Aldous Huxley’s Life and Times

1. Aldous Huxley’s Life and Times • Aldous Leonard Huxley was born on July 26, 1894, into a family that included some of the most distinguished members of that part of the English ruling class made up of the intellectual elite. Aldous' father was the son of Thomas Henry Huxley, a great biologist who helped develop the theory of evolution. His mother was the sister of Mrs. Humphrey Ward, the novelist; the niece of Matthew Arnold, the poet; and the granddaughter of Thomas Arnold, a famous educator and the real-life headmaster of Rugby School who became a character in the novel Tom Brown's Schooldays.

2. Huxley’s Heritage and Upbringing • Author of the Dystopian novel Brave New World • Comparable to George Orwell’s 1984 • Most critics agree Huxley was a better essayist than a novelist. • He spent equal parts time in Europe, England and United States.

3. Huxley’s Essay: Words and Behavior • In, “Words and Behavior,” Huxley examines how words are used to mislead people and manipulate truth. • Some say there is an art to such deception, which we can see in everything from pop-up ads on our computers to speeches given by world leaders. • What motivates people to use deceptive language?

4. Huxley’s Essay: Words and Behavior • Subtleties or (fine distinctions of language) – Huxley’s criticizes writers for not thinking deeply enough about the relationship between language and reality. • Examples? • Does his criticism seem fair to you? • How might writers do a better job?

5. Huxley’s Essay: Words and Behavior • Deductive Reasoning: • When writers begin with a general principle, apply it to a specific situation, then arrive at a logical conclusion • Huxley’s General Principle – We use words to falsify facts because doing so benefits us in some way • Specific Situation – War • Conclusion – We create a verbal alternative to the reality of war to preserve our self-esteem

6. Huxley’s Essay: Words and Behavior • Ambiguity – a technique writers use in which a word, phrase, or event has more than one meaning or can be interpreted in more than one way. • An ambiguous statement demonstrates an inexactness of meaning in language. In what way does Huxley believe ambiguity can protect our minds from monstrous crimes? Do you think our minds need to be protected? The poem included in this essay includes this type of ambiguity.

7. Huxley’s Essay: Words and Behavior • Historical Context – Huxley wrote, Words and Behavior” in reaction to developments in Nazi Germany and other European nations. In his essay he warns against the manipulation of language – both by political leaders and by ordinary citizens – to justify war. • To what extent do you think these observations are true today?

8. Huxley’s Essay: Words and Behavior • Rebuttal – It is very clear in his essay how Huxley feels about language being manipulated to deceive. Write a 3 to 4 paragraph rebuttal to his essay in which you make the case for why language must sometimes be manipulated • Remember – • Clearly state you opposing claim • Provide a strong example to support your claim • Use forceful and specific language

9. Huxley’s Essay: Words and Behavior • Assignment Due: • All rebuttals will need to be typed in MLA format • Submitted to Turnitin.com • Due-9/8 A Day 9/9 B Day Please make a note of the following turnitin.com Login information • Period 3: ID – 10577069 Password – Nelson3 Period 4: ID – 10577081 Password – Nelson4 Period 5: ID – 10577075 Password – Nelson5