Totalitarianism In 1984 Essay Research Paper People

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Totalitarianism In 1984 Essay, Research Paper People in general have always been attempting to understand the future in an attempt to prepare for future events. This hope is the principle for futuristic novels like George Orwell s 1984, which moves through the life of a rebellious citizen trapped in a world of deceit and propaganda. Very few people have been exposed to such a totalitarian like place as Oceania, where Winston, the main character, resides. To accomplish this, Orwell utilizes the theme of individuality versus tyranny, foreshadowing, and irony, in order to fully extract all possible motives behind Winston s actions. Many countries are founded on principles of individuality reigning over tyranny, more specifically, the freedom of choice. However, in the land of

Oceania, run by Big Brother , freedom and individuality is completely prohibited. To act impulsively, or choose to oppose Big Brother, is a thoughtcrime of dreadful consequence. This is the basis behind the Inner Party s control of Oceania. Winston Smith showed his lack of willingness to conform to such a tyrannical society. From his writing DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER in his diary as the novel opened, to his relationship with Julia, which was considered sexcrime in Oceania, Winston proved his thoughts were antiparallel to those of the Inner Party. The fact that Winston was so ready to rebel was quite courageous in that he knew people who opposed The Party, or were to educated, like Syme, were vaporized. The members of the Inner Party recognized the abilities of an educated man to see

through the propaganda of Oceania, and would therefore tolerate nothing but ignorance. Winston, however, continued to oppose the state, and commited, in many ways, both thoughtcrime and sexcrime. He joined the Brotherhood, run by Oceania s first public enemy, Goldstein, and even reads a book published by the man. This action follows Winston s open attempt to befriend O Brien in a society which would not condone such outward behavior. The reasoning behind the condemnation of friendship was that it was believed that friendship could lead to alliances that would threaten the reign of the Inner Party. Winston s barrage of individualistic actions lead The Party to arrest him, as they witnessed his actions from a hidden telescreen behind a picture. Mr. Charrington, the local store

manager, who appeared rather genuine, led the arrest, for he was a member of the unknown thoughtpolice. Julia is killed, and Winston is taken by the thoughtpolice to the ministry of love, where he is to be held for his crimes. As is the basis for futuristic novels such as 1984, Orwell foreshadows much of the events that occur, through vague or inanimate objects. The most noticeable device for foreshadowing was Winston s dream of the Golden place with fields and rays of light, a basic human paradise. Such a place foreshadows Winston s capture and incarceration in the Ministry of Love which is a large white building with strong lights continuously beating down upon its inmates. One of the largest symbols in the novel was the breaking of the globe, which can be interpreted in many

fashions. One of which is the foreshadowing of the destruction of Winston s world, as portrayed through the murder of Julia and his capture by the thoughtpolice. Goldstein s book also is a mechanism by which Orwell foreshadows eventual occurrences in the novel. Such an object, absolutely illegal in Oceania, foreshadows the Winston s final steps before his capture, authorized by the Inner Party. Other instances, separate from the second book, are also applied for foreshadowing. Winston s relationship with the prostitute, portraying his search for human companionship, form a preconceived notion of his relationship with Julia and his befriending of O Brien. These two actions are perhaps, Winston s two greatest violations against the laws set forth by the Inner Party. Though the