Imperialism In George Orwell's 1984
George Orwell, largely known for his novels Animal Farm and Homage to Catalonia, was a British writer whose novels are still much-loved years after they were written. Orwell’s metaphorical writing style was due to his political views, which he often incorporated into his books. One of the best examples of this “Orwellian” symbolism can be found in his 1949 novel, 1984. The story revolves around a middle-aged man named Winston and the life he leads in what is seemingly a post-apocalyptic, “utopian” society. The government, known as “Big Brother” to civilians, controls every aspect of their lives without ever appearing as a solid, physical entity. The United States’ government surveillance system revealed by former NSA employee Edward Snowden
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In the novel, everyone is closely monitored in order to avoid a massive revolt against the government. Facial expressions and noises are tracked by “telescreens” located in every room. People known as Thought Police roam unbeknownst to everyday citizens to observe their behaviors and look for any abnormalities- any thoughts or feelings or opinions that go against Big Brother. Even those who are largely devoted to Big Brother (such as Winston’s colleague Syme) disappear regularly due simply to their passionate political views. Phone calls and emails are tracked by the NSA today, yes, but
the difference between the actions of that agency and the actions of Big Brother is that the NSA’s actions are for the public’s safety- not to keep all ignorant and obedient. There are certainly many similarities between 1984 and the real world- many people that live in underdeveloped countries, for example, often don’t have access to the knowledge and privilege that those in more forward-moving nations do. However, the world’s population as a whole is working towards a better and brighter future. They aren’t held back by the lack of information or fear that Winston had; rather, they seek out knowledge to create a better world. A world, undoubtedly, Winston would be proud
In the novel, everyone is closely monitored in order to avoid a massive revolt against the government. Facial expressions and noises are tracked by “telescreens” located in every room. People known as Thought Police roam unbeknownst to everyday citizens to observe their behaviors and look for any abnormalities- any thoughts or feelings or opinions that go against Big Brother. Even those who are largely devoted to Big Brother (such as Winston’s colleague Syme) disappear regularly due simply to their passionate political views. Phone calls and emails are tracked by the NSA today, yes, but
the difference between the actions of that agency and the actions of Big Brother is that the NSA’s actions are for the public’s safety- not to keep all ignorant and obedient. There are certainly many similarities between 1984 and the real world- many people that live in underdeveloped countries, for example, often don’t have access to the knowledge and privilege that those in more forward-moving nations do. However, the world’s population as a whole is working towards a better and brighter future. They aren’t held back by the lack of information or fear that Winston had; rather, they seek out knowledge to create a better world. A world, undoubtedly, Winston would be proud