“Staying Human”- Analyzing 1984
Since the first publication of the novel 1984 by George Orwell, startling questions have been
raised regarding the meaning of “staying human.” In a totalitarian government like one featured in the
novel, where citizens are desensitized to their very emotions and indoctrinated into propaganda, this
becomes quite a feat. But what does it mean to stay human? Is it to act on ones emotions and whims,
to be free, under ones own control, or is there something more. Within 1984 Orwell advocates that
there is an intrinsic value in staying human, in all its faults and imperfection. For in this unaltered state
of humanity Orwell saw a valuable quality, love, a quality strong enough to resist the totalitarian …show more content…
It seems only natural to be in this kind of society, especially when
principles such as that of “doublethink” are introduced. Doublethink involves believing multiple
contrary ideas at the same time, a practice that its by its nature extremely difficult to the educated mind.
In the use of this idea, Orwell illustrates the mental weakness and vast amount of blind loyalty required
of a citizen to accept such principles.
Another way in which Big Brother exploits the weaknesses of humans against them lies in the
natural herd mentality. The constant war gives the citizens a continuous task, a sense of working
towards a goal, and defeating an enemy that stands in their way. The enemy, in this case Goldstein and
Eurasia, fills the psychological niche of “the other,” (wiki) a consistent opponent that unites the citizens
in a common goal. The Party of 1984 utilizes this in order to spread fear of the enemy without, and
showcase Big Brother as a guiding and protecting force, who will prevent harm coming to them if their
loyalty is insured. In this way the government manages to keep citizens loyal who otherwise might …show more content…
Of the numerous ways in which Big Brother
influences the people, this is viewed by Winston as the most insidious. As noted by Winston when he
observes the orthodoxy and hate of his neighbors children, “It was somehow slightly frightening, like
the gamboling of tiger cubs which will soon grow up into man-eaters” (Orwelll 23).
In the society of 1984, love, one of the most important human qualities is prohibited in Party
life. While partnerships are not forbidden, applications are usually declined by Party officials if the
two individuals show any indication of attraction towards one another. As the Party works tirelessly to
eliminate or suppress natural human emotions and urges, romance is seen as frivolous and sexual desire
is nearly thoughtcrime. This is yet another example of the Party utilizing constant influence to control
its citizens thoughts. One example of an organization is the Junior Anti-Sex League, which promotes
abstinence except in the case of childbirth, which is now nearly an artificial process. The Anti-Sex
League represents everything Winston despises about the Party, namely its desire to wipe out
Since the first publication of the novel 1984 by George Orwell, startling questions have been
raised regarding the meaning of “staying human.” In a totalitarian government like one featured in the
novel, where citizens are desensitized to their very emotions and indoctrinated into propaganda, this
becomes quite a feat. But what does it mean to stay human? Is it to act on ones emotions and whims,
to be free, under ones own control, or is there something more. Within 1984 Orwell advocates that
there is an intrinsic value in staying human, in all its faults and imperfection. For in this unaltered state
of humanity Orwell saw a valuable quality, love, a quality strong enough to resist the totalitarian …show more content…
It seems only natural to be in this kind of society, especially when
principles such as that of “doublethink” are introduced. Doublethink involves believing multiple
contrary ideas at the same time, a practice that its by its nature extremely difficult to the educated mind.
In the use of this idea, Orwell illustrates the mental weakness and vast amount of blind loyalty required
of a citizen to accept such principles.
Another way in which Big Brother exploits the weaknesses of humans against them lies in the
natural herd mentality. The constant war gives the citizens a continuous task, a sense of working
towards a goal, and defeating an enemy that stands in their way. The enemy, in this case Goldstein and
Eurasia, fills the psychological niche of “the other,” (wiki) a consistent opponent that unites the citizens
in a common goal. The Party of 1984 utilizes this in order to spread fear of the enemy without, and
showcase Big Brother as a guiding and protecting force, who will prevent harm coming to them if their
loyalty is insured. In this way the government manages to keep citizens loyal who otherwise might …show more content…
Of the numerous ways in which Big Brother
influences the people, this is viewed by Winston as the most insidious. As noted by Winston when he
observes the orthodoxy and hate of his neighbors children, “It was somehow slightly frightening, like
the gamboling of tiger cubs which will soon grow up into man-eaters” (Orwelll 23).
In the society of 1984, love, one of the most important human qualities is prohibited in Party
life. While partnerships are not forbidden, applications are usually declined by Party officials if the
two individuals show any indication of attraction towards one another. As the Party works tirelessly to
eliminate or suppress natural human emotions and urges, romance is seen as frivolous and sexual desire
is nearly thoughtcrime. This is yet another example of the Party utilizing constant influence to control
its citizens thoughts. One example of an organization is the Junior Anti-Sex League, which promotes
abstinence except in the case of childbirth, which is now nearly an artificial process. The Anti-Sex
League represents everything Winston despises about the Party, namely its desire to wipe out