Themes Flashcards
what is the theme of totalitarianism?
fundamental to 1984 and common throughout dystopia literature
involves a conflict between the individual and the oppressive social system
pursued by Orwell to horrifying extremes
how is totalitarianism evident in 1984?
the people are under absolute control by a rigid dictatorship that pushes false values, denies individuality and has taken away freedom of thought
the dictatorship claims to be a protector, freeing its people from weakness, anxiety and guilt, but these are part of human nature, so the Party is therefore stripping away humanity and altering true human nature
much like BNW and THT
totalitarianism: context
many original readers would’ve witnessed the relentless mass cruelty unleashed by Hitler and Stalin, so would’ve naturally feared such a system developing in their own countries
Orwell takes the very worst features of Nazi Germany and Communist Russia and projects them into 1984, giving us an alarming reading experience that encourages us to oppose totalitarianism, acting as a warning against such evils
as a socialist, he believed that the only practical way to achieve an equal and democratic society was through greater government control, but he feared this control could too easily end in totalitarianism
what does totalitarianism in 1984 demonstrate?
1984 demonstrates that the power of totalitarianism does not simply derive from the power of the state, but also from the weakness of the citizens
the proles form the majority of the population and could overthrow the Party due to their sheer size, but they are ignorant victims and simply accept the rule of the Party
intellectuals like Winston are vulnerable to the ideology forced upon them, which the Party uses to indoctrinate them and justify their power
what is fear of technology? what were Orwell’s views on technology?
fear of technology is also common is dystopias and usually expresses a suspicion of modern life and scepticism towards technological developments
Orwell values a meaningful occupation, satisfying relationships and self knowledge over such technology
what technology in 1984 is seen today? what is the effect of this?
much of what Orwell foresaw has since come into being — e.g. the television, security cameras, twenty four hour clock, metrication
he links these technological developments to sinister consequences, thus acting as another warning and showing what is at stake with technological advancements
what are the consequences of technological advancements in 1984?
technology is abused by the regime in sinister ways
it is used by the state to exert absolute control over individual lives — constant surveillance via the telescreen
citizens struggle to lead authentic lives and lack genuine emotion
destruction of real human relationships due to an over-reliance on technology
manipulated by the media and indoctrinated with constant ideology and propaganda
stripped of individuality
what does 1984 suggest about technology?
future technological developments may bring forces so powerful that they can cut off the individual from leading a life that is meaningful and free
how is the theme of technology in 1984 similar to other dystopias?
in 1984 and other dystopias like BNW, technology has resulted in an alienated society
in 1984, the regime is brutal and oppressive, isolating its citizens and destroying all human connection
whereas in BNW, society has become pleasure obsessed and superficially happy, citizens are isolated because there is a lack of genuine human connection
although these two societies are different, it demonstrates that regardless of whether technology is used with good (to eradicate pain and sadness) or bad (to oppress and control) intentions, it still isolates us and destroys human nature
absent themes in 1984
no direct advocacy for socialism, despite the fact that Orwell was a socialist
1984 demonstrates a world full of hate but has little to say about love
the struggle for freedom and the defeat of the protagonist means that no hope is offered — the book expresses despair, perhaps because Orwell was dying when he wrote it
