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Brainwashing Totalitarian Nature In 1984, By George Orwell

Decent Essays

Developing emotions such as compassion are arguably the most fundamental part of being human. However, when a danger such as an over controlling government threatens to take those feelings away, one truly appreciates the kindness and loyalty of humans. In 1984, George Orwell is able to use O’Brien’s deceptive, astute, and political nature in order to warn readers about the negative effects that a brainwashing totalitarian government could have on human minds and emotions. At the beginning of the novel, O’Brien is presented as a character who Winston Smith could trust with his deepest thoughts. He is described as having a rather intimidating figure, with his burly physique and thick neck. Despite the menacing appearance, he was believed to be “...a person that you could talk to, if somehow you could cheat the telescreen and get him alone.” (Orwell 13) However, the kind nature was all simply a lie. For instance, in order to gain Winston’s trust, O’Brien gives away the address to his house, and turns off his telescreen. With these actions, O’Brien is able to trick Winston into confiding in him with thoughts of rebellion. Even though Winston convinces himself that O’Brien can be trusted, the truth is that he is a deceitful character …show more content…

With the back stab from this character, Orwell is able to show readers what a totalitarian government could do to human emotions. In other words, O’Brien’s character is a prime example that an over controlling totalitarian government could make even the strongest of people lose touch with the warm emotions that make up the fundamentals of being human. In conclusion, George Orwell’s portrayal of O’Brien’s deceptive, astute, and political personality in 1984 was created to demonstrate that a totalitarian government could create brainwashed monsters, rather than the caring and compassionate people we see in today’s

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