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Clockword Orange

“A Clockwork Orange“ by Anthony Burgess

I. Introduction

II. The author Anthony Burgess

1. Data about his life and work
2. Social criticism and other aspects in Burgess‘ literature

III. Summary of “A Clockwork Orange“

Part One
Part Two
Part Three

IV. The future dystopia in “A Clockwork Orange“

V. Violence as an expression of free will

VI. Conclusion

VII. Notes

VIII. Bibliography

I. Introduction

The reason why I write about this book lies in my great interest in the films of the American director Stanley Kubrick (1928 – 1999), whose filming of Anthony Burgess‘ book has fascinated me due to its stylistic perfection and thematic contents. By that I came into touch with the novel, which confirmed my opinion that the author has created a valuable example of modern English literature. Since I read as well other novels of Anthony Burgess, I decided to devote myself to “A Clockwork Orange“, one of his most impressing and influential works.
Although I know that I cannot deal with this subject in a complete way, in consideration of time and volume, I will try to give a sufficient, or at least stimulating general view of the ideas included in the novel.
But first I would like to acquaint the reader with the writer Anthony Burgess und his literary qualification.

II. The author Anthony Burgess

1. Data about his life and work (1)

1917: Anthony Burgess is born on the 25th of February and christened under the name John Burgess Wilson. Later he adopts his confirmation-name Anthony as new first name and drops his surname Wilson. During his adolescence he becomes interested in literature and above all in music.
1937: Beginning of his studies in English language und literature as he misses prerequisites for music studies.
1940-46: Service in the British Army after having achieved the title of a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.
Burgess is mainly occupied with the musical direction of the 54th Division...