Entry 3: Observations and analysis of Bernard’s character development and its relationship to his historical basis of Karl Marx and communism in Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Bernard Marx’s character arc is one of Brave New World by Aldous Huxley’s defining factors. It’s revealed early that Bernard is considered an outcast in society. He is smaller and physically inferior than other Alpha Pluses and acts strangely in comparison to the majority of people, for he doesn’t take Soma, has unorthodox ideas, is antisocial, and likes solitude. Most people consider him an outsider and treat him with reproach and less respect than they would someone else of his social standing. This frustrates and angers Bernard as he battles his inner thoughts in favor of fitting in and still doesn’t see the results he wants. The turning point for Bernard’s character is when he returns from the New Mexican reservation with John and Linda in the tenth chapter. Everyone’s interest in John, or ‘the savage,’ is in part directed towards Bernard who lets the fame and fortune go to his head immediately. When these are abruptly taken from him he is initially very angry and frustrated again but then turns his attentions to more pressing matters. By the end of the novel, Bernard appears to have found a place where he belongs: an island where those who doesn’t quite fit the mold of society are sent. The change in his character from resentful, self entitled, and lost to being, in some ways, apologetic, concerned for others, and open minded shows the character’s journey and development over the course of the novel.

In certain ways, Bernard’s character rivals the historical figure he was likely based on, Karl Marx. While Karl Marx,the founder of communism, believed that the lower classes would revolt and cause revolution while Bernard Marx enjoys luxury, fame, and status. However, some similarities can be drawn between the two. For example, some aspects of fascism and communist ideals are embodied by Bernard and the society he lives in. The idea that “Everyone belongs to everyone else.” (Page 37, Chapter 3) can be likened to the communist ideals of not owning property and doing things for the good of the state, not the individual. Additionally, communism and fascism show itself in Brave New World’s society through the complete government control and manipulation of government, people, conditioning, Soma, culture, media, and information. These parallels were likely included on purpose to serve as a sort of warning or commentary, which is a key aspect of dystopian novels, on the subject of communism which was a pressing topic at the time.