A Clockwork Orange

The novel A Clockwork Orange, written by Anthony Burgess in 1962 is perhaps better known from the Stanley Kubrick film. That’s how I first learned about A Clockwork Orange, anyway. And just like the film, the novel is shockingly disturbing. It addresses topics still relevant in our world today, despite the publication date. Alex, the main protagonist, is the leader of a teenage gang – and introduces us to his entourage of fellow criminals. He commits violent crimes and eventually is arrested by the police – he lands in prison and eventually is chosen to take part in a treatment called Ludovico’s Technique, a brainwashing procedure which will last around two weeks. With this treatment, Alex will be unable to commit any crimes without feeling great pain on himself. With the treatment, he is no longer able to even think of any violent thoughts without becoming sick. Now thought as incapable of inflicting violence on society, he is released from prison. The pain Alex endures eventually leads him to attempted suicide – however, he survives, and ends up back at a hospital which cures him of his infliction. He joins a new gang and engages in the same violent behavior as before; but he is no longer content with his lifestyle. He concludes that he wants to lead a normal life.

The novel is certainly more appealing than the novel, because it actually provides the reader with closure. The character actually experiences growth – he no longer wants to act out on his violent tendencies. It provides an optimistic outlook on Alex’s character, and the chance that there is a chance for a new kind of life despite mistakes one has made in the past.