Sheng Fei

Santa Fe is the New Mexico Reservation town where Bernard Marx obtains permission to bring Linda and John to London. Its brief appearance marks a decisive shift: Bernard’s discovery of the two becomes an officially sanctioned return, and the speed with which the orders are issued also gives him a moment to enjoy the status they confer.

Setting and Visit

Bernard and the Gamma-green octoroon travel by helicopter to Santa Fe, landing on the Post Office roof at 10:34. Bernard immediately telephones the World Controller’s Office in Whitehall. Within minutes he has moved through two secretaries to speak directly with Mustapha Mond, explaining that the matter may be of scientific interest. Mond agrees and orders him to bring the two individuals back to London.

Authorization and Departure

Mond’s instructions are sent to the Reservation’s Warden, and Bernard proceeds to the Warden’s Office. At 10:54, the Warden greets him deferentially and says that special orders have arrived. Bernard interrupts to mention that he has just spoken with Mond, adopting a bored tone that makes such access sound routine. He emphatically asks for the necessary steps to be taken as soon as possible and plainly enjoys the authority the order has given him.

By 11:03, Bernard has the necessary papers in his pocket. He leaves the Warden with a patronizing farewell, completing in less than half an hour the administrative work that will enable Linda and John to leave the Reservation for London.

Narrative Significance

Santa Fe functions as a point of passage between the Reservation and the World State’s political center. The tightly marked times—from the helicopter’s landing to Bernard’s receipt of the papers—give the episode the brisk, procedural rhythm of an official transaction. Yet the scene is also personal in its effects: Bernard’s new access to Mond and his pleasure in issuing instructions turn the rescue of Linda and John into an occasion for displaying borrowed authority.