Individuality In Dystopian Literature

Individuality and Conformity The choice between conforming to societal standards and remaining an individual is similar to choosing between freedom and oppression. Conformity grasps the idea of accepting ideal behavior and notions. Individuality is the distinction between the qualities of oneself and others, requiring independent thoughts and opinions. Though these are opposing ideas, the message sent by each is actually quite alike in certain contexts, particularly in dystopian literature. The message stands as thus: If government or society attempts to constrict the knowledge and critical thinking of citizens, then humanity will collapse, and one or more individual will break through the barrier of oppression to become an individual. This …show more content…
His ability to become in individual is very significant in the matter of regaining humanity; if one person is able to break away from manipulation and conformity, there may be a chance to save the rest of society from destruction. This act is simply the beginning of his rebellion and his individuality continues on. He chooses to act on his thoughts of rebellion in an active manner, not containing his emotions and exposing them to others around him. Montag ventures to persuade his thoughtless wife and friends to change their perceptions and consume knowledge from their surroundings as well as from the books hidden in his house. He is also careless in his attempt to hide his knowledge from others; he urges his wife to read the books with him, naively trusting that she will not report him to authorities. In this aspect, Montag’s quality of being naive is remarkably similar to that of Winston’s, because both of them put trust into someone who ultimately betrays them. However, in Montag’s endeavor to alter Mildred’s perception of books and the meanings that they hold, readers can ascertain that Mildred, who represents the masses, is unable to become independent. She conforms to the notion that individual thinking is harmful. In this way, readers see her mind is so far damaged that it would be nearly …show more content…
In simpler terms, both Winston and Montag are able to pull away from the persistent media that surrounds them around the clock. Mildred calls the parlor walls her “family” because she connects with them on a completely different level than she does with Montag. The walls are a key role in defining Mildred as the masses, which also means that she is the perfect example of an orthodox member of society. Montag, regardless of being encompassed by media, is able to escape the coercion of conforming. This is also true for Winston, who is watched at all times and lives with a commander who forces everyone to abide by his laws. Even so, he recognizes the manipulation Big Brother uses and rebels. While both characters possess these similar attributes, only one individual succeeds in conquering oppression, and the other is forced to conform to what is orthodox. Though Winston is defiant, his mentality is not strong enough to endure the torture and manipulation that follows after he is caught. O’Brien, the man in whom Winston puts his faith, forces Winston’s mind to obey him by means of physical and mental torment. In the end, Winston really believes that he loves Big Brother, and once again becomes one like the masses. Orwell demonstrates here that if conformity goes too far, it can reach a point where it is impossible to