The Role Of Freedom Of Speech In George Orwell's 1984

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Imagine a place where humans are not humans, instead they are simply mindless drones made to have thoughts only meant to serve their group. In a totalitarian society, the government tries to take away its citizens most powerful weapons: their own thoughts. If the people cannot think for themselves, they will not rise up and challenge the government. These societies exist both in the literary world and our own world. Under the dictator Kim Jong Un, freedom of speech is basically nonexistent. Speaking out against the regime is a dangerous act that can result in the death of you and your entire family. In Oceania, the society in Orwell’s 1984, even having an anti Big Brother (Oceania’s equivalent to Kim Jong Un) thought will result in death. Throughout the novel, Orwell shows the deterioration of a man’s humanity at the hands of Big Brother. George Orwell’s 1984 explores the freedom of human thought and what can cause that to be manipulated; it serves as a warning against a government that will take away the main facet of humanity: freedom of thought. …show more content…

Frequently, Winston questioned the motives of the government and often engaged in thoughtcrime (thoughts that oppose the ruling party). Winston could recognize that the people do not think for themselves, instead they simply believed and thought what Big Brother told them to.“Prodded by his natural need for reflection and critical analysis, Winston finds it hard not to make use of his inborn talents. He starts questioning the wisdom of Big Brother and moves hopefully toward his own liberation” (Nytimes.com). Due to his personality and own freedom of thought, he had the unique ability to recognize the injustice and lack of freedom around him. This lead to a deep seated hatred for Big Brother and the