Violence In George Orwell's 1984

Words: 1476
Pages: 6
Open Document
For centuries, dystopian novels have shown the worst-case scenarios of humanity's future. With the rise of dictatorial communist groups in the 1900s, came an increase in such novels. George Orwell’s 1984 is a negative utopian story written in 1949 to warn society about the dangers of totalitarianism. In a country with only one political mechanism, the Party uses telescreens to constantly monitor the people, and all opponents of the Party virtually disappear. Due to his fatalism, the protagonist Winston Smith lives in constant fear of being vaporized by the Party, but this does not stop him from having unorthodox ideas about politics and humanity. Consequently, Winston must suppress his thoughts so that the Party does not suspect him of “thoughtcrime.” …show more content…
How to Read Literature Like a Professor describes violence as “...one of the most personal and even intimate acts between human beings, but it can also be cultural and societal in its implications” (Foster 95). Violence in literature is symbolic and metaphorical (Foster 98). In 1984, societal violence includes public hangings and the Two Minutes Hate. These events trigger violent reactions from the participants and serve as an outlet for pent-up anger and frustration. During the Two Minutes Hate, Winston thinks, “A hideous ecstasy of fear and vindictiveness, a desire to kill, to torture, to smash faces in with a sledge hammer, seem[s] to flow through the whole group of people like an electric current…” (Orwell 14). The Two Minutes Hate shows the Party’s control of the people's unexpressed emotions and directs those emotions towards a common enemy. Winston’s imprisonment at the Ministry of Love depicts how violence affects one’s mentality and emotions. Even though O’Brien administers the torture Winston endures, Winston does not blame O’Brien, but begins to love him and praise his intelligence. Winston says O’Brien is “...the tormentor, he [is] the protector, he [is] the inquisitor, he [is] the friend” (Orwell 244). Under the physical pain and oppression, Winston’s strength and individuality break, and he accepts the Party’s teachings. This shows violence is effective for propaganda and brainwashing purposes. By destroying Winston’s former bonds, O’Brien has created a new, intimate bond with Winston in order to instill the Party’s virtues. Violence contributes greatly to Orwell’s purpose in writing 1984 as a commentary on
Show More

Related Documents: Violence In George Orwell's 1984

Violence In 1984 Essay

The present time can relate to George Orwell's 1984. Media and violence play major roles in both todays society and society in Orwell's 1984. Violence is depicted throughout 1984, from bombs dropping out of the sky, to the unforgiving room 101. Violence occurs in peoples everyday lives today. It can be seen in movies, video games, the streets, and so on. Big Brother and the government manipulate the media to portray their view of things to the people. Individuals can argue that the government, and…

Words 646 - Pages 3

Oppression and Dehumanization in George Orwell's 1984 Essay

12 April 2012 Oppression and Dehumanization of Society in George Orwell’s 1984: The Manipulation of Technology, Language, Media and History George Orwell uses his novel 1984 to convey that human beings, as a species, are extremely susceptible to dehumanization and oppression in society. Orwell demonstrates how a government’s manipulation of technology, language, media, and history can oppress and degrade its citizens. In 1984 the political manipulation of technology oppresses the people…

Words 1628 - Pages 7

1984 Should Be Banned Essay

George Orwell's 1984 takes place in a dystopian country after world war II. The book's topic are questioned in high schools across america and they have been banning because of the books negative affect on teens. Orwell's book has sex, violence, torture and everything that a parent wouldn't want their kids reading. 1984 should be banned due to its sexual content that could lead teens into sexual temptation earlier in their young adult life. Kids who watch more sexual TV are more likely to become…

Words 441 - Pages 2

Comparing Tara Henleys 'Why Cults Captivate And 1984'

triad’: deception, dependence and dread of leaving”(“Why Cults Captivate”). This concept is a commonality between the modern-day North Korean country and George Orwell’s 1984. In Peter Yost’s “Inside North Korea”, journalist Lisa Lung delves into East Asian country North Korea and how it is controlled by tyrannical ruler Kim Jong Il. George Orwell’s 1984 is a dystopian novel where the protagonist attempts to rebel in a totalitarian society. While they have their respective differences, these two societies…

Words 1127 - Pages 5

Orwellian Research Paper

possible to attain dystopia. Many individuals in our society have discovered the sad truth within this statement, especially writers, like George Orwell. Orwell’s works not only depict the essence of dystopia, but also takes the concept of disorder to a new level. As a matter of fact, dystopian literature is often compared to Orwellian literature. In his novel, 1984, for example, Orwell illustrates absolute dystopia by distorting the social, intellectual, economic, and political aspects for his characters…

Words 3010 - Pages 13

1984 Final Draft Essay

Patrick Boudreau Saulis English 12 11/19/2014 1984 Essay There are many similarities and differences between the dystopian society of 1984, and our own today. While The United States is a long way from a totalitarianism style government that controls everything down to the thought of an individual, there are many things George Orwell wasn’t to far from correct about. Totalitarianism is a prominent theme throughout 1984, with the government controlling everything. The world is a very different place with the government watching…

Words 911 - Pages 4

Free falling Essay

aversion therapy guaranteed to eliminate criminal propensities forever. Alex is injected with a substance that brings on extreme nausea, and the onset of nausea is deliberately associated with the enforced viewing of films about violence. Soon he cannot contemplate violence without feeling desperately sick. He is forced to walk a tightrope of imposed “goodness.” The state has gone too far: it has entered a region beyond its covenant with the citizen; it has closed to its victim a whole world of non-moral…

Words 585 - Pages 3

Essay on Julius Ceasar

Simply Numb There is no doubt that violence is a major problem in today’s society. With murder and robberies happening nearly everyday in some parts of the country, the numbness to violence is becoming more and more like that in George Orwell’s novel 1984. However, some people are starting to realize that we have a problem on our hands when it comes to violence. Unfortunately, these same people have also begun to search high and low for something to blame instead of searching for a solution. The…

Words 1103 - Pages 5

Comparing Marx And Engel's The Communist Manifesto

their hubris and deep desire to simply rule over state, turning communism into totalitarianism. George Orwell's "1984" explores the exaggerations of the latter ideology from above. The novel, published in 1949, is a glimpse into a terrifying, yet potential future. It draws on the history of the Soviet Union, ruled by Joseph Stalin in 1920 until his death in 1953. Stalinist Soviet Union and Orwell's Oceania are strikingly similar: they both enforce secret police, labour camps, and abuse on the citizens…

Words 2058 - Pages 9

Paper 2

1984 A society that allows everyone to stand up for what they believe in seems a lot like the culture we live in today. In Russia, there is a federation established that states, “It shall be a duty of the state to recognize, respect and protect the rights and liberties of man and citizen”(“The Constitution of the Russian Federation”). This is the type of government we are used to. The government usually respects the rights of the people and allows them to have a voice. In George Orwell’s novel called…

Words 1497 - Pages 6