“Is it better for a man to have chosen evil than to have good imposed upon him?”
A Clockwork Orange is a novel that is set in a dystopian future in which teenage protagonist, Alex, leads a gang of violent delinquents who roam the streets committing acts of violence. Alex, after being betrayed by his fellow gang members, is arrested and subjected to an experimental form of aversion therapy which leaves him unable to commit acts of violence, but also strips him of his free will.
I liked a lot about this book, particularly the look on the choice humans have to do good or bad, and how taking away that choice essentially robs them of their humanity. Even though I found Alex to be a terrible person, what was done to him to try to prevent him from committing acts of "ultra violence" was also terrible. But is it necessary for the world to be a better place? If it's possible to rid the world of all evil, is it worth it do so at such a cost?
"Is it better for a man to have chosen evil than to have good imposed upon him?"
A lot of themes are explored in this novel. Morality and the nature of evil, the dangers of government control, and the dehumanizing effects of technology. I found that the Insight into human nature is also explored in a meaningful and thought-provoking way.
The happy-go-lucky ending really frustrated me. The apparent change in Alex felt very unmerited, and the reasoning behind this change is just beyond me. "He Grew up". Wow. To put all the unnecessarily horrific and gruesome things he did behind him in such simple terms is also beyond me. There isn't anything he can do that will render him redeemable in my eyes. The last chapter wasn't originally published in the U.S. and I understand why. I think the book is better off without it.
Even though I have my issues with the ending, books like A Clockwork Orange is why I love literature. Whether you like, dislike, agree or disagree with the protagonist or overall message of the book, it is thought provoking and makes for a great discussion.
I read this book as part of my Top 100 Books of All Time reading challenge.
MOVIE TRAILER FOR A CLOCKWORK ORANGE
Comments