BERNARD AN UNLIKELY HERO
...hing to the two gentlemen. This is significant because it shows that he can stay to himself in times of stress which is a quality that a hero has. Even though these two men were slandering the name of his dear friend, he did not let his anger get the best of him. Bernard is somewhat of an underdog, just like a hero. Lenina chose Bernard as a new partner after deciding to stop having Henry. Because of Bernard’s poor reputation, it made Bernard the underdog. He knew he was an underdog and that Henry was a tough act to follow so he somewhat despised Henry. Bernard makes it obvious that he does not think to highly of Henry on page 47 of chapter three which states, “’Ford, how I hate them’ Bernard Marx was thinking”. On the other hand, Bernard later displays insecurity when he asks two workers under his power to get his helicopter ready by yelling at them. Although being insecure is not a beneficial quality to have as a leader or hero, it is something everybody faces no matter how high or low they or in society; insecurity is an issue with everyone. This occurs early in the novel so it is not yet evident that Bernard is a heroic figure. The next subtle suggestion that Bernard Marx is an unlikely hero in the novel of Brave New World is revealed in the fourth chapter in his conversation with Helmholtz Watson, a lecturer at the College of Emotional Engineering. Bernard looks up to Helmholtz for he is more attractive, intelligent, and is a proper-sized alpha even though Bernard is apart of the same caste. In the conversation between the two, Bernard boasts to Helmholtz that Lenina has accepted his invitation to accompany him to see the Savage Reservation but Helmholtz shows little or no interest in the topic of discussion. At this point in the novel, Bernard’s character seems to shift from a social rebel to more of a society misfit which makes him seem immature and unlikely to play a heroic role. He found happiness and inspiration in his own way even though he is constantly being put down by fellow members of society. An example of this was displayed on page 61 of chapter four when Bernard was telling Helmholtz, “’This last week or two,’ he went on, ‘I’ve been cutting all my committees and all my girls. You can’t imagine the hullabaloo they’ve been making about it at the College. Still, it’s been worth it, I think.” The final example of Bernard being the unlikely hero with abstract action is exhibited in the sixth chapter of the novel in his conversation with Lenina and ...