BNW Chapter 13

1. What does Lenina mean when she says, "For Ford's sake John, talk sense. I can't understand a word you say. First it is vacuum cleaners; then its knots. You're driving me crazy." (p. 191)?

Lenina means that she does not understand what he is talking about, because he wants to grow old with her and is quoting romantic Shakespeare at her. She doesn't understand that he wants more than just sex, that he wants to have a life with her, because those concepts don't exist in the World State.

2. How does John react when Lenina makes advances towards him?

John reacts very badly when Lenina makes advances towards him. He becomes very angry, slaps her and calls her a whore, and when she locks herself in the bathroom, he starts reciting King Lear's speech on the evilness of women.