Which character betrays John to save himself during the riot?

• A. Helmholtz
• B. The Deltas
• C. Mond
• D. Bernard

Answer: (D)

The situation tests how a person acts when danger and social pressure loom, revealing who prioritizes personal safety over loyalty. In the riot, Bernard is faced with the choice to protect himself or stand by his friend John. He chooses self-preservation, and that leads him to align with the authorities by signaling the authorities about John’s actions. This move is meant to shield himself from punishment or expulsion and keep his comfortable position within the World State intact. It shows how Bernard’s ambition and fear of losing status push him to betray John in a moment of crisis.

This contrasts with John’s unwavering stance and with Helmholtz’s growing disaffection, while Mond remains the power figure Bernard tries to appease. The other characters’ responses reflect different attitudes toward authority and rebellion, but Bernard’s action during the riot best fits the idea of saving himself at John’s expense.