Reality In George Orwell's Reality Is Optional?

Reality Is Optional

When does consciousness begin? Is mind or matter more real? Does observation alter an event? All these queries have one thing in common in that they all call into question the idea of reality. The most common definition of reality is founded in the idea that the world or the state of being is rooted in actuality. In George Orwell’s 1984, he plays around with the idea that reality or what is perceived as natural can be altered by a mere human being. In fact, the story itself is an altered reality of what Orwell perceived as a world in which every aspect of a human being’s life can be controlled by a greater power. The overarching issue that the novel can help answer is what makes reality real?

In the book, reality is often distorted in the constant alterations of facts and events. The character O’Brien, who represents two large contradicting ideas within the book, argues that “they” (the Party) can bend the laws of nature to their will if they

Most would argue that the answer is no, since the concept of an objective reality anchors existence to something that cannot be disproved. But then again, the very idea of an objective reality, is subjective. For instance, O’Brien convinces Winston that the past does not exist simply because there are no physical records or “real” evidence of those times, but Winston concurs and says that it exists in records and, more importantly, human memories. But since the Party can in fact somewhat control records and memories, they do technically control the past. “Reality is inside the skull,” (265) this line by O’Brien suggests that reality is not objective, in fact, it is never objective because reality is not what a person sees but how their mind chooses to perceive it. In the book, the mind of the Part is where reality lies. So in order to be sane and normal, in order to know reality, one must destroy themselves and see through the Party’s