The Role of Power and Control in 1984 by George Orwell (1949)

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The Role of Power and Control in 1984 by George Orwell (1949)

Expanding the Roles:
1984 by George Orwell is a dystopian novel set in a totalitarian society ruled by Big Brother, where the government controls every aspect of its citizens’ lives. The protagonist, Winston Smith, rebels against this regime, seeking freedom and truth in a world of constant surveillance and manipulation. For literature students, 1984 is a critical text that examines the relationship between power, control, and personal autonomy in a society governed by oppressive forces.

  • Power and the Manipulation of Truth:
    One of the central themes of the novel is the manipulation of truth by those in power. The Party controls information, rewriting history to suit its agenda. Students can explore how Orwell critiques the control of information as a tool for maintaining power and suppressing dissent.

  • Surveillance and Loss of Autonomy:
    The novel explores the concept of constant surveillance, where privacy and autonomy are nonexistent. Students can analyze how Orwell uses this to illustrate the psychological effects of living under totalitarian control and the erosion of individual freedom.

What We Learn:
1984 offers literature students an examination of the dangers of totalitarianism, the abuse of power, and the suppression of individual freedom. The novel underscores the importance of truth, autonomy, and resistance in the face of oppressive systems.

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