BNW Journal Ch. 4 pt.1

In this half chapter Lanina accepts an invitation to go on a date with Bernard. They plan to go to a savage reservation in New Mexico in mid-July or June. She does this in front of a crowd of popular Alphas and it makes Bernard, who is socially awkward, embaressed. Another guy comments and tries to offer Bernard Marx soma, this makes two offers and he refuses both. Lanina then goes to Henry’s transport vehicle for an outing with Henry to the Obstacle Golf course. He comments on her lateness, four minutes, and then they leave the compound. The flying device speeds towards the course at two kilometers per second. The course is almost six kilometers away and they fly through a blue sky with a couple minor clouds.

            The major character interaction in this half chapter focuses on Lanina and Bernard’s budding relationship. Although Bernard likes Lanina, he is unsure as to how to speak, approach, and interact with her both in public and private. Lanina doesn’t know why everyone is so mean to Bernard, but she likes him well enough. She also thinks it is cute when he get’s all flushed.

            There were two major symbols in this chapter. Lanina and Bernard along with the other Alphas going to the roof is symbolic of them rising above others as Alphas and also of the escalating tension/interaction between Lanina and Bernard. The second important symbol if the flying machine Lanina and Henry use to get to the Obstacle Golf course. The rising machine shows how both of them are air headed, head in the clouds, as of right now. No real thoughts or questions, their existence is very basic. One allusion from this chapter was a mention of New York, in the form a comment about some sort of messenger device. Ironic that she can see and pretty much accept Bernard’s faults, but can’t accept Benito’s or Edzel’s uncomely features. In a society that cares more about looks and sociability more then intelligence, Lanina is not behaving properly.
Also, I noticed that there are three main people Lanina, Bernard, and Benito and three main settings the elevator, the roof, and the ride to the obstacle golf course.

            Previously Unknown Words:

Revitrifying: to convert or be converted into glass again (because of re)

Asbestos: noun a heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral that can be woven into fabrics