Summary:
Part two of the chapter focuses on Bernard’s use of soma and his going to a sort of church. He is almost late to his meeting and cannot concentrate on worshipping Ford. Instead he thinks about what a bad seat he chose. Once everyone arrives they form a circle. The goal of their service is to worship Ford and become one with each other. Part of the society’s moddo is unity. This is exemplified by Lenina and Henry in the first half of the chapter and by the church group in the second half. Once again, an important part of the chapter is religion. Bernard takes soma ice-cream and tablets, as do all of the circle members. Although Ford and unity are supposed to be his focus, he cannot stop thinking about his neighbor’s, Morgana, uni-brow. Soon they are frenzied and all are experiencing the hallucinogenic side-effects of soma. They claim they are hearing Ford, yet Bernard feels nothing. He is not moved by this celebration like the rest of them. The celebration turns into an orgy as they chant/sing. This chapter is mainly about soma and, perhaps, the way it replaced religion
Lit. Elements:
The ice-cream and tablets are very symbolic because of the allusion behind them. In Christianity people drink wine and eat pieces of bread to symbolize the blood and body of Christ. Christians believe that a man sacrificed himself to allow them to get into a magical place after death on earth.
Vocabulary:
None
Yep - the last supper here.
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