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  • Essay / Totalitarianism in 1984, by George Orwell

    The novel 1984 by George Orwell depicts the profound effects of totalitarianism in a society. Just a few pages into the novel, I immediately began to imagine this dark world that Orwell envisioned through the eyes of the protagonist, Winston Smith. I was captivated by Winston's story because of the many characteristics I shared with him. Additionally, these characteristics, which range from his undying desire to express his individuality to his willingness to rebel against oppressors, helped me understand the harsh oppression instituted by the totalitarian party, Big Brother and the Thought Police. . As I continued reading, I began to connect the novel to my society. I realized that what society depends on, the government, could make decisions with a negative impact at any time. George Orwell's 1984 description of totalitarian government helped me understand this because it showed me how easy it was for governments to brainwash a society that had already entrusted them with the right to govern. For example, the Big Brother regime's grip on society was so deep that some believed that a "thought crime," which the novel describes as a crime for having a thought that creates individuality, did not result in "the death: thoughtcrime is death” (19). This idea that the human spirit does not always prevail, that the will of a government can control the will of individuals, was a wake-up call to someone like me who believes in the power of individuality and freedom of thought. This notion becomes more evident when Winston attempts and fails in an intellectual and emotional rebellion against the Party and its leader, Big Brother. It was heartbreaking to see a character that I......middle of paper......he. In the novel, the Party exploits this by creating a past that was a time of misery and slavery from which it claims to have liberated the human race, thus forcing people to work to achieve the Party's goals. Ultimately, 1984 made me realize the immense power governments have to control their people. I believe this is the case because as a civilization we depend on our government. If this were to backfire on us, we would be like lost and vulnerable children, separated from their parents. We would have no direction, no security and no hope. Although this is the harsh truth, I have also learned that this over-dependence and vulnerability can be avoided by promoting self-expression and individuality. Thus, by reading this novel, I have sparked a burning desire to cultivate freedom of thought in the societies I wish to influence..