Similarities Between 1984 And V For Vendetta

Why 1984’s Dystopia is More Successful Than V for Vendetta’s

The societies in the works V for vendetta, directed by James McTeigue, and 1984, written by George Orwell, are two examples of societies that have evolved to form a dystopia within their own created realm. A closer look at the two societies reveals that they are similar with their leaders, physical power and their totalitarian rule, however, they posses differences within those three crucial dystopian themes. 1984’s differences portray a more successful dystopia. 1984’s leader, physical control and totalitarian rule create a pinnacle example of a successful dystopia in ways that V for Vendetta’s structure could not.

To begin, both works have a leader who is an all powerful figurehead,

Adam Sutler in V for Vendetta and Big Brother in 1984. Any decree or motion made by the leaders is considered both true and law. The leaders also used images of their face in conjunction with their rulings and power to strike both fear and love simultaneously, “BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU” (Orwell 3). That is a slogan that appeared throughout 1984 , and brought fear and love to the supporters of Big Brother. The aspects of power, fear and imagery are important because they help create an everlasting ruler, which is an issue for Adam Sutler. Sutler uses god as the only higher authority and banks his rules off of God, where as in 1984 God is abolished because faith creates a chance for personal beliefs and values against the state. The other large difference is that in 1984, Big Brother’s existence is debatable. He may or may not be even living, let alone a real person, this adds to his longevity and god-like power, whereas Sutler ultimately dies along with his legacy. The differences that 1984’s leader posses opposed to V for Vendetta’s, ultimately form a stronger more immortal power for the state in 1984 to use.
In addition to the leader’s power, both societies had a structure that enabled great reach and physical power over every individual inhabitant of the super states. In both works we see how there was the use of police akin to Hitler’s Gestapo, in 1984 there was the Thought police while V for Vendetta had the Finger men. The forces were ruthless, secretive and had near limitless power. Along with police presence, there was the unseen presence of constant surveillance. Both works had the use of constant watch and ensured that there would not be privacy. When put together with the police, the rule over the societies was strict and unforgiving. people could be jailed on the spot, or even executed. One of the biggest differences however was that the power in 1984 went past the person and into their minds. ‘Doublethink’ was a principle that the citizens in 1984 had to subconsciously use, and it required them to believe paradoxes and any disbelief in the state was a ‘thoughtcrime’, which “[...]does not entail death. Thoughtcrime is death”(30). The government in 1984 also controlled language. This is very important because the use of language control limits the ability to freely think, this kills individuality and creativity in people furthering a dystopian civilization. Rebellion in V for Vendetta would be impossible if the language was reduced to what was being planned in 1984. The power to limit individuality is where 1984 becomes a stronger more powerful state over its people, whereas V for Vendetta’s ‘Norsefire’ party labels itself a democracy, supporting limited decisions. Though limited, decisions are what create rebellion and is a reason why the nation uprised with V, because the power was not direct and total like the power of IngSoc, the party in 1984.
Consequently to the parties power in 1984 and V for Vendetta, the governmental systems formed totalitarian governments.This is crucial the the sustenance of a dystopian society as the government is key to the oppression, suffering and dehumanization that is key to a dystopian society.

Both works in conjunction with the use of powerful leaders, and physical power over the citizens, employed a large use of propaganda as a reason to support the oppression. Both societies had an industrialistic goal, that ultimately ended up with absolute power, while the Norsefire party in V for Vendetta had a religious and purist urgency to accompany their actions. Both parties brandished slogans that portrayed messages like that of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini’s “All within the state, none outside the state, none against the state”. In V for Vendetta uses the slogan, “Strength through Unity. Unity through Faith”. Another commonality between the governments of the works, are that they both have formed all powerful superstates, only bolstering their power and lethality. The differences in the governmental structures however, allow 1984’s dystopia to be successful. The biggest difference is how the parties were instated. 1984’s party instated itself out of need due to war. With that they were able to abolish culture, religion, chastity, families and other humanistic qualities for the sake of safety. in V for Vendetta , the party created a deadly virus, and a cure, taking power out of necessity. There was no need to abolish much else because they justified things in God’s name. That one aspect, God and traditions allowed humanity to exist. In 1984 dehumanization was so extreme that there was no moral for a full rebellion. Individuality was erased through totalitarian governments, power and oppressive leaders. That is why V was able to topple Norsefire and begin the end to the dystopia within the nation, unlike 1984 where rebellion was killed and dystopia and Ingsoc ruled like

”[...] a boot stamping on a human face - for ever” (280). 1984’s future is harmonious terror and dystopia over their nation for ever.
Through a differing use of totalitarian rule, physical control, and all powerful leadership, George Orwell’s 1984 created a more successful portrayal of a dystopian society than director James McTeigue’s V for Vendetta. Though when delved into initially, both works carry similar themes and dystopian realities, 1984 enveloped a more provocative and successful dystopia.