How was England in Huxley's time like Brave New World?

In the 19th and 20th century, England had gone through dramatic changes in society. 

The Industrial Revolution had paved the way for new inventions and a more consumerist-based society. 

Most of the populace was of the working class and factories sprouted like grass from the dirt on a summer morning.

At that moment, a small arms race had begun, which would ultimately lead to World War 1.

Technology was booming because of the rising tensions between newly-unified Germany and the other most powerful empires on the European Continent.

A few comparisons can be drawn between England in the 19 and 20th century and the society of Brave New World.

Because of the new consumerist-based economy, many people would participate in the consumption of mass-produced products. This can also be seen in Brave New World, where people do the same things over and over, for instance, using the Vibro Vacuum or Soma.

What was an influentual event in Huxley's life when he was 14? How might this event be reflected in Brave New World?

When Aldous was 14, his mother passed away.

That event provived Alduos with the realization that human happiness is fragile, volatile even.

One day, you could be the happiest person alive. However, you are also one bad day away from being the saddest person alive.

This is reflected in the book by the death of John's mother. (name mother?)

People are so nonchalant about death in Brave New World because no-one really cares about each other. That connection, that bond, is simply missing.

This stands in a stark contrast with how Alduos coped with the death of his mother. It was an incredibly traumatizing event. It could be the reason as to why Alduos wrote this passage. People not caring about death can be controversial, it is meant to sting. And it does.

What illness did Huxley experience at 16? How did it affect his life?

When Aldous was 16, he experienced an attack of keratitis punctata, rendering him blind for 18 months.

This ultimately helped him, as he was rejected from conscription to the army. Because of this, he escaped the horrors of World War 1.

Not all was well, though. For the rest of his life, he would retain a weak eyesight, which made a career in science almost impossible.

His weak eyesight has also influenced many things he wrote. He became a visually based writer, describing all he could.

What was Huxley's impression of America?

Huxley wasn't exactly roaring with excitement when he watched what America was and what they were becoming. Especially the prospect of the consumerist society did not appeal to him at all. He feared for a world that was shallow and where no-one really cared but for their own amusement and gain. Huxley also let a lot of modern America seep through into his books. A few examples are things like the non-intimate sex-life people were having, or the casual drug use.