奥尔德斯赫胥黎在《美妙的新世界》中对现代享乐文明的批判-英语语言文学专业论文.docxVIP

ALDOUS HUXLEY’S CRITICISM OF HEDONISTIC MODERN CIVILIZATION IN BRAVE NEW WORLD By Huang Jingjing Under the supervision of Prof. Chen Bing A thesis Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts to the School of Foreign Studies Anhui University April 2008 Acknowledgements First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Chen Bing, who provides me with insightful comments, patient guidance, and careful scrutiny throughout my thesis writing. Without his enlightening suggestions and careful revisions, this thesis would not have been completed. My sincere gratitude also goes to other teachers in the School of Foreign Studies of Anhui University, particularly to Professor Hua Quankun, Professor Hong Zengliu, Professor Chen Zhengfa, and Doctor Qi Tao, whose abundant knowledge and constructive suggestions exert great influence upon my academic learning. In addition, I wish to extend my gratitude to my parents and friends, whose everlasting encouragement and support make my life more enjoyable. I?m truly grateful for all hands and hearts that make this thesis possible, thank you! i ii ii Abstract Aldous Huxley (1894-1963), one of the most famous social satirist in the twentieth century, is well-known for his satiric description of the western society, and his concern with science and humanity. His representative work Brave New World, written in the 1930s, reflects the author?s worry about the future world. Scientific achievement exterminates humanity, reducing man to the slave of machines. Free will and individuality are sacrificed in deference to complete social stability. Brave New World is not only a prophecy of the future, but also an admonishment of the present society. The crisis of civilization is an indispensable subject of all people?s concern at all times. Since its publication, Brave New World has been the subject of much commentary and much criticism due to Huxley?s horrible desc