Brave New Essay

In a novel or play that you have studied, identify a character who conforms outwardly while questioning inwardly. Then write an essay in which you analyze how this tension between outward conformity and inward questioning contributes to the meaning of the work.

In Aldous Huxley's Brave New World , Bernard Marx is a pariah in his society.  He lives as a normally as he can, but on the inside he knows that something is missing.  He conforms because that is what is expected of him  and it would take great courage to protest.  His society even allow him opportunity to protest.  So he continues his life; struggling to blend in to a crowded cloud of gray when his heart yearns for a vivid, sunny day.
Bernard does many things to conform outwardly.  Predominantly is his line of work.  Everyday is works with hypnopedia.  He is implanting messages into the minds of youth, but the messages are things he does not even agree with.  Still, the culture of his society doesn't even make it an issue that he would dissent.  Protest is so foreign that it doesn't come to mind when someone like Bernard is unhappy.  Instead, they make sincere attempts to conform so they too can be happy.  Bernard engages in "orgy-porgy,"  desperately trying to fit in and to become a normal member of society.  To his disappointment, he finds he is still the same dissatisfied individual as before.
The internal thoughts of Bernard reflect something else entirely.  He even acts abnormally by spending time alone.  He risks this detour from good World State Citizen behavior because for him being alone is important.  It means he can be alone with his thoughts and away from the actions he sees as superficial.   He does, however, develop an interest in Lenina Trotsky.  Lenina on the surface actually appears to be somewhat of an inward protester.  She mentions how she has not been too keen on promiscuity lately.  This mild dissension I believe attracts Bernard.  But, Bernard is disappointed to find out that she behaves just as a citizen of the World State should.  She doesn't understand his shyness about asking to "have her" and is perfectly willing to be treated as "a piece of meat."  This experience makes him more aware of his differences and makes his inner protest stronger
In order to survive, human beings try to blend in with their company.  Anything that stands out is more likely to get crushed.  Because of this, there are countless examples of people conforming for their safety but on the inside, enraged with the injustice of their situation.  Bernard is one of these people.  He has no choice but to conform yet he is painfully aware that there is something missing.  That something is the brightness that would liven a dreary gray society.