Question on the ending of A Clockwork Orange

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In summary, there is some confusion about the ending of "A Clockwork Orange" and why the doctors reversed Alex's treatment. Some speculate that it may have been to improve the government's image, but others suggest that it shows the flawed nature of the British criminal system and how it is influenced by politics. The film also comments on how individuals can be used as pawns for those in power. It is recommended to read the book with 21 chapters, as the movie was based on an edition with only 20 chapters.
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physicist311
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Question on the ending of "A Clockwork Orange"

Hi everybody,

Hope this counts as a brain teaser. Anyways I watched a movie called "A Clockwork Orange" by Stanley Kubrick the other day and was a bit confused at the ending. I was wondering why the doctors reversed Alex's treatment? I thought it might have something to do with giving the government a better image, but the reversal implies Alex could go back to being a criminal, and he could kill again, which would look bad for the government. So it seems the government is screwed either way. Any thoughts?
 
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By all means, read the book. Get an edition with 21 chapters in it. Kubrick made the movie from an edition with only 20 chapters.

In my opinion, this thread should be moved to GD,
 
  • #3


A confusing ending? In a Stanley Kubrick film? That's just crazy talk! :biggrin:


I'm pretty sure A Clockwork Orange was commenting on the British Criminal system and how it was victim to politics. Alex was a pawn. He was in or out of the system - helped or punished - depending what what suited the needs of those in power or those looking to acquire power. That was the message of the film. Remember how that politician (can't remember who it was now) was literally spoon-feeding Alex in his bed? Alex knew he was a pawn, and knew he could make it work for him.
 

FAQ: Question on the ending of A Clockwork Orange

What is the significance of the ending in A Clockwork Orange?

The ending of A Clockwork Orange is significant because it leaves the reader with questions about the true nature of free will and the consequences of attempting to control human behavior. The main character, Alex, is ultimately given the choice to either continue living a life of violence or to be "cured" of his violent tendencies through a controversial psychological conditioning. This raises ethical and philosophical questions about the true nature of good and evil and the role of government in controlling individual behavior.

Why does the ending of A Clockwork Orange differ between the book and the film?

The ending of A Clockwork Orange differs between the book and the film because the author, Anthony Burgess, had a different vision for the story than the director, Stanley Kubrick. In the book, Alex ultimately rejects the conditioning and chooses to continue living a life of violence, while in the film, he is seemingly "cured" and becomes a productive member of society. This difference reflects the different themes and messages that each creator wanted to convey in their respective mediums.

Did Alex have true free will at the end of A Clockwork Orange?

This question is open to interpretation and is one of the main themes of the story. Some argue that Alex's ability to choose between good and evil was taken away by the conditioning, while others argue that he still had the ability to choose but was simply conditioned to choose good. The ambiguity of the ending allows for multiple interpretations and raises questions about the true nature of free will.

How does the ending of A Clockwork Orange tie into the overall message of the story?

The ending of A Clockwork Orange ties into the overall message of the story by highlighting the complex and often conflicting nature of human behavior. The story explores the idea that humans are capable of both good and evil, and attempts to control or suppress one aspect can have unintended consequences. The ending also raises questions about the role of authority and government in controlling individual behavior.

What was the inspiration behind the ending of A Clockwork Orange?

The inspiration behind the ending of A Clockwork Orange came from the author, Anthony Burgess' own experiences with violence and his views on free will. Burgess believed that true morality and goodness could not be forced upon someone, and attempted to explore this idea through the character of Alex and the controversial conditioning process. Additionally, the ending may have been influenced by the social and political climate of the time, including concerns about government control and the debate surrounding the rehabilitation of criminals.

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