Corruption and Coercion: A Dystopian Analysis

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Recommended: Criticism of george orwells 1984

An extensive review of a society’s legal system provides insight into its malfeasance. In George Orwell’s dystopian novel, 1984, and Terry Gilliam’s film, Brazil, both governments are formed on unjust systems and exercise unethical practices and extreme measures towards its subjects in an attempt to achieve compliance. Correspondingly, the article, “Their aim was to break your spirit,” describes China’s barbaric regime and its negligence of justice as a method to attain acquiescence. An examination of law and order in each of the three sources reveals corrupt systems whose sole existence relies on the obliteration of independent thought. The corruption of these governments is made apparent through their increased reliance on brutal tactics …show more content…

1984 sees Winston being obligated to concede to erroneous offences under severe pressure. While recounting the routine interrogations, Orwell specifies, “There were a long range of crimes—espionage, sabotage, and the like—to which everyone had to confess as a matter of course” (Orwell, 240). Winston’s confinement at the Ministry of Love reveals its foundational irony, that a ministry with the supposed purpose of overseeing law and order is one whose executions dispute lawfulness. The Party’s dependence on lies is expressed through urging prisoners to make fallacious testimonies. The Party exists upon hatred spurring from deception and manipulation. Its ideology, INGSOC, lacks consideration of veracity and upholds fabrications to sustain jurisdiction. Living under this tyrannical system, citizens have no scope of individual thought and are compelled to consent to the injustices inflicted by the Party. Similarly, Sam Lowry is victim to a corrupt system in Brazil. When Sam is arrested on charges of abusing his new position, he is presented with a long list of accusations, most of which are fictitious and distorted. Despite repeatedly proclaiming his innocence, he is met with a blind eye. Government officials pay no mind to the legitimacy of his charges and urge him to confess, without seeking validity. The utmost corruption of the government is placed on display through the inadequate legal system of this bureaucratic regime. Brazil sets the stage for an unjust system that neglects justice for the people and is formed upon exploitation and manipulation. The absence of a trial and the opportunity to oppose falsified allegations demonstrates the inequitable nature of the government. Comparatively, the assessment of Mr. Wang’s story in “Their Aim Was to Break Your Spirit” reveals the baselessness and depraved workings of the Chinese Communist Party. Months of severe torture lead Mr.

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