Brave New World/Castes
(Each caste is split into "plus" and "minus" members.)
Alphas and Betas
[edit | edit source]Alphas and Betas are at the top of the caste system, and perform the more intellectual jobs. Unlike the lower castes, Alphas and Betas are not clones, allowing for more individual personalities. Alphas wear gray, and Betas wear mulberry. Examples of Alphas include Thomas, Henry Foster, Mustapha Mond, Bernard Marx, Benito Hoover, and Helmholtz Watson. Some Betas included Lenina Crowne, Fanny Crowne, and Linda.
Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons
[edit | edit source]The lower three castes do more menial and standardized work. As a result, they are usually clones. When being decanted, processes such as oxygen deprivation are used to ensure predictable mental and physical traits in each caste (with Epsilons having the greatest degree of oxygen deprivation, resulting in the greatest degree of brain damage). Gammas wear green, Deltas wear khakis, and Epsilons wear black. Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons are conditioned to serve the higher ranking castes (Alpha and Beta). In Chapter 5, it states that "Everyone works for everyone else. We can't do this without anyone. Even Epsilons are useful. We couldn't do without Epsilons. Every one works for every one else. We can't do this without anyone..."