1984 Formal Essay
Angela Campoli
ENG 4U1
Ms. Simon
Father Leo J. Austin CSS
Nov. 19, 2014
The Loss of Humanity in 1984
Every human being holds an intrinsic set of natural behaviours which ultimately affect how they perceive their surroundings. For the majority, these behaviours come naturally so they have no control over them, unless they are negatively influenced to do otherwise. In George Orwell’s dystopic novel 1984, the citizens of Oceania are unfortunately controlled by the Party in every way possible. The Party’s constant use of surveillance allows them to watch over the citizens at all times to ensure that they do not go against Party doctrines. The Party does not allow anyone to think for themselves or reveal emotions; otherwise this is considered Thought Crime. Also, the Party eliminates the pleasure that comes with sexual arousal by depriving the citizens from physical attraction. Finally, the teachings of the Party persuade the community to commit to Big Brother, leaving their loyalty to their families and loved ones behind. In 1984, the Party’s intention is to abolish the underlying human instinct which is innate in the citizens of Oceania. Ultimately, the Party succeeds in doing so and conformity to the Party is a demonstration of their success.
In 1984, the Party is responsible for controlling the thoughts and emotions of the citizens of Oceania to prevent individuality. Telescreens surround Oceania so they have a glimpse into the way their citizens think to ensure that they do not rebel against the Party. Everyone is wired to think and act a certain way, and “nothing was [their] own except the few cubic centimetres inside [their] skull” (Orwell 27). Winston is one of the few people in Oceania who is actually aware of the Party’s true intentions, which is why he is considered unorthodox. Unlike the Party, Winston believes that everything from the past is significant since it provides a connection to the world where Big Brother and the Party do not exist. Winston
ENG 4U1
Ms. Simon
Father Leo J. Austin CSS
Nov. 19, 2014
The Loss of Humanity in 1984
Every human being holds an intrinsic set of natural behaviours which ultimately affect how they perceive their surroundings. For the majority, these behaviours come naturally so they have no control over them, unless they are negatively influenced to do otherwise. In George Orwell’s dystopic novel 1984, the citizens of Oceania are unfortunately controlled by the Party in every way possible. The Party’s constant use of surveillance allows them to watch over the citizens at all times to ensure that they do not go against Party doctrines. The Party does not allow anyone to think for themselves or reveal emotions; otherwise this is considered Thought Crime. Also, the Party eliminates the pleasure that comes with sexual arousal by depriving the citizens from physical attraction. Finally, the teachings of the Party persuade the community to commit to Big Brother, leaving their loyalty to their families and loved ones behind. In 1984, the Party’s intention is to abolish the underlying human instinct which is innate in the citizens of Oceania. Ultimately, the Party succeeds in doing so and conformity to the Party is a demonstration of their success.
In 1984, the Party is responsible for controlling the thoughts and emotions of the citizens of Oceania to prevent individuality. Telescreens surround Oceania so they have a glimpse into the way their citizens think to ensure that they do not rebel against the Party. Everyone is wired to think and act a certain way, and “nothing was [their] own except the few cubic centimetres inside [their] skull” (Orwell 27). Winston is one of the few people in Oceania who is actually aware of the Party’s true intentions, which is why he is considered unorthodox. Unlike the Party, Winston believes that everything from the past is significant since it provides a connection to the world where Big Brother and the Party do not exist. Winston
Cited: Orwell, George. 1984. New York, NY. Signet Classic, 1961. Print.