Lack of privacy in George Orwell's 1984

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Lack of Privacy in George Orwell’s “1984”
Eric Arthur Blair, an English novelist born in India in 1903, wrote the novel ‘1984’ under the assumed name ‘George Orwell’. In fact, the novel was initially titled “The Last man in Europe” but was later changed to ‘1984’ for unclear reasons. From one perspective, the literary work can be seen to constitute themes of brainwashing of people by their own social and administration institutions. As such, 1984 was received with much acclaim and criticism.
In modern-day society, shifts and compromises are highly prevalent when it comes to matters of individualism and personal privacy. In reality, “big brother is always watching” (Orwell, 3). Orwell keenly discourses this concept throughout his novel “1984”. He maintains that the societal environment subjects people to constant observation; in particular, the government is always on the lookout over people’s lives and day-to-day affairs. As a result, absolute individualism or privacy rather is undoubtedly impossible to achieve even though people always attempt to subvert the reality that influences their lives in more or less every aspect of human existence.
To emphasize this notion further, Orwell adeptly employs rhetoric and competent phrases in his writing. For instance, he states, “war is peace, freedom is slavery and ignorance is strength” (Orwell, 4). This uniquely placed slogan indicates an oppressive approach of the government to induce into the citizens the ideology that there is no need to desire that which they have already been provided. It is also a form of irony that war can result into peace and harmony; and that for those who feel they are enslaved by the system; they should feel as free people. Lastly, Orwell seems to imply sardonically that one can strengthen himself or herself by being ignorant. These very ideologies form the urge to rebel against the government by protagonists Winston and Julia, as well as Mr. Parsons (Winston’s neighbor). As such, one cannot decline to note the fact that the above-mentioned catch phrase is an alteration of the truth. Indeed, for citizens to think that anything they could want other than that which the government intends for them would make them unhappy is nothing short of a sheer lie (Aubrey & Chilton, 24). The idea behind this (on the part of the government or party) is that the people will not consider rebelling since they will believe their interests are being catered for.
In a unique manner, the author expresses the reality of the society we live in in terms of potent social forces involved in human interaction. In addition, the novel- even though it was written in 1949, draws from current events, the concepts of totalitarianism and fascism; and how they affect personal privacy and individualism. Indeed, the government and social institutions existent in modern society have become twisted and awry in terms of upholding respect for privacy of persons. All the same, one cannot deny the fact that Orwell line of thought is somewhat influenced by actions of the governments in Europe towards unifying and building their nations after periods of war and substantive destructions.
Even though critics have argued that Orwell is nothing short of fearful in regards to establishment of powerful governments and totalitarian organs. On the other hand, Orwell strongly believes that no one is free in conducting their personal endeavors. He believes that we exist in a dystopian world, characterized by an unending indoctrination of individuals, meant to make them believe in an unreal conventional freedom. In light of this, critics claim that ‘1984’ portrays an overly cold and repellent cynicism (Aubrey & Chilton, 33).
1984’s main character- Winston Smith, a 39 year old man, who struggles with comprehending his past in conjunction with unyielding propaganda of this world- what is real and what is not. By particularizing his (Winston’s) troubles, Orwell is undoubtedly drawing from his view of humanity and human nature in general. He also examines the future from the perspective of the impact of totalitarian rule of human societies. Weston is undoubtedly scared in his thoughts. This is well depicted as he attend the Hate gathering sessions wherein the Party demonstrates a deep desire of hideous ecstasy, torture and even murder. What is more is that the people seem to agree or are rather brainwashed with this mentality, making them to turn against each other, it becomes difficult to differentiate between friend and foe. More particularly, Winston is intimidated by O’Brien, a member of the Inner party, who suspects him of being disloyal to the order of the government. Truthfully, he fails to find any comfort in his thoughts, same as other rebellious people like Julia.
In his use of the term Big Brother, Orwell refers to the government (Turbow & Ill, 2). He describes one that has three branches, namely The Ministry of Truth, Ministry of Peace, and Ministry of love. These are concerned with news and welfare, war and law and order in that order (Orwell, 6). 1984 is set in a fictitious country named Oceania- in all likelihood reflecting the past World superpower nation of Hitler’s Germany. All the same, the message remains very relevant today; the author has the setting placed in the future, even though the novel was written shortly after the end of World War II. Orwell focuses on enlightening his audience of the dangers of having an extremely powerful government. It is clear that the author is both obsessed and oppressed with a sense of reproof for a society that undermines individualism and freedom. In one way or another, he acknowledges that it is vital to safeguard secret parts of people’s lives- or solitude in other words. Orwell believes that this is an essential part of human existence. He however goes ahead to indicate that at the end of the day, an individual is always left with no choice but to let a few individuals into their life, even though, more often than not, it is these very few individuals the elite) who end up betraying, harming or mauling a person’s life.
Orwell makes an allusion that the world is divided into three ever-contesting superpower states of Oceania (referring to America, Australia, South Africa and parts or Europe), Eurasia (Europe and Russia) and Eastasia (China). He further alludes that these states are engaged in forming shifting alliances even as they remain at war at the expense of innocent citizens. This shows ad...