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

Expanding the Roles:
1984 by George Orwell is a dystopian novel that depicts a totalitarian regime led by the Party, which exercises absolute control over every aspect of its citizens' lives. The story follows Winston Smith, a member of the Party who begins to rebel against the oppressive regime. 1984 explores themes of surveillance, propaganda, power, and the manipulation of truth. For literature students, this book provides a chilling look at the dangers of unchecked governmental power and the loss of personal freedom.

• Power and the Control of Thought:
  One of the central themes in 1984 is the Party’s manipulation of language, history, and truth to control its citizens’ thoughts and actions. Students can explore how Orwell portrays the totalitarian use of power, particularly through the concept of "thoughtcrime" and the practice of altering historical records.

• Surveillance and the Loss of Privacy:
  The omnipresence of the Party, symbolized by Big Brother, raises questions about privacy, surveillance, and personal autonomy. Students can analyze how Orwell uses the theme of surveillance to examine the consequences of a society where privacy is eliminated in the name of control.

What We Learn:
1984 serves as a stark warning about the dangers of totalitarianism, the erosion of personal freedom, and the manipulation of truth. Literature students can analyze how Orwell uses dystopian elements to critique political systems that abuse power and control information.