the dreaded essay

PROMPT
1979 Choose a complex and important character in a novel or a play of
recognized literary merit who might, on the basis of the character’s actions alone,
be considered evil or immoral. In a well-organized essay, explain both how and
why the full presentation of the character in the work makes us react more
sympathetically than we otherwise might. Avoid plot summary.

A novel wouldn't be a novel without its traditional good and evil characters. The immoral "mind-bogglers" and kind-hearted heroes make the entire plot. Through the eyes of a serious reader of stories, the obvious antagonist of Brave New World is The Director. But, through the eyes of the analytical thinker, it's relevant to say that John the Savage is the immoral character of the story. But why? He is the protagonist, the tragic hero, the misunderstood outsider- so why would he be the evil one? The immorality of a character is based on his or her actions and behavior when placed in a different environment, in this case, in the "brave new world".

The confusion between common morality and the morality of a certain society is proven through John the Savage. By placing him in the opposing land of the reservation, we as readers felt for him and made that connection known as sympathy for his new found world. By venturing out of his comfort zone and making the transition into an emotionless world, we are shown many reasons why he is considered immoral.

In the new world that John lives in, he is not amused by the lifestyle of Lenina and everyone else alike. The way that the Alphas and Betas and Deltas, and so on, live is non driven and unoriginal, and the fact that John doesn't live that way automatically outcasts him as an immoral beast from a different universe. When in our eyes, he did nothing wrong but think for himself. In the "brave new world's" society, self-provoking thought processes are uncalled for, even unknown in a way. Not surrendering to the temptations of approaching erotic activities is seen as wrong. The morals of John and the morals of the reader are so compatible that we experience a symphony of sympathy for his situation. His dually noted self-preservation comes off to the people as strange, and that is what makes him immoral.

John the Savage contradicts most immoral characters in traditional novels, but when read into, he is an obvious suspect for the immoral character choice.

this essay sucked.