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Oxymorons
Definition of Paradox
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar Wilde's famous declaration that "Life is... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel... read full definition
Chapter 5
Explanation and Analysis—The Crematorium:
In Chapter 5, as Henry Foster and Lenina fly together through London, they observe a human crematorium. Paradoxically, the describe this crematorium as "majestic":
Following its south-easterly course across the dark plain their eyes were drawn to the majestic buildings of the Slough Crematorium. For the safety of night-flying planes, its four tall chimneys were flood-lighted and tipped with crimson danger signals. It was a landmark.
While this description seems paradoxical on the surface, for adults who have been conditioned their whole lives to find death and industry beautiful, this description is not odd at all. In the totalitarian regime of the novel, any emotion a person feels must serve some function for the state. The Slough Crematorium is probably not very beautiful, in reality—but the state has a vested interest in its citizens viewing the building as such. A core value of this society is consumption. Even human bodies, after death, contain materials that may be of use to industry. So, in order to prevent its citizens from protesting the consumption of human corpses, World Controllers have ensured that all people associate crematoriums with beauty and majesty. In this case, and many others, the ruling class biochemically manipulates the working class in an attempt to increase production and consumption.
Related Themes:
