Brave New World: Background

Genre: Satire; Dystopian Social Science Fiction

Though widely recognized as a prime example of dystopian social science fiction, Brave New World also contains elements of satire. In fact, the satire in the novel is often sharp and stimulating.

Huxley introduces readers to a society that is vastly different from our contemporary world: in the society depicted in the novel, there is no room for concepts such as history, culture, family, and religion. These conventions are replaced with methodical and scientific living, geared toward maximum productivity. Failure to comply and dissent directed against these systems and processes are not only looked down upon but also severely penalized. Quite literally, human beings are beaten into submission. Their lives are designed and predestined in laboratories.

Background

Huxley was a pacifist and an advocate of liberalism. He did not believe in violence, excessive governmental control, or the need to make people comply to a single ideology.

The novel is based in a futuristic London, set in the year AF 632, though it was written in 1931. It addresses the sociopolitical impact of the First World War and also deals with the specter of the looming Second World War. Huxley was deeply concerned by the power and control governments had over individuals. He also deeply pondered the effects of overpopulation. In fact, the question of excess is a central theme in Brave New World: the novel addresses overpopulation, overconsumption, and the effects of unchecked desire.