Soma In Brave New World

From the very first chapters of Huxley’s Brave New World, one is immersed deeply into his idea of a perfect world dystopia. The reader is first introduced to the Hatchery and Conditioning centre, where the human embryo from birth is modified with biochemical engineering to fit the World State’s rigid caste system. Additionally, several of the upper caste characters are introduced and through their conversation one learns of the societal values of this dystopian state such as the emphasis on consumerism and the way the World State, the governing body, controls its inhabitants. One of the tools that they employ is the use of soma, a recreational drug that sends citizens into a dream like state. The true goal of soma is to promote social stability, an idea of maintaining equilibrium within others to achieve co-existence. For example, the citizens constantly reiterate, “a gramme is better than a damn,” when they remind each
other to take soma when they feel unhappy (47).
Undoubtedly, soma is being utilized by the World State as a medium of social stability by eliminating any conflict between citizens and the state. Soma is the legal, free and recreational drug of Huxley’s Brave New World and is very similar to the alcohol of the present world. However, it’s important to note the different societal attitudes to each. In Canada, there are many laws reflecting the public’s opinion on alcohol such as the law that makes the consumption of alcohol in public spaces illegal. In contrast, the use of soma is highly encouraged by the World State to the point where avoiding the use of it is considered deviant behavior. In the novel, when Bernard Marx wants to avoid soma to stay focused, Lenina says, “I wish he weren’t so odd” (82). Evidently, the difference between the social norms of each world drastically affect how alcohol or soma is used. Expanding on
the previous point, if marijuana were to be legalized here I believe that it won’t have as much of a profound effect on society as soma does because of the public’s opinion against drug users. Generally speaking, drug addicts are looked down upon because many of the users are victims of serious mental health issues and usually results in a downward spiral of their lives. The issue has been covered countless times by the media putting an emphasis on the number of deaths and injuries resulting from gang violence, overdose and improper disposal of needles. This has greatly impacted the general public opinion on drug use which will ultimately result in less drug users even if it becomes legalized. Furthermore, the mob mentality as well as sleep hypnopaedia that is seen in Brave New World won’t exist since that is a major contributing reason why the citizens all use soma. Instead, there will be a number of lobby groups and people that will look down on marijuana users. In short, the legalization of marijuana will not have as great of an impact on society as soma because of the current social stigma against drug users.