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Symbolism In George Orwell's '1984'

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Recommended: Research on George Orwell's 1984

Thesis: In George Orwell’s 1984, symbolism of Big Brother is used to illustrate the recurring motif of propaganda used to control reality through the rise of surveillance, ultimately instilling a sense of devotion through fear in the citizens of this totalitarian government. Throughout the novel, these effects result in complete government control, thus illustrating how surveillance ultimately leads to tyranny. Body Paragraph 1: Big Brother is the symbolic figurehead of Oceania, a totalitarian state wherein the Party has complete control over all citizens. The citizens are taught that Big Brother is the leader of the Party, and will administer the torture of anyone who rebels. Winston Smith, the main character of the novel, learns that Big Brother is not a real person, but an invention of the Party that functions as a focus for the citizen’s inherent feelings of fear and terror. Throughout the novel, the …show more content…

This is exhibited as the behaviors of all the citizens are monitored, and taken into account. If anyone acts in rebellion of the Party or Big Brother, they are taken into Room 101 (basement torture chamber in the Ministry of Love), where they are tortured until they submit to Big Brother and comply with the rules and regulations of the Party. The citizens are continuously reminded of the control over reality the Party has, primarily by the omnipresent signs reading “BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU,” (3) implementing a sense of reverence and fear, shown through the very apparent government propaganda. Authorities are perpetually shown scrutinizing the civilians by watching their every move, demonstrated by the telescreens feeding constant

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