Social constraint and free will in Anthony Burgess

Abstract

This dissertation will focus on the theme of social constraint and free will in relation to Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange (1962), The Wanting Seed (1962) and 1985 (1978). In particular it discusses Burgess' uses of various doctrines, especially Augustinianism, Pelagianism and Manicheanism, and how together these contribute to· a cyclical nature of history which, in turn, creates a particular social climate which Burgess deliberately exploits in these novels. By tracing Burgess' use of the common motifs developed in his works, this dissertation will concentrate on the various ways in which the main protagonists achieve individuality thereby gaining their freedom.