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Examples Of Satire In 1984

Good Essays

December 2, 2012
“Satire in 1984 and V for Vendetta” Most nightmares are horrendous. In these delusions, the subconscious’ worst-case scenarios are discharged. Imagine a nightmare come to life. What type of government is there? There is most likely a tyrannical leader forcing upon society oppressive measures, manipulating them through authority and control. This is an example of a dystopia. Analyzing this disturbing situation helps criticize and ridicule something of reality. This is called satire, and in this case, satire of a dystopian society. George Orwell’s 1984 is about a protagonist, Winston Smith, living under a totalitarian government in Oceania. He befriends and forms an intrepid relationship with an audacious dark haired girl, …show more content…

If this is the normative role of the government, should they not put their egos aside and become more submissive to the public? Rather than the other way around? This is indubitably ridiculed in both 1984 and V for Vendetta. Control of the public, is intrinsic to the prospect of the government. One way is to control the subject’s emotions. That is why the ongoing theme of control through emotion is so important. In turn, power is allotted to the government, without opposition. In 1984, emphasis is put on the public’s distorted idea of true and false. Through different emotions planted in citizens, facts are skewed. Distorted emotions are exaggerated in 1984 through Winston’s experience amid the “Two Minutes Hate.” He along with everyone involved is subjected to government bias potent propaganda. After watching the ‘Two Minutes Hate,’ he says that, “At those moments his secret loathing of Big Brother changed into adoration, and Big Brother seemed to tower up, an invincible, fearless protector…” (1.1.15) This is a prime example of common sense and knowledge being twisted into thoughts of pure emotion. When thoughts are manipulated by emotion, more instinctive natures arise. Through government propaganda, two groups are set apart; they, as rational and them (the public), being emotional. This secures the government’s power, giving them complete control over the public. Such power can only been

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