"What's it going to be then, eh?"

This quote starts each part of the book. It’s very interesting, actually. This quote is like a make believe introduction by the main character, Alex. It’s his way of saying, ‘okay, well, let me get started.’ Burgess isn’t completely invisible, however. The first time it is said, the quote brings the reader into Alex’s world. It’s this world of independence, free-spiritedness, anarchy, and absolute dismissal of all rules. Alex’s character is almost schizophrenic. At one moment he’ll be beating the crap out of an old drunkard, and at the next, he’ll snap at one of his droogies for being rude to the opera singer at the Korova (the milk bar that they frequent, drug and alcohol laced milk is served there). The quote brings the reader into Alex’s mind. He is the narrator of the story, a very strong voice in the first part. The second and third signify power shifts. The quote highlights Alex’s nonchalance towards life’s structure. Alex is consistently surrounded by a lack of authority (the only authority he knows is his own) shown by the broken down political and governmental structure of his home. The city where he lives could easily be associated with the gunk that gets stuck underneath your toenails.
Finally, the quote does a few more things. First, it highlights some of the major over arching themes and motifs: one being the sacredness of moral choice and two being the need for commitment. If only the two themes could walk hand in hand for Alex’s mind. Secondly, it guides the reader into Alex's world. Third, it shows you who Alex is. This is the question that Alex is continually asking himself. Perhaps he is bored. What's it going to be then? Rape? Assault? Theft? The world is Alex's playground.