1984 Technology Essay

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George Orwell’s 1984 effectively portrays a fictional society suffering the wrath of a scheming totalitarian government. The grand party in power, encompassing the role of “big brother” is always watching. In this region named Oceania, any words spoken against the party and its beliefs are punishable by torture and/or hanging. In such a conforming society, characters like Winston Hunt, the main culprit, live repetitive lifestyles with a secret hate for big brother. Afraid to speak their minds freely, these “counter-revolutionaries” speak and think in secret unable to distinguish those they can and cannot trust. With Big Brother's’ watchful eye, change in such a brainwashed society seems nearly impossible. In 1984, the manipulation of technology, …show more content…

Located in every room imaginable and representing a modern day television; the telescreen is used for propaganda, to provide the public with war news, and to watch anyone within the confines of its location. Winston had trouble with expressing his thoughts around the telescreen, especially since it could not be shut off completely. Most importantly, “He imagined that the television could one day not only broadcast propaganda nonstop but that it could transmit back images of action in front of the screen, allowing the broadcaster to spy on its viewers” (Stanley). Not being able to act suspiciously, being accidental or intentional, strikes fear in Winston and surely Oceania’s people knowing the punishment it resulted in. The lack of privacy from the telescreens constant presence not only prevents the freedom of action, but also the freedom of speech which included the counter-revolutionary feelings Winston and his partner, Julia, shared. Its means of detecting the slightest anti- government feeling is the most appalling and frightening of all, seeming impossible for Winston and Julia to prevent detection. As Winston says, “to wear an improper expression on your face (to look incredulous when a victory was

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