A Clockwork Orange

The singular importance of language in this novel, especially the Nadsat slang, cannot be understated. Influenced primarily by the Russian language and the Cockney dialect, according to the author, the slang used by Alex and his droogs reflects their sense of themselves as distinct and separate from the older generations—notably, the generations that promulgated and fought disastrous wars. They are also the generations who attempt to exercise authoritarian control over said nadsats. Thus, the use of a dialect heavily peppered with slang terminology (see Index of Terms for some definitions) functions as a psychosocial defense mechanism, a linguistic armor behind which the disaffected teens can hide. When Alex happens upon Pete and his new wife near the end of the novel, his language marks him: “‘Did you used to talk like that too?’” Pete’s wife asks while giggling at Alex (215). Alex’s continuing use of Nadsat slang both alienates him from the rest of society and indicates that his development has stalled. While Pete has matured, Alex remains stuck as “little Alex,” a violent and wayward teen.

Not only does this highly codified slang represent a generational divide, but it also serves as an indicator of class.