Examples Of Privacy In 1984 By George Orwell

Privacy is Principle

Privacy is a concept that most people in society, even from a young age, value highly. Children may keep secret diaries or a stashes of candy concealed under their beds to devour when alone. Teenagers yearn for their parents to leave them and their friends alone at sleepovers. Adults also desire privacy, whether it is from a helicopter boss or a hectic family. Everyone needs time alone to relax, make decisions without influence of others, and develop interests. However, in George Orwell’s novel 1984, citizens in Oceania are constantly spied on by the government, known as the Party. The Party installs telescreens in public buildings and homes that emit propaganda and act as security cameras. Through spy leagues, children

The telescreens in Oceania allow the Party to obtain a glimpse into the minds of citizens by viewing their actions. It is dangerous to “let your thoughts wander when you were in a public place or within range of a telescreen. The smallest thing could give you away. A nervous tic, an unconscious look of anxiety, a habit of muttering to yourself -- anything that carried with it the suggestion of abnormality, of having something to hide… a punishable offense” (Orwell 19). Citizens must conform themselves to a loyal, steadfast Party supporter to avoid punishment from the government. Because they are spied on full time, there is no room for citizens to think or act freely unless they want to risk the wrath of the Party. Furthermore, the Party intoxicates citizens with gin to prevent them from observing the crooked situation around them, enhancing government control. Through these techniques, citizens are manipulated to complete tasks assigned by the Party and lack the ability to develop skills in an area of interest, which would help Oceania flourish and become diverse. The result is a totalitarian regime, and hatred grows among a few people who notice the detriments of inhabiting a society like

Although rare, civilians such as Winston Smith and Julia see through the Party’s vast effort to maintain total control over the people. Winston longs to think independently and freely spend time with Julia, however, this is impossible as long as the Party is in power. Animosity towards the government from Winston drives him to perform an act of rebellion as “his eyes re-focused on the page… His pen had slid voluptuously over the smooth paper, printing in large neat capitals DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER” (Orwell 123). By stripping people of basic rights that are essential to a balanced, healthy life, the Party creates enemies within the population of Oceania. An overpowering government like the Party can try to shield citizens from reality with propaganda and other techniques, but if citizens realize they are being unfairly mistreated, anti-Party sentiment grows. As Winston writes “DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER,” he displays a desire to defy the government. Through the way the Party spies and governs, the government of Oceania gains enemies that pose a threat to the nation's success as a totalitarian