Brave New World Test

Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Jessicaleague
J
Jessicaleague
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 6 | Total Attempts: 53,527
| Attempts: 137 | Questions: 20
Please wait...
Question 1 / 20
0 %
0/100
Score 0/100
1. What genre is the novel, Brave New World?

Explanation

The correct answer is Dystopian because "Brave New World" is a novel that depicts a futuristic society where technology and science have taken over and individuals are controlled by a totalitarian government. The novel explores themes of conformity, loss of individuality, and the dangers of a utopian society.

Submit
Please wait...
About This Quiz
Brave New World Test - Quiz

This quiz assesses understanding of Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World', focusing on key characters, themes, and philosophical questions raised in the novel. It evaluates comprehension and critical thinking... see moreabout societal structure and individual roles within the narrative. see less

2. Brave New World was published in __________.

Explanation

Brave New World, a dystopian novel written by Aldous Huxley, was published in 1932. The novel depicts a futuristic society where technology and genetic engineering are used to control and manipulate the population, exploring themes of conformity, individuality, and the dangers of a totalitarian regime. The publication year of 1932 is significant as it reflects the author's vision of a future world and provides a historical context for the ideas and criticisms presented in the novel.

Submit
3. From what perspective does Huxley write?

Explanation

Huxley writes from the perspective of someone who has experienced significant societal changes and is concerned that these changes will ultimately lead to a society that is unrecognizable. This suggests that Huxley's writing is influenced by his observations of the world around him and his anxieties about the direction in which society is heading.

Submit
4. Who best serves as Bernard's foil?

Explanation

Helmholtz best serves as Bernard's foil because he is portrayed as a contrast to Bernard's character. While Bernard is insecure, socially awkward, and rebellious against the norms of the World State, Helmholtz is confident, popular, and charismatic. He represents the ideal citizen of the society, fully embracing its values and conforming to its expectations. This sharp contrast between Bernard and Helmholtz highlights Bernard's outsider status and further emphasizes his dissatisfaction with the society he lives in.

Submit
5. What book does Mustapha Mond show to John?

Explanation

page 230

Submit
6. What is the tone of Helmholtz's poem?"Yesterday's committee, 
Sticks, but a broken drum, 
Midnight in the City, 
Flutes in a vacuum, 
Shut lips, sleeping faces, 
Every stopped machine, 
The dumb and littered places 
Where crowds have been: … 
All silences rejoice, 
Weep (loudly or low), 
Speak–but with the voice 
Of whom, I do not know. 
Absence, say, of Susan's, 
Absence of Egeria's 
Arms and respective bosoms, 
Lips and, ah, posteriors, 
Slowly form a presence; 
Whose? and, I ask, of what 
So absurd an essence, 
That something, which is not, 
Nevertheless should populate 
Empty night more solidly 
Than that with which we copulate, 
Why should it seem so squalidly? 

Explanation

The tone of Helmholtz's poem can be described as melancholy. The poem uses imagery and descriptions of silence, absence, and emptiness to convey a sense of sadness and longing. The speaker reflects on the quiet and deserted places, the absence of loved ones, and questions the purpose and meaning of existence. This creates a somber and reflective mood throughout the poem.

Submit
7. What is the theme of Helmholtz's poem?"Yesterday's committee, 
Sticks, but a broken drum, 
Midnight in the City, 
Flutes in a vacuum, 
Shut lips, sleeping faces, 
Every stopped machine, 
The dumb and littered places 
Where crowds have been: … 
All silences rejoice, 
Weep (loudly or low), 
Speak–but with the voice 
Of whom, I do not know. 
Absence, say, of Susan's, 
Absence of Egeria's 
Arms and respective bosoms, 
Lips and, ah, posteriors, 
Slowly form a presence; 
Whose? and, I ask, of what 
So absurd an essence, 
That something, which is not, 
Nevertheless should populate 
Empty night more solidly 
Than that with which we copulate, 
Why should it seem so squalidly? 

Explanation

The theme of Helmholtz's poem can be inferred as solitude. The poem describes various instances of silence and absence, emphasizing the empty and deserted nature of the surroundings. The speaker questions the essence and presence of something that is not tangible, highlighting the feeling of loneliness and isolation. The use of words like "absence," "empty night," and "squalidly" further reinforce the theme of solitude.

Submit
8. What type of rhyme does the poem use?"Yesterday's committee, 
Sticks, but a broken drum, 
Midnight in the City, 
Flutes in a vacuum, 
Shut lips, sleeping faces, 
Every stopped machine, 
The dumb and littered places 
Where crowds have been: … 
All silences rejoice, 
Weep (loudly or low), 
Speak–but with the voice 
Of whom, I do not know. 
Absence, say, of Susan's, 
Absence of Egeria's 
Arms and respective bosoms, 
Lips and, ah, posteriors, 
Slowly form a presence; 
Whose? and, I ask, of what 
So absurd an essence, 
That something, which is not, 
Nevertheless should populate 
Empty night more solidly 
Than that with which we copulate, 
Why should it seem so squalidly? 

Explanation

The poem uses end rhyme, which is evident in the repetition of similar sounds at the end of each line. This can be seen in words such as "drum," "vacuum," "machine," and "been." The use of end rhyme helps to create a rhythmic and melodic quality to the poem, as well as providing a sense of structure and cohesion.

Submit
9. What likely inspired Huxley's Brave New World?

Explanation

Huxley's Brave New World likely drew inspiration from the idea of dictators taking over as a result of fear, anger, and uncertainty. This theme is reflected in the dystopian society depicted in the novel, where a totalitarian government controls every aspect of people's lives. The fear, anger, and uncertainty of the masses are exploited by the ruling class to maintain their power and control. This concept aligns with the historical context of the time when Huxley wrote the novel, as dictators like Hitler were rising to power by manipulating the fears and discontent of the people.

