The Fatherhood Scandal

Brave New World

The Director’s concealed past collides with the State’s taboo against parenthood and destroys his public authority.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Story Told in Confidence A Story Told in Confidence from "Brave New World". The Director Remembers Disclosure The Director recounts how his companion disappeared during a storm in New Mexico.

A Story Told in Confidence from "Brave New World". The Director Remembers Disclosure The Director recounts how his companion disappeared during a storm in New Mexico.

The Director Remembers Disclosure The Director recounts how his companion disappeared during a storm in New Mexico. His dream of searching for her suggests that the loss remains emotionally present. Hidden stakes He does not yet know that Bernard will encounter the woman and her child. The story creates dramatic irony around an apparently private confession.

The Warning of Iceland The Warning of Iceland from "Brave New World". Discipline and Shame Threat The Director threatens Bernard with transfer for behavior judged unorthodox.

The Warning of Iceland from "Brave New World". Discipline and Shame Threat The Director threatens Bernard with transfer for behavior judged unorthodox.

Discipline and Shame Threat The Director threatens Bernard with transfer for behavior judged unorthodox. He presents conformity as a professional and social obligation. Reversal prepared His rigid authority conceals a personal history that violates the same norms he enforces. The warning will soon expose the hypocrisy of his position.

The Public Entrance The Public Entrance from "Brave New World". The Past Is Named Recognition Linda enters the Centre and identifies the Director as Tomakin.

The Public Entrance from "Brave New World". The Past Is Named Recognition Linda enters the Centre and identifies the Director as Tomakin.

The Past Is Named Recognition Linda enters the Centre and identifies the Director as Tomakin. Her direct address overturns his attempt to keep the past private. Audience Workers gather as the supposed practical joke becomes unmistakable. A personal history is transformed into public spectacle.

The Word Father The Word Father from "Brave New World". Taboo Becomes Laughter Naming John kneels and calls the Director his father.

Taboo Becomes Laughter Naming John kneels and calls the Director his father. In a society that has erased family relations, the word provokes uncontrollable laughter. Damage The crowd’s ridicule does not soften the scandal. It strips the Director of dignity and leaves him unable to defend his authority.

A Resignation in Ruins A Resignation in Ruins from "Brave New World". The Director Withdraws Collapse The Director covers his ears and flees as the workers repeat the joke. He resigns and never returns to the Centre.

A Resignation in Ruins from "Brave New World". The Director Withdraws Collapse The Director covers his ears and flees as the workers repeat the joke. He resigns and never returns to the Centre.

The Director Withdraws Collapse The Director covers his ears and flees as the workers repeat the joke. He resigns and never returns to the Centre. Meaning The State’s taboo protects its public image only until hidden human history becomes visible. Ridicule serves as the instrument of his downfall.

When Bernard presents his travel permit

At the close of the Director’s office conversation

During the confrontation in the Fertilizing Room

Moments after Linda identifies the Director

Immediately after the public revelation