In this article we will review Antic Hay by Aldous Huxley.
Book Plot
“Antic Hay” is a novel by Aldous Huxley, published in 1923. The story unfolds in London and provides a satirical depiction of the aimless and self-absorbed cultural elite during the sad and turbulent times following World War I.
Theodore Gumbril, Jr., the protagonist, is a teacher at an English boarding school. He invents Gumbril’s Patent Small-Clothes, trousers with a pneumatic cushion in the seat.
Gumbril’s quest for love leads him to adopt a disguise called “The Complete Man”, complete with a false full beard. This disguise allows him to approach women boldly in public places. However, Gumbril faces the dilemma of revealing his true self to the women he befriends.
The novel is set against the backdrop of London’s post-war nihilistic Bohemia, where characters drift aimlessly through their lives in search of happiness.
“Antic Hay” is a satire that pokes fun at the Lost Generation’s feelings of disaffection and uncertainty after the war.
Antic Hay Rating : 3,4
Also book has 320 pages
Antic Hay Review
I’ve come to realize that simply reading Brave New World in high school doesn’t fully capture the essence of Aldous Huxley as an author. Antic Hay delves into the themes of disillusionment and feeling lost in the world, reflecting the experiences of the Lost Generation post-World War I. The novel uses satire to humorously and harshly critique society, with characters navigating their ennui through various means like affairs, obsessions, and artistic pursuits. What stood out to me was Huxley’s seamless transition between humor and despair, as well as his ability to convey timeless truths that resonate in today’s world with only slight modifications. Overall, I found Antic Hay to be an engaging and thought-provoking read that offers insight into both the time period and human nature. This novel is recommended for those who recognize the cyclical nature of societal issues and for those who need reassurance that feeling adrift is a common human experience.
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