The Role of Power and Authority in 1984 by George Orwell (1949)

Expanding the Roles:
1984 by George Orwell is a dystopian novel about a totalitarian regime that controls every aspect of life, from thoughts to actions, through surveillance and manipulation of truth. The protagonist, Winston Smith, tries to resist this oppressive power but is ultimately crushed by it. The novel explores themes of power, control, and the manipulation of truth. For literature students, 1984 is an essential study of the dangers of totalitarianism and the mechanisms of authoritarian control.

• Power and Control:
  The Party, led by Big Brother, controls the people through constant surveillance, thought control, and historical revisionism. Literature students can examine how Orwell illustrates the ways in which power is maintained and the extreme lengths to which totalitarian regimes go to control their citizens.

• Surveillance and Psychological Manipulation:
  1984 also delves into the psychological manipulation of individuals, with the concept of doublethink and the constant rewriting of history. Students can explore how Orwell critiques the use of surveillance to control both the minds and actions of citizens, leading to a loss of individuality and critical thought.

What We Learn:
1984 offers literature students a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked governmental power, surveillance, and authoritarianism. The novel highlights the importance of truth, autonomy, and freedom of thought in the face of oppressive systems.