Brave New World post three answered

1. How would the book be different if soma did not exist, what would the people be like and how would the ending be different?

If soma did not exist, I don't think the World State would even exist. And if it did, it would only have been successful for so long because people would figure out how unhappy they are. If in fact the soma didn't exist and the World State managed to still exist without it, then it would be very different. The people would probably be similar to the people in 1984 because the control is somewhat similar but the people in 1984 did not have soma. John probably would not have killed himself. He killed himself partly because of his mothers death, which was caused by a constant taking of soma.

2. What would the World State be like if religion was actually practiced and God was worshipped? Would soma still be used?

If religion was actually practiced, i don't think the World State would be able to survive. Mond says "God isn't compatible with machinery and scientific medicine and universal happiness. You must make your choice. Our civilization has chosen machinery and medicine and happiness." (234) Mond seems to know alot about what is good and bad for the World State. If he is trying to hide all the holy books and the thought of God, he knows that it is not good for the civilization. I think that soma could be similar to God in the sense that soma relaxes and creates calmness as does God for some people. If God existed, the World State would probably not exist so soma would not be used.

3. If soma was used in 1984, would the ending still be the same?

If soma was used in 1984, I feel like Winston would never have rebelled. He wouldn't have noticed that he was unhappy and the soma would have made him content. John did not take soma and even though he was exposed to life outside of the World State, he still somewhat rebelled. If John had taken soma, he would have not killed himself and would not have rebelled. So if Winston took it, he would never have rebelled and gotten in trouble with the thought police.