Fifteen year old teenager Alex is the protagonist of this famous but controversial book. He's a classic example of an anti-hero, being a psychopath who has little remorse for any of his ultraviolence, committed for his own amusement. His crimes are carried out with the aid of his gang of 'droogs', Nadsat for friend.
The plot shows the exploits of Alex, which include the rape and killing of a woman, and then the failed robbing of another woman. There are many graphic scenes, which really build a complex group of emotions within the reader. It then goes onto Alex's reformation when he's incarcerated, this was the conditioning treatment that made him sick at the thought of violence. The result was then presented to a group of VIP's where it was said that Alex had lost his own freewill, however the prison were happy with the results.
A series of events which are against Alex's favour result in him being beaten up by two policemen who happen to be two of his old gang members. Alex is then found by the husband of the woman who was raped and killed, but due to the masks they wore, he doesn't initially realise Alex was the ringleader. Eventually this fact gets out and Alex is taken to an apartment and interrogated by using triggering music from the conditioning, which drives him to attempt suicide. He's then taken to hospital and as a cure they reverse the conditioning, as long as he complies. Which leads Alex straight back into a life of crime.
This book is extremely opinion forming. I've had a few people say how they thought it was overly violent and really had no point, while others have totally disagreed and said that it's actually more of a comment on society. I, personally would side with the latter.
It's a clever way of making people think about right or wrong and the use of free will, as well as how it can be taken from you, is very powerful.
The theme of gangs, especially that of young adults, definitely reinforces A Clockwork Orange as a statement on society, which is relevant even to this day; Keeping in mind it was published in 1962.
Right and wrong as a theme is very close to the gangs and linked closely to society because at what point is it wrong to feel pity towards a character like Alex or to treat them horrifically due to their crimes. Also, if reforming ever actually fully works after you've persecuted them.
The way the book is written from Alex's point of view, and the use of the Russian-mix language, Nadsat, makes it more difficult to read than if it were simply written in plain English. The adjusting time to actually understand what's being said at points, could prove to be too frustrating for many and at points I get sick of re-reading parts.
Personally I would recommend this book as it is highly interesting but definitely not a light read. The added language is frustrating, but in a way quite entertaining, as you do pick up the odd phrase. As well as being a good book, the Kubrick film adaption provides the iconic white outfits and bowler hats, but also more visually graphic scenes, the film could also help with understanding the Nadsat, which may have been why I enjoyed I the book more.
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