Brave New World: Chapter 6 Summary

Lenina's Dilemma

• Lenina is unsure about joining Bernard Marx for a holiday in New Mexico due to his odd behavior.
• Considers going to the North Pole with Benito Hoover but remembers her unpleasant experience there the previous year.
• Bernard has a unique permit to visit the Savage Reservation, piquing Lenina's interest.

Bernard's Oddness

• Bernard is described as eccentric and possibly influenced by alcohol in his blood surrogate.
• He prefers solitude and private activities, which Lenina finds unusual.
• Bernard's colleague Henry compares him to a rhinoceros, implying he doesn't conform to societal conditioning.

An Unusual Outing

• Bernard suggests walking and talking in the Lake District, which Lenina finds odd.
• Lenina persuades Bernard to attend a women's wrestling match in Amsterdam.
• Bernard refuses to take Soma, a happiness-inducing drug, preferring to feel natural emotions.
• Bernard experiences a moment of introspection, expressing a desire to be "more himself."

Conflict Between Bernard and Lenina

• Bernard's desire for individuality clashes with Lenina's societal conditioning.
• He questions the idea of social conformity and happiness as taught by society.
• Lenina struggles to understand Bernard's perspective and suggests Soma to ease his discomfort.

The Director's Warning

• Bernard recalls an awkward conversation with the Director about a past incident at the Savage Reservation.
• The Director warns Bernard about his non-conformist behavior and threatens to transfer him to Iceland.

Travel to the Savage Reservation

• Bernard and Lenina travel to New Mexico, staying in a luxurious hotel in Santa Fe.
• Bernard remains anxious about the Director's threat of being sent to Iceland.
• Their permit is signed by the warden, who informs them about the Savage Reservation.

Entering the Savage Reservation

• Bernard is preoccupied with leaving the tap running at home, causing financial anxiety.
• The warden describes the Savage Reservation as a place with traditional customs and no modern technology.
• Lenina and Bernard fly over the reservation, noticing the stark contrast with civilization.

Arrival at Malpais

• They arrive at Malpais, where they are to witness a dance at the Pueblo.
• Bernard takes Soma, and they are reassured of their safety by the pilot, who leaves them to explore the reservation.