A Clockwork Orange

4 Pages 921 Words

A Clockwork Orange
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Many of us like to think that humanity as a whole is progressing to a better future where we will live united and in peace with one another. Nevertheless, there are those among us that do not share these beliefs. In A Clockwork Orange, by Anthony Burgess, a futuristic world is turned upside down and in shambles. This 1962 classic is a frightful depiction of what our society could become and possibly, what it already is. Drugs almost seem to be legal and unregulated and subsequently are widely used. The prison system is overcrowded with young punk criminals who are inherently evil with no regard for humanity, or any part of society for that matter. Youth take over the streets at night and beat anyone they encounter. The elderly sit around in bars and drink the remainder of their lives away. The people have become desensitized to violence, because it is so prevalent in their lives. A Clockwork Orange is a very intriguing story that deals with many social problems, not offering a solution, but pointing out obstacles in the way of the creation of a more perfect society. A Clockwork Orange is written in the first person by the main character, Alex. Three of his "droogs"(friends) that help him in his crimes are Dim, Pete, and Georgie. Throughout the story, the author creates his own language called "nadsat", which is used by the youth of the futuristic world. "Nadsat" is a mix of Russian, English, and the slang words of both. The story begins at the start of a wild and violent night with Alex and his friends sitting in a diner. To start a typical night they encounter an old man walking the streets, so they harass and hit him. However, this is not just any ordinary harassing episode but more of a complete and utter pounding. They beat the defenseless man until he is all bloody and disfigured. They then send him on his way, half naked and crawling home, later that night they saw an old drunken man sitti...