The Role of Technology and Surveillance in 1984: How Big Brother Uses Technology to Control Citizens
In 1984, technology is a key tool used by the Party to maintain constant surveillance over its citizens. The concept of Big Brother, the omnipresent figure who is always watching, reflects the Party’s ability to monitor and control every aspect of people’s lives. Telescreens, microphones, and cameras are strategically placed throughout society to ensure that individuals cannot escape scrutiny.
Surveillance in 1984 goes beyond mere observation—it is designed to instill fear and prevent any form of rebellion. The Party’s ability to observe citizens in private spaces makes it virtually impossible for anyone to act independently. Even private thoughts are controlled through the concept of thoughtcrime, where even the smallest dissenting thought can be punishable by death.
Orwell’s portrayal of surveillance in 1984 serves as a warning about the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancements. The novel critiques the ways in which technology can be used to infringe on privacy, suppress individual freedom, and maintain authoritarian control. In the modern age, 1984 remains relevant as a stark reminder of the risks associated with surveillance and the erosion of civil liberties.
6. The Concept of Psychological Manipulation in 1984: A Study of Fear, Coercion, and the Breaking of the Human Spirit
Psychological manipulation is one of the most insidious tools used by the Party in 1984. Through fear, coercion, and relentless propaganda, the Party seeks to break the human spirit and ensure absolute control over the thoughts and actions of its citizens. Winston Smith’s journey illustrates the extreme lengths the Party goes to in order to maintain dominance over individuals.
The Party uses fear as a primary motivator, creating an environment where citizens are afraid to speak, think, or even exist outside of the prescribed norms. The constant threat of punishment, particularly through the use of the Thought Police, keeps people in line. Winston’s eventual torture and reeducation in the Ministry of Love demonstrates the Party’s ability to break individuals, forcing them to accept its version of reality.
The psychological manipulation in 1984 is designed to strip away personal integrity and resistance, creating a population that is not just physically controlled but mentally subdued. Orwell critiques the ways in which authoritarian regimes use fear and coercion to destroy individuality, showing the devastating effects of psychological manipulation on the human psyche.