Chapter 6

Lenina, bothered by Bernard’s demeanor and his poor reputation, reconsiders dating him. She remembers her vacations with other lovers, and though she has pleasant memories of most of these vacations, she is not keen to meet any of these men again. Benito Hoover, one of the most admired and desired men, has invited her to the North Pole, but she finds the prospect of visiting the Savage Reservation with Bernard more appealing, especially since very few of her friends and acquaintances have visited the reservation. She is unable to decide which invitation to accept.

Lenina remembers discussing Bernard with Henry, who had compared Bernard to a rhinoceros—he’d remarked, “you cannot teach tricks to a rhinoceros.” She finds herself thinking of her first date with Bernard. Though she’d told him about the many social events they could attend on their date, Bernard had preferred walking in the park with her. Bernard’s choice had befuddled her, since it is uncommon in their society to spend dates taking walks in the park.

Lenina had found Bernard’s quest for individuality unusual. She’d asked him, “how can you talk like that about not wanting to be a part of the social body? After all, every one works for everyone else. We can’t do without any one…”

Their first date had ended with Bernard reluctantly having “soma” and sleeping with Lenina. While Lenina regarded this course of action as “normal,” Bernard had found the experience impersonal. He’d have liked to get to know her instead.

Bernard seeks the DHC’s permission to visit the Savage Reservation. Although the DHC does not approve, he is not authorized to hold back the application, which has been pre-approved by Mustapha Mond, the Controller.

The Director tells Bernard of his own visit to the Reservation, nearly two decades ago. He tells Bernard that the holiday took a tragic turn when the woman he was with disappeared. Although they are conditioned to forget painful events, readers can nonetheless discern the DHC’s turmoil.

The DHC then threatens to transfer Bernard to Iceland if he continues to behave poorly. Bernard, however, is flattered by the threat; he sees it as affirmation of his individuality.

Later, Bernard boasts to Watson about his bravery in dealing with the DHC, but receives no encouraging response. Watson is disappointed in his friend for his alternating bouts of pride and shame.

Lenina and Bernard visit the warden at the Savage Reservation, who launches into a lecture about the horrors of the reservation: he tells them that is where people marry, have children, speak ancient languages, observe religion, and are surrounded by wildlife and venomous animals. The Warden is unsure of the number of people in the reservation and tells Lenina that those born in the reservation die in the reservation. He adds that the inhabitants are unaware of concepts such as progress and civility.

When Bernard calls Watson for some help with a chore, he finds out that the DHC is considering replacing Bernard. However, several doses of soma cheer him up, and he rejoins Lenina on their trip to the reservation. When they arrive at a rest house in Malpais, he takes leave of Lenina without specifying a reason, but assures her that he will return soon.

Analysis

This chapter mainly focuses on Bernard Marx. It begins with Lenina’s description of their first date together, and she finds herself thinking of the things that make him odd—his desire for individuality, his preference for authentic emotional experiences as opposed to shallow joys and pleasures. The DHC discusses his own experiences of the Savage Reservation with Bernard, but is afraid that Bernard might not respect him enough for having shared his experiences. The DHC is convinced that he must now punish Bernard with a demotion or transfer to Iceland. Though they are trained to eliminate emotions from everyday interactions, readers can notice that the characters are unable to do so. The DHC’s compulsion to punish Bernard is an apt example in this context.