Brave New World Syntax Analysis

Brave New World has a consistent syntax theme throughout the book. The consistency helps define the setting throughout the book. Aldous Huxley has certain breaks on pages to put emphasis on certain parts of the story, and italicizes many different words and phrases throughout the story as well. One example of how Huxley will use breaks to emphasize something in the story is when referring to a passage in a book is read out loud. “And suddenly there were more words. When he is drunk asleep, or in his rage or in the incestuous pleasure of his bed…” (Huxley 133). This example is from whenever John reads out loud from Shakespeare and the words are separated from the regular paragraph and are italicized.

Another syntax element that Huxley uses is the emphasis of signs or writings on walls and pretty much anything that is broadcasted for someone to read. He makes clear distinction so that the reader knows he/she is not reading regular text from the author or dialogue. He does this by making the sign in all capital letters. An example of this is from whenever John went to the “feelies” with Lenina and the title introduction to the movie had letters on the screen. “The house lights went down; fiery letters stood out solid and as though self-supported in the darkness. THREE WEEKS IN A HELICOPTER. AN ALL-SUPER-SINGING, SYNTHETIC TALKING, COLOURED, STEROSCOPIC FEELY. WITH SYNCHRONIZED SCENT-ORGAN ACCOMPANIMENT” (Kass 167). This shows that the character in the book was reading something that was presented to them.

An additional use of italics that may be the most commonly noticed use of italics would be for the word: “Soma”. The author uses italics for “soma” ever since it has been initially introduced to the reader.”What I had to suffer — and not a gramme of soma to be had. Only a drink of mescal every now and then, when Pop’e used to bring it” (Huxley 120).  He also italicizes other intoxicating elements introduced in the story.  I think it is used to emphasize how much the drug is in use throughout the story. Also it will let the reader know how widely accepted soma is throughout the society portrayed in the story.