Similarities Between 1984 'And Different Kinds Of Darkness'

Technology, despite its ability to be used for the greater good, is capable of being used to impose upon someone’s free will. It is capable of protecting, but that requires rigidness which in turns creates a perspective of a lack of privacy. The characters in George Orwell’s 1984 and David Langford’s “Different Kinds of Darkness” experience both the good and negative effects associated with the use of technology through the people in power. In 1984 it follows the protagonist Winston Smith and his journey of slowly fighting back against the totalitarian regime of the Party, the governing force of his country. The Party uses human spies and surveillance devices, and implements strict laws to produce their ideal society at the expense of individual

In 1984 this manifested through the use of “telescreens”, devices capable of listening and watching anything within its immediate field of view. The main use behind it is to ensure the Party can actively monitor its citizens and to fear monger as a tactic to deter rebellious discussions even in the comfort of one’s home. Despite how terrifying it seems initially, it also serves, in contrast, as a way to promote a sense of security and safety by implementing the idea that having the Party watch over you will prevent any unfound harm coming one’s way. It’s a similar portrayal in “Different Kinds of Darkness” where the Shudder Club personally view the use of biochips as a way to constrict their free will. The leader of the club, Khalid, proclaimed: “..it’s not just protection. There are corridors here indoors that are blacked out, just to keep us out of places. To control us.” (Langford). The people directly affected by the control systems seem against it and view it as constricting, meanwhile in contrast the adults deemed it as a protective measure. Where both mediums differ is that 1984’s control system’s main goal is to make the ideal citizen, while “Different Kinds of Darkness” exhibits the intention of protecting children from BLIT images. These reasons show a warning of both the similar and differing perspectives associated with this kind of

In “Different Kinds of Darkness”, the Shudder Club’s raison d’être is rebelling; going against the grain, satisfying their own curiosity to the dismay of the adults in their lives. Their motto, “That which does not kill us, makes us stronger” (Langford), serves as the main driving force behind their exploits. It reassures them and reminds them that although using a BLIT image is dangerous, as long as they are still standing after their individual ordeals they have nothing to fear. It’s the same idea in 1984 where Winston and his lover Julia feel secure knowing that no matter what happens to them, they’d be satisfied knowing they were fulfilling their desires of being together and being free. When thinking of their future, Winston tells Julia: “They can’t get inside you. If you can feel that staying human is worthwhile, even when it can’t have any result whatever, you’ve beaten them” (Orwell, 97). It works the same as the Shudder Club’s motto and invigorates both parties, Winston and Julia, that hear it. Where both mediums differ with this concept is their endings; while the Shudder Club proved that their exploits were productive in them developing a resistance against BLIT imagery, Winston and Julia faced torture and mental anguish for even daring to question the Party. These reasons paint the cautionary picture