While looking at the structure of a society, one can determine whether or not a civilization is being run in a sensible fashion. By observing the class structure, roles of the different sexes, the manner in which the younger generation is being brought up, and the freedoms or restrictions being placed on a society, it will soon become apparent how justly the structure of the society is operating. When comparing Plato's ideal, almost utopian society discussed in his work Republic, to the dark, and rather backwards civilization Anthony Burgess wrote about in his classic novel A Clockwork Orange, it becomes apparent which civilization operates in a justly manner and which one in an extremely unduly fashion.
[...] When discussing the structure of society in the novel A Clockwork Orange, it is apparent early on that the roles of sexes are by no means similar in this dark, mid-20th century setting. After just a few pages it becomes rather clear that the females discussed in the story fill an insignificant niche in the community. It seems as though the only role of a young woman is to simply be a piece of eye candy for the disillusioned male youth to fantasize about and essentially perform dirty sexual acts upon them, mostly in the form of rape. [...]
[...] As Socrates and his followers discuss the necessary steps to achieving an and just city, the topic of roles of the sexes seems to be given a lot of attention to by the scholar. This important issue is discussed in great lengths after Socrates was accused by his followers for purposely skipping the entire topic of a woman's role in their ideal city. After much banter, back and forth, Socrates, with the help of Glaucon and Adiemantus, comes to the final conclusion that “both woman and man have the same nature for guarding our city, except the woman's is weaker” (pg.120). [...]
[...] Anthony Burgess seems to put great emphasis on the fact that life in A Clockwork Orange entails nearly unlimited freedoms and essentially, hardly any restrictions. From the very beginning of the story, fifteen-year-old Alex and his three friends (or partners in crime) are seen roaming around their town causing unheard of amounts ruckus. Equipped with the weapons a ruthless teen might need, such as knives, “cut-throat” razor blades, and chains, these four adolescent boys seem to have little fear of a “consequence” when committing their terrible crimes. [...]
[...] Most of the men discussed in this novel seem to be of some importance to this community such as the Governor, a few doctors, religious leaders and regulators. While discussing this novel, one can definitely see that several great differences in the roles of the sexes. In Plato's Republic, Socrates seems to be quite apprehensive when discussing the most important factor in his ideal city. As the point of leadership and power are brought up in Book Six of the dialogue, the narrator describes the place he is at in the argument as top of what we compared to the biggest and states a proposal that has his listeners shocked and curious to see if and how he proves his theory. [...]
[...] Sure, there are law enforcers on the hunt for these criminals of the night; however the young patrolmen may as well be the lawbreakers themselves due to their corrupt tactics of dealing with their fellow troubled youth. The fact that the younger generation can be seen totally running the streets after dark, shows just how corrupt their society is. Aside from a few important members of their society, including the Governor, the Chaplain, a few corrupt doctors and the enforcers”, it seems apparent that these ruthless teenagers are actually rather high in the class structure shown in this backward society. [...]
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