1984 Religion Essay

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The concept of religion involves believing that every action is always being monitored by a greater being. Similarly, in 1984 by George Orwell, the characters are being controlled by the belief that Big Brother is always watching them. 1984 symbolizes God through Big Brother and reinforces Hasan M. Elahi’s theory: “The concept of surveillance is ingrained in our beings. God was the original surveillance camera.” through the use of allusion, paradox, and Irony. Big Brother is depicted as an allusion to God, and the power God possesses. As Winston was walking down the halls of the rugged, foul smelling Victory Mansion, he saw a big poster of Big Brother’s face. He described, “It was one of those pictures which are so contrived that the eyes follow you around when you move. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU, the …show more content…
They are being watched by the Thought Police through the telescreens that cover every inch of Oceania. This is similar to how many people follow God’s rules in fear of punishment, damnation, and lack of protection. God and Big Brother are able to gain power from fear in their followers, which allows them to have absolute power. Although most people think they have control over what they believe, this is not always the case when it comes to these two deities, because we are told they exist repeatedly with no proof or factuality to it. As Winston was being tortured in Room 101, O’brien tried to force the belief of Big Brother’s piety upon him. O’Brien continuously questioned Winston: "Does Big Brother exist?” Winston blindly replied: “Of course he exists. The party exists. Big Brother is the embodiment of the party" (259). Because Winston is being told that Big Brother exists, it is being ingrained into his mind that it is the truth, and that he is always being watched. God and Big Brother alike, are extremely powerful,

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