*Reprogramming Alex*

In the movie, A Clockwork Orange, the main character and narrator, Alex De Large, becomes subject to the processes of Classical Conditioning.  This type of conditioning is a process of behavior modification by which a subject comes to respond in a desired manner to a previously neutral stimulus that has been repeatedly presented along with an unconditioned stimulus that elicits the desired response. The Doctors at the psychiatric hospital conditioned Alex, who previously received a neutral stimulus from violent actions such as rape or other physical attacks, to pair violence with nausea.   To condition him in this way, the Doctors gave Alex medicine that made him nauseous right before forcing him to watch videos of rape, physical brutality, and Nazi violence.  Therefore, Alex felt nauseous while watching these films. 

To further understand Classical Conditioning, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhqumfpxuzI 

In my opinion, Classical Conditioning can also be referred to as a reprogramming system of behavioral processes that forces the subject to respond to different stimulus in certain ways.  In Ivan Pavlov's example, he forced (or conditioned) his dogs to respond to bells by salivating and expecting to consume food.  Similarly, every time Alex wanted to lash out violently, he began to feel nauseous because he was programmed to do so by the Doctors.  

Important Movie Quotes:

“You needn't take it any further, sir. You've proved to me that all this ultra-violence and killing is wrong, wrong, and terribly wrong. I've learned me lesson, sir. I've seen now what I've never seen before. I'm cured! Praise god!” -Alex

“Violence is a very horrible thing! That’s what you’re learning now. Your body is learning it.”  -The Nurse

These quotes are important because they show how both Alex and the doctors respond to the process of Classical Conditioning.