Brave New World/Symbols and References

Background Figures

Henry Ford

Henry Ford is best known for his use of the assembly line to mass-produce automobiles. The first of these vehicles was the Model T Ford. Instead of stating years in terms of AD, the World State uses the term "After Ford" (AF). Instead of crosses, the symbol of belief is a capital T.

Sigmund Freud

The term "Freud" is sometimes used by characters in the book instead of "Ford". Sigmund Freud is known for his popularization of the idea of sex being connected to mental well-being.

William Shakespeare

Brave New World contains a number of quotes from Shakespeare's plays. In fact, the title comes from Act V, Scene I of The Tempest:

"O god

How many goodly creatures are there here!

How beauteous mankind is!

O brave new world

That hath such people in't!"

John "the Savage" often makes references to Shakespeare's works.