The word (for "father" was not so much obscene as-- with its connotation of something at one remove from the loathsomeness and moral obliquity of child-bearing-- merely gross, a scatological rather than a pornographic impropriety); the comically smutty word relieved what had become a quite intolerable tension.This apostrophe, in which Huxley addresses the audience directly, is an effective strategy in explaining the reactions of the workers. I found it strange that they seemed repulsed at the word "mother" yet thought "father" was hilarious until I read this sentence; it explains everything.
I found it interesting that the DHC did nothing to protect his reputation. He was in a much higher position of power than Bernard. He could have simply denied the accusations and, with some well-told lies, could have turned the shame and embarrassment back onto Bernard in a heartbeat. Perhaps he was too overwhelmed with emotion to think clearly.
Overall, I find this book strange but good. I've enjoyed the characters for the most part, but Bernard actually annoys me quite a bit. His unheroic demeanor is a little . . . off putting. He's too whiny, and he seems like a sell-out. He claims to want to change the world, yet he backs away from his beliefs whenever the authority threatens to shut him down.
And now without further ado, I give you the TV show "Maury", which reminds me of when Bernard exposes the DHC's secret child to the world.
This was a pretty famous episode. Sadly, I could not find a
"You are the father!" clip to go along with the novel.
Until next time,
Alysse
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