The Ugly Duckling?

"But whereas the physically defective Bernard had suffered all his life from the consciousness of being separate, it was only quite recently that, grown aware of his mental excess, Helmholtz Watson had also become aware of his difference from the people who surrounded him."  Brave New World (p. 67)

Thus far, the novel has introduced individuals who look exactly the same as their neighbor.  These "humans" were cultured from the same cells to become basically the same bodies.  But yet, every person is still different.

Every person we have met in the novel has had their own unique personality.  Although everyone is similar in appearance, the "races" or "clans" of people are still not perfect.  The excerpt above shows the struggles of Bernard and Helmholtz Watson - both realize that they are different than everyone else.  However are they the only ones that are different?  Bernard's appearance gives away his unique characteristics, yet Helmholtz appears to be normal because of his appearance.  Because he has his own personality and personal thoughts, Helmholtz is unique.

During the time period the author lived in, cloning was probably a new idea.  Although we have not accomplished cloning humans, sheep such as Dolly and other organisms have been cloned.  It is still questioned whether cloning should be morally allowed today.  The author is trying to show that while cloning may create individuals that look exactly the same, they are still individuals.  Each clone would have their own unique set of characteristics.  Therefore, the dangerous act of cloning would not be worth it in the end.