'Brave New World:' Questions for Study and Discussion

A selection of Brave New World covers.

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"Brave New World" is one of the most controversial and best-known works by Aldous Huxley, an English writer/philosopher who authored more than 50 books. In this dystopian novel first published in 1932, Huxley foretold many technological advances—including test-tube babies, immersive entertainment systems, and sleep-learning. Deepen your understanding of the book with these discussion questions.

'Brave New World' Study and Discussion Questions

  • What is the importance of the title?
  • Why is the society in "Brave New World" considered dystopian rather than utopian? Do you agree? Would you want to live in the World State? Why or Why not?
  • How do you think the culture in Huxley's World State compares to our current culture? Why did John find the World State to be an empty society? 
  • What are the main conflicts in the novel? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional) did you take note of?
  • Does Aldous Huxley reveal his own character in his writing?
  • What are some themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
  • What are some symbols in "Brave New World"? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
  • Is Bernard consistent in his actions? Who is he? How does he relate to others? What is his position in society? Is he a fully developed character? How? Why?
  • Compare/contrast Bernard with John (the Savage).
  • How does the Reservation compare with Bernard's society?
  • How do you feel about the use of the drug soma in the novel? Would you take soma if it were available?
  • Do you find the characters likable? Are the characters people you would want to meet?
  • Does the story end the way you expected it would? What led you to this conclusion?
  • What is the central or primary purpose of the story? Is the purpose important or meaningful?
  • How essential is setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else?
  • Why has the book been controversial?
  • Is "Brave New World" believable? Do you think its main events could really take place?
  • What is the role of women in the text? How are mothers represented? What about single/independent women?
  • Do you think "Brave New World" exhibits feminist ideas?
  • Do you think the World Society has actually achieved the racial and gender equality it claims to have? Why or why not?
  • What do you think of the roles of freemartins in the World State? Are they an oppressed group?
  • Would you recommend this novel to a friend?
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Your Citation
Lombardi, Esther. "'Brave New World:' Questions for Study and Discussion." ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/brave-new-world-questions-study-discussion-739020. Lombardi, Esther. (2020, August 28). 'Brave New World:' Questions for Study and Discussion. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/brave-new-world-questions-study-discussion-739020 Lombardi, Esther. "'Brave New World:' Questions for Study and Discussion." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/brave-new-world-questions-study-discussion-739020 (accessed March 29, 2024).