Question

Describe Helmholtz's reaction to Shakespeare. What does he admire about his work, and what does he dislike? What do you think he means when he says, "We need some other kind of madness and violence"?

Answer 1

Helmholtz admires Shakespeare's emotional intensity but criticizes the lack of realism and relevance. He desires art that is more rebellious and thought-provoking.

Step-by-step explanation:

Helmholtz, a character from Aldous Huxley's novel Brave New World, is portrayed as having a mixed reaction to Shakespeare. He admires Shakespeare's work for its emotional intensity and ability to capture deep human feelings. However, he dislikes what he perceives as a lack of realism and relevance to the contemporary world.

When Helmholtz says, "We need some other kind of madness and violence", he is expressing a desire for art that is more rebellious, challenging, and thought-provoking. He believes that Shakespeare's works, while powerful, do not go far enough in challenging societal norms and the status quo.