, Character analysis
Bernard Marx
Who they are:
Bernard Marx is an Alpha Plus in the World State, working in the psychological department. Despite
being a high-caste individual, he feels socially and physically inferior because of his smaller stature
and atypical appearance compared to other Alphas. He is an outsider in his own society.
Personality traits:
Bernard is intelligent, introspective, and sensitive. He is insecure and self-conscious, often jealous of
others’ social advantages. Unlike most Alphas, he questions societal norms, showing moral awareness
and a longing for individuality. At the same time, he can be hypocritical, ambitious, and
occasionally manipulative, reflecting his inner contradictions.
Relationships:
Bernard’s relationships reveal both his vulnerabilities and his desire for social acceptance. He is
infatuated with Lenina Crowne, seeking her approval and companionship. His friendship with
Helmholtz Watson highlights his insecurities in contrast to Helmholtz’s confidence. His interaction
with John, the “Savage,” initially elevates his social status but also forces him to confront his own
limitations. His connection with the World State is conflicted; he wants approval yet resents the
conformity it enforces.
Why they act the way they do:
Bernard’s actions are largely driven by a mix of personal insecurity and social aspiration. He feels
inadequate due to his body and social standing, which motivates him to seek recognition and
approval. At the same time, his awareness of the World State’s superficiality creates moments of
rebellion, though these are inconsistent. His occasional moral insight emerges when he interacts with
John and witnesses life outside the State.
Internal conflicts:
Bernard struggles with the tension between individuality and conformity. He desires to be unique but
fears rejection. His intelligence and critical thinking clash with his insecurity, and he experiences
ethical conflict when exploiting John for personal gain. His inner turmoil represents the
psychological cost of living in a society that suppresses genuine individuality.
Protagonist, antagonist, or symbolic figure:
Bernard functions as a protagonist for part of the novel and also serves as a symbolic figure. He
embodies Huxley’s critique of social hierarchy, superficial pleasure, and the pressures to conform. His
flaws make him a more human and relatable character, showing the complexity of rebellion in a
controlled society.
Narrative function:
Bernard highlights the oppressive and dehumanizing aspects of the World State. He serves as a foil
to other characters like Helmholtz and John, contrasting insecurity with confidence or extreme
rebellion. Through him, the reader sees how societal pressures shape individuals and the difficulty of
maintaining personal integrity in a rigidly controlled world.
Bernard Marx
Who they are:
Bernard Marx is an Alpha Plus in the World State, working in the psychological department. Despite
being a high-caste individual, he feels socially and physically inferior because of his smaller stature
and atypical appearance compared to other Alphas. He is an outsider in his own society.
Personality traits:
Bernard is intelligent, introspective, and sensitive. He is insecure and self-conscious, often jealous of
others’ social advantages. Unlike most Alphas, he questions societal norms, showing moral awareness
and a longing for individuality. At the same time, he can be hypocritical, ambitious, and
occasionally manipulative, reflecting his inner contradictions.
Relationships:
Bernard’s relationships reveal both his vulnerabilities and his desire for social acceptance. He is
infatuated with Lenina Crowne, seeking her approval and companionship. His friendship with
Helmholtz Watson highlights his insecurities in contrast to Helmholtz’s confidence. His interaction
with John, the “Savage,” initially elevates his social status but also forces him to confront his own
limitations. His connection with the World State is conflicted; he wants approval yet resents the
conformity it enforces.
Why they act the way they do:
Bernard’s actions are largely driven by a mix of personal insecurity and social aspiration. He feels
inadequate due to his body and social standing, which motivates him to seek recognition and
approval. At the same time, his awareness of the World State’s superficiality creates moments of
rebellion, though these are inconsistent. His occasional moral insight emerges when he interacts with
John and witnesses life outside the State.
Internal conflicts:
Bernard struggles with the tension between individuality and conformity. He desires to be unique but
fears rejection. His intelligence and critical thinking clash with his insecurity, and he experiences
ethical conflict when exploiting John for personal gain. His inner turmoil represents the
psychological cost of living in a society that suppresses genuine individuality.
Protagonist, antagonist, or symbolic figure:
Bernard functions as a protagonist for part of the novel and also serves as a symbolic figure. He
embodies Huxley’s critique of social hierarchy, superficial pleasure, and the pressures to conform. His
flaws make him a more human and relatable character, showing the complexity of rebellion in a
controlled society.
Narrative function:
Bernard highlights the oppressive and dehumanizing aspects of the World State. He serves as a foil
to other characters like Helmholtz and John, contrasting insecurity with confidence or extreme
rebellion. Through him, the reader sees how societal pressures shape individuals and the difficulty of
maintaining personal integrity in a rigidly controlled world.
