"A Clockwork Orange" is a dystopian novel by Anthony Burgess, set in a future society marked by extreme youth violence. The story follows Alex, a juvenile delinquent who delights in committing crimes and indulging in a hedonistic lifestyle. He leads a gang that engages in ultra-violence, which is both thrilling and disturbing. The narrative is presented from Alex's perspective, showcasing his love for classical music and his philosophic musings about free will and morality.
The turning point in the novel occurs when Alex is apprehended by the law and sentenced to prison. In an effort to reform him, he becomes a subject of an experimental rehabilitation program known as the Ludovico Technique, which conditions him to associate feelings of violence with intense nausea. This controversial process strips him of his free will and ability to choose, raising significant ethical questions about free will versus societal control.