In Burgess's novel A Clockwork Orange, we see the dilemma of a young man named Alex. Alex and his droogs live a violent life of stealing, raping, and ultra-violence. In the book, Alex is only fifteen but in Kubrick's film Alex is a shade older. The book is about the effects of a controlling society on its citizens and the ramifications of cynical authorities.
Most would agree that Alex and his droogs are committing wrong and senseless acts; but what makes the novel so interesting is how the government tries to handle Alex and his behavior. This will be my primary focus in this article, I am choosing not look at particular acts in the book but rather the themes and theological implications in the novel. I believe that Alex is changed into a being that no longer can choose between good and evil. He has become a clockwork orange.
The authorities volunteer Alex to be a part of a new governmental experiment of reforming criminals. Alex is given the opportunity to take medications while viewing films that are saturated with violence and propaganda. We know that Alex has a love of classical music; the irony lies in that the authorities turn this music into something he hates. Alex is drugged and forced to watch film after film of violence and religious propaganda. The pain of watching these films becomes unbearable to Alex, thanks to the medication. Alex becomes an experiment and his brain becomes conditioned to certain behaviors. In other words, every time Alex feels the need to do something bad or evil, he feels a sharp pain in his brain, thanks to the films and medications.
This book opens up age old theological discussions that go back to the Garden of Eden. The question is whether or not God created man with free-will or whether we are limited by predestination. In the novel, Alex becomes a man who can no longer choose between good and evil. He has become conditioned only to choose or do good things. This of course means that man no longer has the power to choose. Man has turned into some sort of robot who cannot think for himself.
Article comments
1 - Howard Owens
Great novel. Burgess wrote it largely in response to the Behavior Modifications theories of B.F. Skinner and his ilk. He wanted to demonstrate the follie of BH. Burgess believed in free will and didn't think BH could trumpt free will.
2 - jadester
I haven't read the book (yet, tho it is one of the classics i am planning to get and read) but i have seen the film. Damn good too. That bit with the eyes being held open, may not be particularly gory or bloodthirsty but is very icky...
btw, i'm pretty sure the ban was not a full ban - just a cinema ban. You could still get it on video without breaking the law.
3 - Old Gregg
i got the funk. right here in this box!