Examples Of Totalitarianism In 1984

Totalitarian governments rule with absolute power. Everything from the press to individual action is controlled and manipulated by the government. A perfect example of a totalitarian government can be found in George Orwell’s novel 1984. In the super state Oceania, the war, history, and thoughts are controlled by the use of fear and pain to insure the Party’s dominion over the state. By using a totalitarian government, George Orwell explores the power of fear and pain over the rebellious through the development of the character of Winston Smith. In the beginning of 1984, readers are introduced to the outer party member Winston Smith. Even though he was a Party member, he disagreed with the Party’s doctrine and views. To offset the Party’s control over the past, Winston began illegally writing down his rebellious thoughts. The most dangerous act occurred when “his pen had slid voluptuously over the smooth paper, printing in large neat capitals – DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER” (Orwell p.19). Even though he secretly rebelled, Winston knew he was doomed; capture was inevitable. He expressed his feelings about the Party, and he was in possession of a document outside of the government’s control.

When he learns that Julia abhors the Party, Winton’s actions become bolder. Their shared hatred for the Party brings the two loversv closer together, and as a result, Winston openly expresses his beliefs about the party’s tyrannical actions. He compares his relationship with Julia and their frequently visited safe room to an old glass paperweight. “The paperweight was the room he was in, and the coral was Julia’s life and his own, fixed in a sort of eternity at the heart of the crystal” (Orwell 122). Winston treasured his relationship even though he knew it would not last long. Both Winston and Julia believed their love was