Lenina and John

Although Lenina (through hypnopaedia) and John (through the works of Shakespeare) were conditioned using different methods they both were affected in the same way. They both believe with all their heart and mind what they were told or read. The conditioning that they received helped to prepare them for the society that they lived in. Lenina was prepared to share the same beliefs as the rest of BNW; while John learned about feelings and love through Shakespeare.The seperate conditioning types gave Lenina and John the characteristics they needed to live in their society only. If either had been conditioned using the other's method they would have never fit into their own world.

The biggest difference between the conditioning of Lenina and John is that John's conditioning was voluntary. Lenina had no choice what she was conditioned to do, because the government controlled what she learned based on her social class. John chose to read the works of Shakespeare. Even though it was the only other book, besides a manual, he decided to read and get his morals from that book.

Lenina and John are unable to understand each other, because their conditioning has taught them to think differently about simple moral issues. One example is how they each feel about love, Lenina is conditioned to believe that "everyone belongs to everyone else" and that it is proper to engage in exotic play with others. John, through Shakespeare's works has grown up believe love is a sacred thing and sex should be held off until marriage. One modern day example of this inablility to get along is seen among the different religions or parts of the world. Just recently, a polygomist was taken in to custody. While he may believe that how he lived his life was proper and right, several other people believe that this is wrong. In BNW, Lenina and John try to get over their differences to love each other.