1970. Choose a character from a novel or play of recognized literary merit and write an essay in which you (a) briefly describe the standards of the fictional society in which the character exists and (b) show how the character is affected by and responds to those standards. In your essay do not merely summarize the plot.
It is human nature to react to your surroundings based on dynamics. If one is in a situation that is not comfortable, one will respond in a negative way. In the book 1984 by George Orwell, the main character Winston Smith lives in a society run by an oppressive, controlling government. Winston reacts to this intrusive government by rebelling in secret, and breaking the laws because he does not think the way they are treated is fair and just. This supports the theme of psychological manipulation that is shown throughout the text.
Throughout this novel, Orwell uses many details to add to the idea of the controlling party's cruelty and manipulation towards it's people. The children are often forced into being spies, and these kids attempt to find people breaking laws and accuse people of "thoughtcrimes." Thoughtcrimes are when someone thinks something against the government that is considered illegal. These thoughtcrimes are yet another example of detail added in to the work that support the idea of an oppressive government by trying to control the people's thoughts. The Ministry of Truth is a department of the government that basically brainwashes the population into thinking that specific historical events did not occur and others did in order to keep the party in power. The Ministry of Truth adds to and gives the government virtually all power in society. These details included by Orwell exhibit the idea that government is an all powerful force that shape what the population thinks about the government.
Winston Smith works for the Ministry of Truth, so he knows that the history he rewrites is not true, and is formed to increase the governments image and change the publics opinion on them. He constantly thinks about how terrible the party is, and is afraid of being caught for thoughtcrime. Winston feels such a strong hate for the party, that he keeps a journal and has written in it "DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER." Big brother is what the head of the party is referred to as. Winston also has an affair with a character named Julie, which is illegal in this society. Winston responds to the standards placed by the party by breaking them, because he does not believe in them and hates Big Brother for taking actions that manipulate the populations thoughts.
Throughout the novel, 1984, Orwell uses many specific details to enforce the idea of the government being oppressive and manipulative. The main character, Winston Smith reacts to this society by rebelling and breaking the laws, because he knows the truth and wants to be free from Big Brother's power.
Your first sentence doesn't really make much sense. I think there's something weird about the "depending on its dynamics" part.
ReplyDeleteThe second sentence of the opening paragraph also contains an ambiguous "they".
The last sentence of your second paragraph doesn't really conclude your main ideas. I think mentioning the word "oppressive" or something along those lines, might help.
You're missing the meaning of 1984 in your essay also.
In the second sentence, "one" is singular, but "them" and "they" are plural. You might consider correcting this.
ReplyDeleteBe sure you answer the "So what" question.
As a whole, there is no discussion of theme.
This essay could be really good if you took your concept further.