George Orwell 1984 Setting Analysis

In the novel 1984 by George Orwell, the main theme is of conformity to the wants of society and the government. Themes of dehumanization of our species, as well as the danger of a totalitaristic state are repeatedly expressed. Orwell demonstrates this theme by using setting and characters in the novel. The setting helps to convey the theme because of the world and kind of city that the main character lives in. Winston’s every move is watched and controlled by the governmental figurehead known as “big brother”. The characters in the story are used to show the theme in the sense that most are essentially brainwashed by, and therefore loyal to and under control of, the overbearing government. The main conflict of the story is between the main

Their choices as to personal preferences are less than limited and no one, aside from a few characters, seems to mind. They have become accustomed to living their lives the same as everyone else, with no hope of anything more than they have now, and thus have conformed to the wishes of the Party. As well, the Outer Party members are subject to daily, mandatory exercise first thing in the morning called the “Physical Jerks”, after these, workers are forced into long, tiring work days. This is likely another plot by the government to ensure that even if anyone were to question the morals of the Party, they are too busy and tired to do anything about it. This relates to the overwhelming acceptance of conformity caused by the generic, identical lifestyles because even though most people are in line with the Party’s plan, they still prepare for the worst and are a step ahead of anything that could threaten their style of government. It is no surprise that it is difficult for anyone to break free of or try to oppose the government as they have so many safeguards in place to protect against betrayal. This is linked to the setting as without the control and support of the people, the government would never have been able to enact so many defenses to stop potential enemies from dismantling the

By looking deeper into the novel and analyzing specific details Orwell included it can be seen how Orwell used the setting of the story, the city itself as well as the workplace of Winston as a few examples, and also the characters themselves, such as the Parsons, to get readers to see the message he was trying to warn of. The idea of conformity was enforced throughout the story, as shown above, in the ways that all citizens are made to essentially be the same as all others around them, with deadly consequences if they refuse. The theme of dehumanization is also deeply explored as all personal feelings and emotions are outlawed by the Party in an attempt to create people who all are the same. As well the setting is used to present the theme of the dangers of totalitarianism as Winston’s job is to change and “fix” any document that is critical in anyway of the government or expresses free speech. This use of literary devices effectively delivers the theme Orwell was trying to