Totalitarianism in 1984

After reading George Orwell’s novel, 1984, one theme that stood out to me was the manipulation of the government and the complete control they have over the citizens of Oceania. From the introduction of the Newspeak language into English, to the telescreens inside people’s households, the government not only imposes on its people, but also brainwashes them into thinking that this way of life is normal.

At one point in the book, Winston is attending an event for Hate Week. All of the attendees are in a rage over the war against Eastasia. Then, the man who was leading the “hate” got a message from his superiors saying that Oceania was now at war with Eurasia. Almost instantly, the crowd directed all their hate towards Eurasia instead of Eastasia, without even thinking. It was almost a thoughtless action, although it was one full of negative emotions. At this point in reading the book, I realized what a stronghold the totalitarian government had over its people. When humans stop thinking for themselves and can hate anything they are told to without regard or having their own opinion on it, they cease to be humans. This is the point where most citizens of Oceania are at in their lives.