He is also an Alpha-Plus, but despite his intelligence his physical appearance is similar to the lower castes', rather than fellow Alphas, and so he is considered to be less desirable than other Alpha males. This is likely one of the reasons that he is very uncomfortable in the World State's society. He appreciates things that are normal in most modern societies but very unusual in the World State, such as romance before sex, having private thoughts and appreciating nature. Rather than oppose the World State, he jealously and hypocritically wishes to enjoy all of its benefits without experiencing any of the defects. His discovery of the Savage, John, brings him attention and celebrity status that he craves and revels in. Bernard Marx is, of course, named after Karl Marx and George Bernard Shaw.