Totalitarianism in 1984

A detailed Summary of Totalitarianism in 1984

People in general have always been attempting to understand the future in an attempt to prepare for future events. This hope is the principle for futuristic novels like George Orwell's 1984, which moves through the life of a rebellious citizen trapped in a world of deceit and propaganda. Very few people have been exposed to such a totalitarian like place as Oceania, where Winston, the main character, resides. To accomplish this, Orwell utilizes the theme of individuality versus tyranny, foreshadowing, and irony, in order to fully extract all possible motives behind Winston's actions.

Many countries are founded on principles of individuality reigning over tyranny, more specifically, the freedom of choice. However, in the land of Oceania, run by "Big Brother", freedom and individuality is completely prohibited. To act impulsively, or choose to oppose Big Brother, is a "thoughtcrime" of dreadful consequence. This is the basis behind the Inner Party's control of Oceania. Winston Smith showed his lack of willingness to conform to such a tyrannical society. From his writing "DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER" in his diary as the novel opened, to his relationship with Julia, which was considered sexcrime in Oceania, Winston proved his thoughts were

Though the theme of individuality versus tyranny and the use of foreshadowing are essential literary devices, it is the application of irony that truly makes the novel a masterpiece. Many ironic events occur during the second book, taking Winston on an emotional spin through the thrills and dangers of Oceania. The foremost irony is Winston's affinity with the recognition of the past. Winston is angered when Julia does not care to remember that Oceania was at war with Eastasia in the past. He is likewise engulfed with happiness when O'Brien recalls the last line to a children's poem. It is Winston's belief that the recognition of the past is the key to stopping the Party. This is ironic in that Winston was employed to change the past so that the population was ignorant to past events. An easily overlooked form of irony is conveyed in Winston's greatest fear, rats. It is paradoxical that in all of Oceania, with all of its propaganda and tyranny, Winston's greatest fear is of a foot-long mammal. This acknowledgment is followed by the irony upon Winston's institution into the Brotherhood, an underground organization formed by Goldstein to rebel against the tyranny of the Inner Party. After Winston is accepted, and receives Goldstein's book, he is soon captured and incarcerated by the thoughtpolice, making his dreams of opposing the Party, worthless. Besides Winston, Julia, herself, is also doused in irony, in her spontaneous revelation that the wars were merely propaganda by the Party, an idea that Winston is unable to conceive. She also acknowledges that she is nearly unable to contain her laughter during the Two Minute Hate, a situation of irony in itself. The most ironic facet to Julia, is that she is a sash-wearing member of the anti-sex league, whil

Some common words found in the essay are:
Inner Party, Russians Germans, Party Winston's, Oceania Winston, Ministry Love, Minute Hate, Party Winston, Winston Julia, Winston Smith, George Orwell's, inner party, oceania winston, individuality versus tyranny, versus tyranny foreshadowing, versus tyranny, tyranny foreshadowing, ministry love, goldstein's book, recognition past, theme individuality, theme individuality versus, inner party winston, events occur, orwell foreshadows,

Approximate Word count = 1187
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English