A Clockwork Orange

A Clockwork Orange

Bruno Betancourt

A01376339

In this article, “The use and effects of fictional argot in Anthony Burgess´ A "Clockwork" Orange”, by Martin Nix, we are able to realize how important the language that Anthony Burgess uses in his novel actually is. First of all we are able to come into the characters´ minds and thoughts, as well as their cultural aspects and beliefs. The vocabulary that he uses makes the novel extremely enjoyable for the public in general, since, as I already said, this language captures your attention, and really gets you into the plot. The nadsat gives the novel authenticity and identity, and creates a very interesting way of appreciating a book.

The writer mentions that we have two major options while we read the novel... For instance, to understand the nadsat, using the glossary and trying to know every single word as it´s supposed to be known and understood, or not. We can also just read it as it is and try to uderstand it without knowing every term. Both are different experiences, but it is obvious that if we are able to understand the author and the characters just as Anthony wanted to, we´ll have a better experience.

This nadsat loses all its value and real meaning whenever we see the use of it throughout the movie, it´s just not the same. The fact that in the book you have to be able to learn a whole new way of communication is extremely entertaining and very fun (for me). While in the movie we just don´t see as much as in the book, and it has not the same importance to understand everything.

I personally think that this incredible vocabulary makes “Clockwork Orange” a great book, that should be read and understood by any reader. Nadsat gives the novel authenticity and identity, and creates a very interesting way of appreciating a book.