preview

Technological Advancements In George Orwell's 1984'

Decent Essays

The Post-World War II era of the United States was filled with terror and paranoia as America fought a long and relentless war against its fundamental opposition to ensure the freedom and rights of the citizens of the world (Pierce). The country was at war with the controlling and manipulative communist party, which reflected the government controlling society in George Orwell’s novel, 1984. The “Party” controlled every part of its citizens’ lives, creating a culture with no individuality or uniqueness (Orwell 136). The novel also relates to today’s world because it shows how technology has the power to shift the relationship between an individual and state (“NSA Leak”). Due to the remarkable technological advancements made over the past several …show more content…

It also conveys how continuous war afflicted the citizens in 1984 and how it continues to do so in modern America. The society of George Orwell’s 1984 exemplifies the suppression and collectivism feared by Americans following World War II and the government control, surveillance and perpetual war that plagues today’s society. Following the defeat of Germany in World War II, America politically collided with the Soviet Union and its communistic ideals, beginning the Cold War (Pierce). America chose to fight against the communists because of the collective and oppressive mentalities promoted in that culture. The government control in Orwell’s 1984 was identical to that of Soviet Russia because the citizens were forced to blindly obey the government and not question anything (“1984” 240). “The two aims of the Party are to conquer the whole surface of the earth and to extinguish once and for all the possibility of independent thought” (Orwell 159). Americans feared that if the communist ideals took over the world, as it did in 1984, it would strip them of their fundamental rights of freedom and individuality (Scaliger). In addition, the government in 1984 continuously …show more content…

Currently, the United States is close to having the same technological advancements that are found in 1984, such as the television, broadcasting, telephones and computers (Huber). These advancements produce people “…who see in technology the power to take away freedom... and people who see in technology the power to work with their friends to guarantee freedom” (“NSA Leak”). In America, surveillance cameras are set up in many public places and cell phones are subject to monitoring in order to ensure safety and prevent attacks on the country (Scaliger). This type of surveillance is present in 1984 where telescreens are placed on every wall and they are always watching, listening, and recording the actions and words of the citizens (Orwell 6). Rather than destroying the world, as it does in 1984, technology is used to build a better world that is cooperative and fair (“NSA

Get Access