Meanwhile, in Oryx and Crake, things have not quite yet reached this critical stage of human manufacturing on a mass scale – though the Crakers are a sign of things to come, and Crake’s invention of the BlyssPlus Pill shows his intent to manipulate the species. They are indoctrinated with societally-beneficial values and beliefs from the outset. Rather than being born into a loving family, humans are harvested in a laboratory and genetically engineered to fit their particular niche in society. In Brave New World, this has been entirely radicalised. *** Similarities Between Brave New World and Oryx and Crake Image source: goodreadsĪside from the obvious similarity of a dystopian society set at some vague distance in the future, there are also many specific themes, images and ideas which are repeated in the two texts.įirstly, the procreation of society is a subject which is close to the heart of both novels. But how do they match up? In a battle of Brave New World vs Oryx and Crake, what are the similarities, differences, and which, ultimately, is better? Read on to find out. The Crakers, genetically-manufactured humans with specially-designed anatomies and innocent sensibilities, are reminiscent of the caste system in Brave New World, but the transition from the vaguely familiar world at the outset of the novel and the post-apocalyptic scenario which follows is not a smooth one.Ĭlearly, Oryx and Crake is heavily influenced by Brave New World, and, as well as borrowing many ideas and reimagining several tropes, is also an interesting alternative view of the future of mankind. Oryx and Crake, on the other hand, is more of a bridge novel between the world as we know it and the one realised in Huxley’s novel. Meanwhile, “savages” John and Linda are uncomfortable reminders of the society outwith the confines of the World State.
Bernard Marx and Helmholtz Watson are both living proof that not everyone is happy over-ambition, a disrupted incubation process or a quest for individuality highlight the inhumanity of Huxley’s created society.
So what makes this is a dystopia rather than a utopia? Well, the fly in the ointment comes in the form of the central characters.
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