Examples Of Power In 1984 By George Orwell

In the novel 1984, The theme of power is demonstrated by the author, George Orwell, through the use of control, manipulation, war, and abuse. The novel 1984 follows the main character, Winston, as he navigates his way in a dystopian world. Winston is a citizen of Oceania, one of the three global superstates along with Eurasia and Eastasia. At the beginning of the novel, the reader witnesses Winston begin to struggle with continuing to unquestionably conform and give loyalty to his country and its leader, Big Brother. Winston begins to realize the forces at work around him and the power that Big Brother and the government have over him and the citizens of Oceania through their use of war, manipulation, control, and abuse.

George Orwell contributes

As Orwell explains, "The telescreen received and transmitted simultaneously. Any sound that Winston made, above the level of a very low whisper, would be picked up by it, moreover, so long as he remained within the field of vision which the metal plaque commanded, he could be seen as well as heard" (5). Orwell also states, "The instrument (the telescreen, it was called) could be dimmed, but there was no way of shutting it off completely.."(4). This demonstrates power in the form of control over the citizens because the government is constantly listening to the citizens as well as forcing them to watch government propaganda. The theme of power is also developed through the use of manipulation

The citizens of Oceania are portrayed to fear the government because of the repercussions and physical abuse they could face for not complying. The text supports this when Winston says, "But before death (nobody spoke of such things, yet everybody knew of them) there was the routine of confession that had to be gone through: the grovelling on the floor and screaming for mercy, the crack of broken bones, the smashed teeth, and bloody clots of hair" (130). As Winston fears the punishment he may face from going against the government, this demonstrates the power that the government has through inflicting fear upon the citizens. This is further supported when Orwell states,

All he had eyes for was the truncheon in the guard’s hand. It might fall anywhere; on the crown, on the tip of the ear, on the upper arm, on the elbow—— The elbow! He had slumped to his knees, almost paralysed, clasping the stricken elbow with his other hand. Everything had exploded into yellow light. Inconceivable, inconceivable that one blow could cause such pain!