BRAVE NEW ESSAY

Analyze the character of Bernard Marx. In what ways is he admirable? In what ways is he less than admirable? Overall, how would you characterize his motivations and actions? Explore the function his character plays in the novel. What purpose does he serve? (Prompt found by Eli Esparza)

In today's society, it's difficult to truly be yourself when the individuals you're surrounded by seem to share many similar characteristics. In Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, Bernard Marx is characterized as different based on his motivations and actions throughout the novel. Bernard's differences are what truly make him both an admirable and less than admirable character. Bernard's ability to think differently compared to the rest of the characters, plays a major role in Brave New World. 

Bernard Marx, an Alpha, comes across as an admirable character based on his differences in the novel. Unlike the rest of the tall, good-looking Alphas, Bernard is described as short, unattractive, and abnormal. Although he doesn't seem to look like the others, Bernard has a mind of his own. In the novel, Bernard is conservative and believes that sexual matters shouldn't be expressed around others, but only between the two individuals who are intimate with one another; something the others don't seem to believe. Bernard may be an Alpha, but he isn't small minded and brainwashed like the other Alphas are; Bernard is human. Although Bernard is an admirable character, his insecurities make him less than admirable. While attending his Solidarity Service day, Bernard puts effort into fitting in with the others and his efforts cause him to feel isolated, which isn't an admirable quality. Even though Bernard's difference in character is admirable, his efforts to cover up his insecurities and fit in make Bernard far from admirable.  

Although he may seem strange to the other characters, I would characterize Bernard's motivations and actions as normal. Bernard has the ability to think for himself, while the other characters in the novel do not have the same ability. While all the other Alphas believe themselves to be superior and believe that discussing about multiple women and sexual matters are except-able, Bernard feels uncomfortable discussing such matters and believes that women shouldn't be talked about as "pieces of meat." Bernard's human-like qualities serve to illustrate the fact that everyone else is exactly the same in the novel not only in physical structure, but in their views and beliefs. Bernard's actions ultimately demonstrate that he is the most human character in the novel.  


Being different isn't always easy, but sharing a number of characteristics with others is less than admirable. In Brave New World, Bernard is an incredibly unique character who represents a real human. Bernard serves to demonstrate that differences in character truly make a character.