*Warning, discussion of possible triggering themes such as SA and brutality follows*
Whilst making my way through as many classic horror and thriller novels as I can, I came across “A Clockwork Orange” by Anthony Burgess. It’s a novella and film that I had heard about for years but never dove into due to the male-manipulator reputation that comes from its fans. But, after finding a used copy at a bookstore back home for $3 I figured it was my sign to give it a shot. Turns out, it’s one of the most impressive novellas I’ve indulged in, though it’s usually misunderstood by audiences.
The premise of the story is centered around Alex, a delinquent who spends his time robbing and sexually assaulting people with his gang of goons. After the story takes us through a few nights in Alex’s life, he ends up getting arrested and placed in prison for his crimes. Whilst in prison he volunteers for a program said to change the way criminals think, getting rid of their zest to commit crimes. Except the program isn’t quite what Alex expects and it’s bound to leave a lasting impression.
I know most of the fans of “A Clockwork Orange” like it for the violence, the funny language that the teens speak in, and Alex as a villain-like character. They tend to glorify Alex as well and focus on the movie as an action/crime movie rather than get the message it’s trying to tell. However if you pay attention to the torture that occurs to Alex when he’s trying to get “fixed” it tells a completely different story. One that focuses on the violence that occurs not only on the streets but within the overbearing institutions as well.
It also tells a story of growing up and maturing, which is something the Americanized version leaves out. The American version was originally published without the last chapter, which is a huge resolution and matures Alex. This is probably why so many people misinterpret the message, especially since the film adaptation by Stanley Kubrick also ends with Alex spiraling into villainy.
I think it’s fascinating that the American publisher intentionally chose to cut off what is Alex’s “redemption” chapter and what completes Burgess’ vision. Burgess was even told specifically that American audiences wouldn’t go for Alex turning away from a life of violence and crime.
The decision begs to ask, why do Americans love violence so much? Other audiences were happy to see the redemption but the real ending was withheld from American audiences for so long that America has lost the novella’s intended message.
Burgess’ vision was cast aside even just in the publishing of his own book. It makes me wonder how many other books got changed dramatically in publishing. How many books are missing their intended message? The world may never know.
