BNW Chapter 8

1. How would you describe John's upbringing? Why do you think he says that he is "Alone, always alone." (p. 137). How does Bernard feel about John?
John had a horrible upbringing. He was neglected and lonely. This was because Linda slept with many men on the reservation, because that was what she was conditioned to do. Popé also brought her mescal which is like soma but it "made you feel ill afterwards" (like alcohol), and because many of the women were angry with Linda, John wasn't accepted by the Indians, so he was left alone a lot. He was abused by Linda, who didn't want him because he was the result of he failed contraceptive, and he's the reason she can't leave the reservation. She often forgot to feed him or wash him. I think he says that he is "Alone, always alone," because he is rejected by everyone around him except for the old Indian Mitsima. Bernard feels a kinship John, because he always feels alone as well. He is "rather different from most people," just like John.

2. Why does John say at the end of the chapter, "O brave new world!" (p. 139)?
John say, "O brave new world!" because he is going to get to experience life off the reservation, a world he has never known, and a world where things like monogamy and mending are horrifying concepts, which excites John greatly.