Totalitarianism and Power: George Orwell

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Recommended: Dystopian themes in 1984

“There will be no curiosity, no enjoyment of the process of life. All competing pleasures will be destroyed. But always — do not forget this, Winston — always there will be the intoxication of power, constantly increasing and constantly growing subtler. Always, at every moment, there will be the thrill of victory, the sensation of trampling on an enemy who is helpless. If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face — forever.”(1) This quote encompasses the intention that George Orwell had in mind when contriving 1984; he intended to caution society about the menace of a totalitarian dystopian world, in which there is no freedom, citizens are being indoctrinated, and how the ever existing lure to power will perpetually manipulate politics. In part one of this essay I will first discuss the themes of 1984 then I will consider Orwell’s objectives in writing the novel.
Two of the primary themes in 1984 are totalitarianism and power. All of these themes work hand in hand to form the interpretation that Orwell had of the future and preeminent social aspects. Here I will analyze the methods by which these themes are implemented and their importance in delivering the essence of the novel.
In 1984 one of the foremost themes is the austere peril totalitarianism, and its annexed structured inequality, poses to society. Orwell clearly demonstrates how a totalitarian regime is capable of acquiring and regulating a horrifically large degree of power and control. Orwell, a proclaimed Socialist, whole-heartedly believed in the potential of the Proletariat and their ability to organize a rebellion, subsequently hastening the advancement of society. However, he repeatedly observed such rebellions lapse and d...

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...ver from. The latter of the two outcomes in this situation is what we are presented in 1984. In this situation, in which the totalitarian dystopia survives, the individuals in charge, the Party, cannot deny the lure of authority and become power hungry. Orwell means to warn us that a flawless totalitarianism government will always lead to the exploitation of the general public, economic disaster, and unchecked power to punish, control, and declare war upon anyone or anything.

Works Cited

1. George Orwell, 1984. New York, N.Y.: Signet Classic, 1961, 334.
2. Orwell, 1984, 52.
3. Dictionary.com. "sanction." Dictionary.com. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sanction (accessed March 20, 2014).

4. Orwell, 1984, 26.
5. Orwell, 1984, 59.
6. Orwell, 1984, 35.
7. Carl Sagan, The demon-haunted world: science as a candle in the dark. New York: Random House, 1996.

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