Luke answers “is Bernard Marx a likeable character?, I...”

Jack Pittorino asked this question about Brave New World:

is Bernard Marx a likeable character?, I want to like the character Bernard but there are times when I start to think he is a wuss and unreliable and I start losing faith in him, thats just how I Feel about the character at the moment

Luke This is an important and interesting observation. Many dystopian novels seem to frame their rebel protagonists as infallible heroes (or at the VERY le…moreThis is an important and interesting observation. Many dystopian novels seem to frame their rebel protagonists as infallible heroes (or at the VERY least, likeable people). But Huxley seems to decide against it, as you point out. Bernard is selfish, weak-willed, and spiteful. He doesn't cry out against the injustice of the dystopia he lives in (as say, the protagonist of 1984 or the Hunger Games might) but does whatever gives him ample opportunity to gain respect or power over others.

I don't believe the intent was him to be likeable, with the exception of several positive qualities.(less)

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