Since 1984 was written in the 1950’s, George
Orwell was conducting a prediction of what he believes the government will
eventually be like. His imaginative society is actually quite relative to
today’s government with all of the tracking our government does, especially
with advances in technology. 1984 is
a dystopian writing because of the exaggerating, yet critical views and
opinions that exemplify the government and political system.
Multiple
restrictions are enforced on the citizens. Big Brother is constantly
overpowering and controlling every action. Characteristics of a dystopian
society are rather relevant compared to the events that occur in the book at
this point. The first characteristic of a dystopian society is the use of
propaganda in order to control citizens. Between the different ministries,
propaganda officers work for each one, including the main character, Winston,
himself. The next characteristic, in which thoughts and freedoms are
restricted, is also relevant to the book. Citizens may commit thought-crime and
soon be arrested by the Thought Police. Winston tells how he has to be cautious
of his every thought and move, and especially what he writes in his diary.
Since Big Brother controls the citizens and is constantly watching, they are worshipped
by the citizens and their communist ways are believed to be the best strategy
for government control. Big Brother and communism is also another
characteristic of a dystopian society, especially since they are worshipped and
believed to be just and right. In a dystopian society, citizens are constantly
under surveillance, and in the book Winston is constantly watched through a
telescreen. Another quality includes citizens having a fear of the natural
world or seeing the outside world as banished or distrusted. Adults living in
the time period with Big Brother have no recollection of their childhood or
memories they had before Big Brother originated. Children have never seen any
other lifestyle besides the communist-based control that they are currently
under. Therefore, the citizens have no connection to the outside world. All of
the topics are factors of a dystopian society and definitely correlate with the
events in the book and the description of the government.
Although Winston seems to rebel against the
government, especially with inscribing in his diary, he is still frightful of
the government and the control they have over him. Although the government’s
control is ruining the society, Big Brother fools citizens into believing that
they are living in a perfect world. Winston and O’Brien seem to understand that
Big Brother is secretly plotting against all citizens and society, which is why
I would predict and anticipate them rebelling against the government and
putting the government through a metamorphosis.
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