The transition from child- to adulthood is perhaps one of
the most trying times of life. Questing
for social acceptance, over confidence, lack of compassion, angst that needs
outlet, and being rebellious for rebelliousness’ sake are all parts of growing
up for most young people. There are
times, however, that the behavior goes to the extreme. Anthony Burgess’ wife victim to an act of
random violence by a group of young men, in 1962 he decided to write a novel
from the perspective of one such delinquent, A Clockwork Orange the result.
A delicious yet appalling stew of wildly creative language and violent behavior,
Burgess digs deeper into the head of a sociopathic young man than is perhaps good
for a sane man, but if the ending can be trusted, comes to a measure of peace
for what transpired with his wife.
A Clockwork Orange
is the story of Alex, the teenage leader of a gang of hooligan
delinquents. Terrors of the streets,
Alex and his droogs—Georgie, Pete, and Dim—spend their nights arbitrarily
stealing, beating, raping—preying upon society.
Taking pleasure in the anguish, the flow of blood and screams of pain
set lights in their eyes and smiles on their faces. And Alex’s parents are helpless to intervene;
he skips school, tricks girls to bed with drugs, and lives a life entirely void
of empathy. Biting off more than he can
chew one night out, Alex’s life takes a flip-flop after a flight of
bravado. But will the situation he suddenly
finds himself in make any difference?
