A Clockwork Orange, by Anthony Burgess, tells of a dystopian future, in which the actions of youth bring up profound ethical issues relevant in our modern society. It supports the Christian ideology that man is born in sin, and raises the question, is personal liberty more important than a lawful and orderly society?
At the closing of the novel, Alex realises that youth is something that "Itties in a straight line and bangs straight into things - and cannot help what it is doing." This quote sums up Burgess's view that youth are naturally inclined to sin, regardless of their upbringing and class. Alex's classical taste in music, and his values which include hygeine and manners, are used as a device to show that not only the uncultured lower classes are prone to violent behaviour during youth. Opposing Alex's view, is P.R Deltoid, who believes that outside factors are to blame. Despite Alex confiding in the reader that "What I do, I do because I like to do," there is evidence that Deltoid is correct. For example, in the futuristic world Burgess has created, there is a law that all adults must work (or go out rabbiting). This would indicate that during his childhood, Alex's mother wouldn't have been there for him. Also, when Alex finally returns home to live with them, he says that his parents will have to learn who's boss, which they accept. This passive parenting is also alluded to earlier when Alex plays his music loudly late at night, and his parents don't object. These pieces of evidence all point at poor parenting as the cause of Alex's criminality, not "The original sin." Perhaps Burgess intentionally left this hole because he himself believes that parenting is an issue affecting the development of youth, but couldn't present it through Alex, as it would go against all previous characterisation.
The morality of free will is at the centre of A Clockwork Orange. One of the most profound quotes is, "Goodness is something chosen. When a man cannot choose, he ceases to be a man." Burgess takes the stance that free will is more important than law and order. In fact, he thinks giving humans laws is so ridiculous, that he compares it to putting clockwork on an orange - hence the title. However, there is much hypocrisy in freedom. One person exercising their liberty can infringe on that of another. F. Alexander says that the common people will, "Sell liberty for a quieter life. That is why they must be prodded." Ironically, in "prodding" them, he will be taking away their freedom to choose a quieter life. F. Alexander's hypocrisy extends beyond this quote. His use of Alex as a political tool, driving him to suicide, is overwhelming evidence that he doesn't value Alex's free will. One of Alexander's friends describes Alex as a "Useful device." Through Alex's poor treatment at the hands of the conservative government, and the seemingly liberal F. Alexander, Burgess provokes sympathy for Alex, for there is no-one on his side. When Alex finally becomes an adult, he realises that the cycle will continue with his son, and that it's just something that happens. The novel is so thought provoking, because it juxtaposes the worst possible side of free will - The antics of Alex and his gang - with the worst possible manifestation of a controling society - Ludovico's technique. However, Burgess's characterisation of youth, through the use of slang, an informal tone, and of course their obscene actions, doesn't hold true for the majority of teenagers. A probable reason he chose this negative stereotype, is that if he can convince the reader that their actions are acceptable, then a real-life version of freedom will seem even better.
While some of it's morals are questionable, A Clockwork Orange delves further into the nature of youth, and the ethics of free will than many othe novels, and provides thought provoking insight into the worlds of uninhibited freedom, and totalitarian control.
