Originally Posted by
Nadsat
Think that this novel was almost a blatant criticism of religion...?
I just recently finished this brilliant piece by Burgess, and while I do agree with most of the central themes as presented by spark notes, cliff notes, articles etc., I haven't necessarily been able to find much of what "I" got out of the book.
Yes, we all know that it criticizes the government, inhumane psychiatric treatment, anarchism... But what about religion?
It didn't really strike me until towards the end of part 2 when Alex returns to the screening room for his final session. He's clearly brainwashed, and unstable; the thought of him committing an act of violence makes him sick to his stomach due to this "new" method of treatment. Then after presented by the interior to the audience, the priest, (ironically), stands up in a fit of outrage and in essence asks them all, "what about choice?"
I found this so very ironic in so very many ways.
First of all, it is the scientists who brainwashed Alex, not the priest or other religious figures... Second of all, the priest is the one asking the scientists if Alex is living through his own free will, and if he is still capable of using his own mind... Third of all, the priest makes a remark that goes somewhat along the lines of, "...simply refusing to commit these acts because he fears physical punishment!" (Hence, christians using God as a moral compass simply because they fear the almighty powers of hell; not because it is their choice, or even their desire)
Oh and I just want to make one thing clear - Before we start seeing some of these outlandish comments about Christianity, Atheism, Judaism, or any other type of belief system, you must know that I'm not trying to start a catastrophic religious debate here... I just want to know if anybody else caught on to these particular details. Could this be a possibility, or did I over-analyze?
Much love