City, Flutes in a vacuum, Shut lips, sleeping faces, Every stopped machine, The dumb and littered places Where crowds have been: … All silences rejoice, Weep (loudly or low), Speak–but with the voice Of whom, I do not know. Absence, say, of Susan's, Absence of Egeria's Arms and respective bosoms, Lips and, ah, posteriors, Slowly form a presence; Whose? and, I ask, of what So absurd an essence, That something, which is not, Nevertheless should populate Empty night more solidly Than that with which we copulate, Why should it seem so squalidly?
Correct Answer
B. Solitude
Explanation
The theme of Helmholtz's poem can be inferred as solitude. The poem describes various instances of silence and absence, emphasizing the empty and deserted nature of the surroundings. The speaker questions the essence and presence of something that is not tangible, highlighting the feeling of loneliness and isolation. The use of words like "absence," "empty night," and "squalidly" further reinforce the theme of solitude.
18.
What is the tone of Helmholtz's poem?"Yesterday's committee, Sticks, but a broken drum, Midnight in the City, Flutes in a vacuum, Shut lips, sleeping faces, Every stopped machine, The dumb and littered places Where crowds have been: … All silences rejoice, Weep (loudly or low), Speak–but with the voice Of whom, I do not know. Absence, say, of Susan's, Absence of Egeria's Arms and respective bosoms, Lips and, ah, posteriors, Slowly form a presence; Whose? and, I ask, of what So absurd an essence, That something, which is not, Nevertheless should populate Empty night more solidly Than that with which we copulate, Why should it seem so squalidly?
Correct Answer
B. Melancholy
Explanation
The tone of Helmholtz's poem can be described as melancholy. The poem uses imagery and descriptions of silence, absence, and emptiness to convey a sense of sadness and longing. The speaker reflects on the quiet and deserted places, the absence of loved ones, and questions the purpose and meaning of existence. This creates a somber and reflective mood throughout the poem.
19.
What is the meaning of the italicized text?"Yesterday's committee, Sticks, but a broken drum, Midnight in the City, Flutes in a vacuum, Shut lips, sleeping faces, Every stopped machine, The dumb and littered places Where crowds have been: … All silences rejoice, Weep (loudly or low), Speak–but with the voice Of whom, I do not know. Absence, say, of Susan's, Absence of Egeria's Arms and respective bosoms, Lips and, ah, posteriors, Slowly form a presence; Whose? and, I ask, of what So absurd an essence, That something, which is not, Nevertheless should populate Empty night more solidly Than that with which we copulate, Why should it seem so squalidly?
Correct Answer
B. An unknown presence makes Helmholtz feel as though having sex is dirty.
Explanation
The passage suggests that there is an unknown presence that affects Helmholtz's perception of sex, making him feel as though it is dirty. This is evident in the lines "Slowly form a presence; Whose? and, I ask, of what So absurd an essence, That something, which is not, Nevertheless should populate Empty night more solidly Than that with which we copulate, Why should it seem so squalidly?" The use of words like "absurd," "squalid," and "populate" implies a negative connotation towards sex, indicating that Helmholtz views it as dirty due to this unknown presence.
20.
What type of rhyme does the poem use?"Yesterday's committee, Sticks, but a broken drum, Midnight in the City, Flutes in a vacuum, Shut lips, sleeping faces, Every stopped machine, The dumb and littered places Where crowds have been: … All silences rejoice, Weep (loudly or low), Speak–but with the voice Of whom, I do not know. Absence, say, of Susan's, Absence of Egeria's Arms and respective bosoms, Lips and, ah, posteriors, Slowly form a presence; Whose? and, I ask, of what So absurd an essence, That something, which is not, Nevertheless should populate Empty night more solidly Than that with which we copulate, Why should it seem so squalidly?
Correct Answer
A. End rhyme
Explanation
The poem uses end rhyme, which is evident in the repetition of similar sounds at the end of each line. This can be seen in words such as "drum," "vacuum," "machine," and "been." The use of end rhyme helps to create a rhythmic and melodic quality to the poem, as well as providing a sense of structure and cohesion.