A Clockwork Orange: Full Book Summary. “A Clockwork Orange” is a dystopian novel written by Anthony Burgess and published in 1962. The story is set in a bleak and violent future society and follows the protagonist, Alex, a 15-year-old delinquent with a penchant for ultraviolence. The novel is narrated by Alex in a distinctive and invented slang called “Nadsat,” which adds to the unique and disorienting atmosphere of the narrative.
The tale unfolds in a near-future Britain where youth violence is rampant, and the government is desperate to control it. Alex and his gang of “droogs” engage in acts of brutality and mayhem, terrorising the citizens. However, the narrative takes a dark turn when Alex is eventually caught by the authorities. In an attempt to rehabilitate Alex, he becomes the subject of a controversial psychological experiment known as the Ludovico Technique. This treatment involves conditioning Alex to associate violent thoughts and actions with intense feelings of nausea. Characters 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Themes 1. 2.