George Orwell’s novel “1984” is a powerful critique of totalitarianism and the ways in which governments can maintain power through surveillance and control. One of the novel’s central elements is the telescreen, a device that is ubiquitous in the novel’s society. The Telescreen serves as a constant reminder to citizens that they are being watched. The telescreen exemplifies the panopticon, a concept developed by philosopher Jeremy Bentham in 1791 (Tatham, 2023). The panopticon is a prison architectural design that functioned as a round-the-clock surveillance machine (Tatham, 2022). the design consists of a central observation tower, surrounded by cells arranged in a circular arrangement. The tower has shutters that allow the observer to see into each cell while preventing the inmates from seeing into the tower. This design allowed for a guard to observe all the inmates without the inmates knowing. The prisoners will then adjust their actions and behaviour in response to the possibility of being observed. This concept creates a sense of surveillance, leading to self-regulation and conformity among the inmates. …show more content…
The telescreen is a powerful tool of control because it allows the government to not only monitor citizens but also broadcast propaganda and shape public opinion. Citizens experience paranoia and fear as a result of constant surveillance because they never know when they are being watched or who is watching them. This results in a sense of self-censorship and conformity, as people change their behaviour to avoid drawing attention or arousing suspicion. Ultimately, the novel shows how the incorporation of the panopticon creates a society in which they suppress freedom and individuality in the name of maintaining power and