The drug soma is used for instant gratification to control people. I think it symbolizes the use of religion to control society.
Do you agree or could Soma represent something else?
Have any of you found other symbols throughout Brave New World?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I think that religion could be a possibility, but I thought of it as more of a drug. People who are in bad situations want a temporary escape, whether that be drugs or alcohol. However, drugs and alcohol have side effects and soma doesn't have any that physically hurt the consumer. Soma reminds me of ecstasy for some reason. Soma might also represent power. By taking soma, you are giving up your rights; just as by moving to a communist country, you give up your individual rights.
ReplyDeleteI think in our society, soma represents the media. The media is constantly around us and constantly "controlling" the way we think. In society, if we are curvy yet have a flat stomach then we are considered pretty. The media influences these thoughts. Is the media our soma?
ReplyDeleteI can see soma representing media as well.
DeleteI never though of it that way. It could be due to the fact that religion does take peoples mind off of things for some time. However,at the same time people turn to religion at the same to try to find answers for events that might happen or maybe it's just me. For example, when a loved one passes away, some people might turn to religion for guidance or turn away from it due to anger.
ReplyDeleteGreat example! At first I thought soma was their drug to let them escape but now I see it in this point of view. religion can help people see the bigger picture in their situation and make them feel better, for a while.
DeleteI agree with all of you. Soma can symbolize drugs, religion, politics, etc. When I think about soma and the addiction that comes with it, I can't help, but wonder what is the soma in our lives? It doesn't necessarily need to be a drug (I'm hoping it isn't) but like in Brave New World, what is helping us escape from our lives?
ReplyDeleteHm, like the others believe, I also believe technology and social media are our soma. Our minds basically shut down while watching a program or movie, only bringing us satisfaction and no need to think (disregarding maybe documentaries and theorists' films).
DeleteI think the soma could've been a symbolic figure of maybe religion controls it's society; although, I feel like the societies abused the drug instead of worshipping it. Also, another piece of symbolism in the book could be the fact that thE society only uses zippers. They're fast, quick, and they don't waste a crazy amount to put up unlike buttons. In this society, time's valued and conserved and shouldn't be wasted on something so wasteful.
ReplyDeleteI think religion could be a possibility because in today's society religion has a huge impact because people revolve their lives around religion but I also believe that soma could have a different meaning like a drug or technology
ReplyDeleteI understand what you are trying to say. Soma is an addiction and can also be a way to control the people. I think soma represents our addictions whatever they are.
ReplyDeleteI understand what you are trying to say. Soma is an addiction and can also be a way to control the people. I think soma represents our addictions whatever they are.
ReplyDeleteI don't know. I mean I understand where you're point of view of this comes from but I was thinking of it as a drug or social media as a whole. The soma controls them and keeps them happy which results in me believe it's a drug. However, people need soma to connect with others and "fit in". Once they've taken it they cry because they hear someone sweet talk them like in the ending of chapter 15.
ReplyDeleteClarissa, I can definitely see what you mean. Religion is always a temporary escape from your circumstances. Have a problem? Call a priest, pastor, etc or pray, confess, etc. Religion always provides an inward feeling of absolution and peace for a few brief moments to the people who believe in it. This does, however, give ample control to religion over people's lives.
ReplyDelete