A Clockwork Orange Scene 13 Summary

  • Alex is brought into a little auditorium filled with people.
  • He stands on stage in front of them, with a spotlight upon him.
  • No, it's not the annual prison talent show: it's an announcement that Alex has been cured.
  • He is no longer a "wretched hoodlum" and there will be a demonstration to prove it.
  • Some audience members are skeptical.
  • A man emerges from backstage, and calls Alex a stinky heap of dirt and slaps him.
  • Alex does nothing as the man knocks him down and stomps on his chest.
  • The violence makes Alex feel sick.
  • The man won't let Alex up unless he licks the bottom of his shoe.
  • And Alex licks it.
  • And again.
  • And again.
  • That concludes the first demonstration.
  • As Alex is still on the ground, a topless woman emerges from behind the curtain.
  • Alex stares at her chest and thinks about raping her.
  • He reaches his hands for her breasts, but he can't touch them. He feels sick again.
  • The woman bows theatrically and leaves the stage as the audience applauds.
  • The Minister of the Interior joins Alex on stage and explains that Alex is cured.
  • But the chaplain argues, saying it's the fear of pain that keeps Alex from doing bad, not any sort of a moral choice.
  • The Minister is only concerned with cutting down crime, no matter the means.
  • And Alex is freed.