The Role of Linda in “Brave New World.”

Answer

The role of Linda in “Brave New World.”

Or, Access the character of Linda in “Brave New World.”

Or, Characteristics of Linda in “Brave New World.”

“Brave New World” (1932) is a novel based on science fiction by Aldous Huxley (1894-1963). Here, we find Linda as a minor character. But her role in the novel is significant. She is a lower-class beta-minus female, among the 5 courses of the World State. Linda’s normal moral world consists of equal parts recreational sex and soothing drugs. But suddenly, she has to face the harsh realities of life.

Linda, as the Victim of Fate:  At the the very beginning of the novel, the tragic flaw of Linda’s life has been displayed. She, along with the director of the London Hatchery, makes a visit to Savage Reservation. But Linda accidentally gets separated from him. She falls from the top of a mountain and gets seriously injured. Huxley says,

She had gone walking alone in those mountains over there to the North, had fallen down a steep place and hurt her head.

Some Indians find her and bring her to their village. She becomes so embarrassed at becoming pregnant. There was no means of abortion in the Savage Reservation. Later on, Linda gives birth to a child, John. She didn’t try to leave the Reservation and spent 20 years there. 

Linda as a Dutiful Mother: Linda becomes much more passionate after giving birth to her child, John. She becomes a totally dutiful mother. She starts to educate her son. She never neglects her. For John, she feels an intense mixture of love and revulsion. She starts to educate John with the knowledge that she has gained in the world state.

Affinity to the Sex of Linda: In the World State, there are no families, and people have sex with each other at will; mothers in Malpais still give birth to children, and it is normal for people to engage in monogamy. Linda is brought up through the situation. So, In Savage Reservation, she makes sexual relationships with the husbands of the village women. So, finally, she is boycotted by the villagers.

Linda’s Role in Social Reformation: Bernard brings Linda along with John to London. Everything is exposed by Bernard. Linda stands in front of Tomakin and says,

But I’m Linda, I’m Linda.

Later on, Linda becomes ill and receives soma to get relief from heartful pain. Now, Linda throws herself into soma holidays, shortening her life with her addiction. Overdose of soma leads her to death. John becomes furious at the death of her mother from the overdose of soma. He becomes a rebel against soma and wants to remove soma from society.

Linda may be a minor character, but she plays an important role throughout the novel “Brave New World.” You can take Linda out of the dystopia, but you can’t take the dystopia out of Linda.