1984 Argument

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George Orwell’s novel, 1984, displays a compelling scenario in which people are no longer in control of their own lives. They are controlled by a higher power, the government. In regards to the control of our government today, many people say that 1984 is more than just an interesting piece of fiction. In fact, some people believe that it is a prophetic piece of reality. In opposition to this, others believe that it is a novel better viewed as a piece of satirical gold that holds very little or no resemblance to our world today. With both of these views recognized, I believe that 1984 does have striking similarities to our world today. Not only can we be unknowingly monitored by satellites, camera screens, and other devices, the government has the ability to check emails, text messages, phone records, and private banking records. We are constantly under a microscope whether we realize it or not. George Orwell’s novel, 1984, takes place in London. In the novel, London is part of a nation known as Oceania. This nation is governed by a party and a persona known as “Big Brother”. The Party monitors everyone in the nation, carefully watching facial expressions and any unusual actions. Having thoughts of rebellion or anything scandalous is known as a “thoughtcrime”. Thoughtcrimes are liable to get someone thrown in prison or killed. The main character, Winston Smith, is a low-ranking member of the Outer-Party who tries to hide his desires to break free from the totalitarian society. He doesn’t conform to the way of thinking, just the way of life. In an effort to avoid being monitored, Winston physically conforms to society, while mentally, he does just the opposite. His rebelliousness only grows stronger when he meets a young woman c... ... middle of paper ... ...George. 1984. Ed. Erich Fromm. New York: Harcourt, 1949. SparkNotes Editors. “SparkNote on 1984.” SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. 2007. Web. 26 Nov. 2013. "The Government Is Spying On Us Through Our Computers, Phones, Cars, Buses, Streetlights, At Airports And On The Street, Via Mobile Scanners And Drones, Through Our Smart Meters, And In Many Other Ways." Washington. 23 Sept 2013: n. page. Web. 2 Dec. 2013. . "1984 and Orwell's Predictions." 06 May 2011. MONACELLIBJ, Online Posting to INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP. E-mail. .

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