The title, derived from the character of Miranda’s speech in William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, alludes to such lofty juxtapositions as those between the ideals and refinements of civilization and the baseness, “savagery,” and betrayal mankind is capable of imposing on one another. Ranked as one of the “100 Best English-language Novels of the 20th Century” by Modern Library, Brave New World’s narrative forces readers to challenge themselves in tackling topics such as dehumanization, globalization, mass consumerism, and alienation. Huxley’s novel anticipates all of the benefits of modernity, such as reproduction technology and sleep-learning, while it also brings to light the underbelly of these advancements, such psychological manipulation and human conditioning. Notions of individuality, industrialization, and essentially, human existence within a modern society, are explored and critiqued in this futuristic novel.

Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, a monumental dystopian novel published in 1932, still resonates with readers today, both young and old.

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