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Individuality In 1984 By George Orwell

Decent Essays

George Orwell’s theme in 1984 is that an omnipotent and all-seeing government is dangerous and will demean individuality as well as free will. He portrays this through Winston’s failure to rebel while showing totalitarian governments cannot be stopped after they have been completely established. He also depicts his message through the citizens’ total belief in government propaganda no matter how absurd or inconstant as well as through the international solidarity and seemingly permanent nuclear cold war. Winston’s conflict against O’Brien, and virtually against the Party further displays the dangers of an omniscient government. All individuality is silenced and the only way to make your mark is to contribute to the party. This is shown through O’Brien’s statement “every human being is doomed to die, which is the greatest of all failures. But if he can make complete, utter submission, if he can escape from his identity, if he can merge himself in the Party so that he is the Party, then he is all-powerful and immortal” (Orwell, 1977, p. 264). O’Brien’s quote of ridding uniqueness essentially describes his motives: to eradicate individuality. But without individual thought people do not have opinions on political matters and give themselves up to the state as well as giving them absolute power. Therefore, individuality is freedom, and a government that knows everything and has no opposition can convince change in all people’s opinions, followed by personalities. This leads to

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