Contrast the actions of Bernard and Helmholtz when they see the Savage being attacked by the mob.

This action happens, of course, in Chapter
15.

Bernard and Helmholtz are at Helmholtz's apartment when
a friend of Watson's calls to tell him that John the Savage is involved in the brawl at
the hospital.

The two men go to the hospital, but then they
react very differently.  Helmholtz is exultant.  He jumps in and starts punching and
fighting along with John.  By contrast, Bernard appeals to the police for
help.

I think this shows how Bernard is much less of a
rebel than Helmholtz is.  Bernard really just wants his life to be easy.  Helmholtz
truly wants to rebel.

We'll see a similar thing when Mond
tells the two men what's going to happen to them.  Watson takes it well, but Bernard has
to be sedated.