The Task: to write a 3-4 page paper that demonstrates in depth consideration of one or more issues raised by the book Brave New World.

1. Write a paper that explores your conclusions regarding Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, and its relationship to your life and the media analysis we have been doing as a class. You may wish to fill in the gaps in Huxley’s description of the future by imagining, in more specific detail, the events and processes that might lead us into a BNW type of system, or how we might steer clear of such a system in the future.

2. Write a paper that compares life as Huxley described it in the World State with life in the United States today. Include at least three of these aspects of life in your paper: Human life/death, love and marriage, art (literature, film, architecture, etc.), consumption of goods and services, use of drugs (including alcohol and tobacco), pleasure/self-indulgence, and religion. Come to a conclusion as to the accuracy of Huxley’s predictions.

3. Write a report by Mustapha Mond detailing his experiment with John the Savage. Conclude the report with Mustapha’s assessment of John’s final act.

Rough Draft Due: Thursday, March 18th

Final Draft Due: Wednesday, March 31st

Late papers are penalized 10% per day late.

An EXCELLENT paper contains:

• A clearly articulated and provable thesis statement about the book and its connection to our class and your world (options 1 and 2).
• Specific observations and arguments, supported by copious amounts of evidence that connect; Huxley’s characters, ideas and themes in the book, your own world experience, and (for options 1) the ideas and techniques we’ve been learning in the media analysis unit ("Ad and the Ego" and classroom activities)
• At least three specific passages from Huxley’s book, punctuated and documented in proper fashion (also required for option 3).
• A full three to four pages of quality prose (no funny business).
• A clear and well-structured argument that also embraces the ambiguities and complexities of our modern society and Huxley’s vision. (Don’t be afraid to raise questions within the context of your paper)
• Minimal spelling mistakes, punctuation problems, or grammatical errors.

Last Day to share a draft with me: Tuesday, March 16th.  Please feel free to share drafts with me before this date; however, be aware that having me read a draft of your paper does not hold any guarantees about your final paper grade or remove your responsibility for carefully reading and editing the final draft of your paper.