Submit
10. Helmholtz found himself in trouble with the authorities over a poem he wrote and shared with his Advanced Emotional Engineering students.  Who turned him in?

Explanation

page 180

Submit
11. What appears to be Huxley's attitude towards communism?

Explanation

Huxley's attitude towards communism can be inferred from the statement "He feared it." This suggests that Huxley had a negative view of communism and possibly saw it as a threat or danger.

Submit
12. John expects that he will react to the World State like ____________ did to the island in The Tempest, but he actually turns out to be more like ___________.

Explanation

John expects that he will react to the World State like Miranda did to the island in The Tempest, but he actually turns out to be more like the savage.

Submit
13. What was a common characteristic of writers during WWI.

Explanation

During WWI, writers commonly shared a profound sense of disillusionment. This means that they felt a deep disappointment and loss of faith in the ideals and values that they once held. The horrors and atrocities of war had shattered their optimism and made them question the meaning and purpose of life. This sense of disillusionment was reflected in their writings, which often portrayed the grim reality of war and its devastating effects on individuals and society.

Submit
14. What does Ford symbolize in Brave New World?

Explanation

Huxley deifies Ford to represent the citizens' commendation of mass production and consumerism. This means that Huxley portrays Ford as a god-like figure in order to emphasize the citizens' worship and admiration of mass production and consumerism. By elevating Ford to a deity, Huxley is critiquing the society's obsession with materialism and the dehumanizing effects of a consumerist culture.

Submit
15. What is one thing Huxley satirizes in Brave New World?

Explanation

In Brave New World, Huxley satirizes nationalism and the British Commonwealth of Nations. He criticizes the idea of blind loyalty to one's country and the notion of a hierarchical global organization. Huxley portrays a dystopian society where individuality and personal freedom are suppressed in favor of a homogeneous world order. By satirizing nationalism and the Commonwealth, Huxley highlights the dangers of sacrificing individuality for the sake of conformity and the negative consequences of a global power structure.

Submit
16. Why does Mustapha Mond say that sending Bernard Marx to an island is more of a reward than a punishment?

Explanation

page 227

Submit
17. Why does the Director tell John that the citizens of the World State will not understand Othello?

Explanation

page 220

Submit
18. How is the novel, Brave New World structured?

Explanation

"In media res" is the correct answer because it refers to a storytelling technique where the narrative begins in the middle of the action, rather than at the beginning. This structure is often used to engage the reader immediately and create a sense of intrigue. In the case of Brave New World, the novel starts with the protagonist already living in the dystopian society, and the backstory and world-building are gradually revealed throughout the story.

Submit
19. Mustapha Mond explains that "the optimum population...is modelled on the iceberg..." (Huxley 223).  What does he mean?

Explanation

Mustapha Mond's statement about the optimum population being modeled on an iceberg suggests that in a stable society, there should be a small number of leaders who guide and control the larger population of followers. This analogy implies a hierarchical structure where a few individuals hold power and make decisions for the majority. Just as the visible tip of an iceberg is only a small fraction of its total size, the leaders represent a small portion of the population but have a significant influence and control over the society.

Submit
20. What is the meaning of the italicized text?"Yesterday's committee, 
Sticks, but a broken drum, 
Midnight in the City, 
Flutes in a vacuum, 
Shut lips, sleeping faces, 
Every stopped machine, 
The dumb and littered places 
Where crowds have been: … 
All silences rejoice, 
Weep (loudly or low), 
Speak–but with the voice 
Of whom, I do not know. 
Absence, say, of Susan's, 
Absence of Egeria's 
Arms and respective bosoms, 
Lips and, ah, posteriors, 
Slowly form a presence; 
Whose? and, I ask, of what 
So absurd an essence, 
That something, which is not, 
Nevertheless should populate 
Empty night more solidly 
Than that with which we copulate, 
Why should it seem so squalidly? 

Explanation

The passage suggests that there is an unknown presence that affects Helmholtz's perception of sex, making him feel as though it is dirty. This is evident in the lines "Slowly form a presence; Whose? and, I ask, of what So absurd an essence, That something, which is not, Nevertheless should populate Empty night more solidly Than that with which we copulate, Why should it seem so squalidly?" The use of words like "absurd," "squalid," and "populate" implies a negative connotation towards sex, indicating that Helmholtz views it as dirty due to this unknown presence.

Submit
View My Results

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Apr 25, 2024 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Apr 25, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 09, 2016
    Quiz Created by
    Jessicaleague
Cancel
  • All
    All (20)
  • Unanswered
    Unanswered ()
  • Answered
    Answered ()
What genre is the novel, Brave New World?
Brave New World was published in __________.
From what perspective does Huxley write?
Who best serves as Bernard's foil?
What book does Mustapha Mond show to John?
What is the tone of Helmholtz's poem?"Yesterday's...
What is the theme of Helmholtz's poem?"Yesterday's...
What type of rhyme does the poem use?"Yesterday's...
What likely inspired Huxley's Brave New World?
Helmholtz found himself in trouble with the authorities over a poem he...
What appears to be Huxley's attitude towards communism?
John expects that he will react to the World State like ____________...
What was a common characteristic of writers during WWI.
What does Ford symbolize in Brave New World?
What is one thing Huxley satirizes in Brave New World?
Why does Mustapha Mond say that sending Bernard Marx to an island is...
Why does the Director tell John that the citizens of the World State...
How is the novel, Brave New World structured?
Mustapha Mond explains that "the optimum population...is modelled...
What is the meaning of the italicized text?"Yesterday's...
Alert!

Advertisement