Keith Nathan Vincent So Tiu
EN2020
Professor Rosenstein
7 April 2015
The Subjugation of Individuality in the Presence of Social Constructs in George Orwell’s 1984 and Apuleius’s The Golden Ass
Change is defined as an act or process through which something becomes different (Oxford Dictionaries “Change”); and it may start with a deviation from social conventions. In order for society to function effectively, its inhabitants must believe in the ideals of the governing body. With this necessity in mind, it is important to consider social conformity. Man must adapt to what society requires, or will have to face the consequences of being cast aside. 1984 is George Orwell’s prophetic vision of the crippling results of a society that is under …show more content…
The journal is representative of all of Winston’s thoughts and memories and can be considered a symbol of truth and his individual freedom. Amidst the conditions of his society, he finds solace by writing in it and is able to express himself freely within it. To an extent, he escapes the harsh realities of Oceania through it. His thoughts are to an extent made safe within his journal on the condition that he keeps it hidden and away from the surveillance of the telescreens. However, Winston plays a more active role in his rebellion against the Party through his relationship with Julia. Despite the fear of punishment, both of them choose to disregard the laws of the Party and pursue their relationship regardless of the possible consequences of their actions. The Party envisions a society where the citizens of Oceania are mentally transformed into mere instruments, paving the way for their dehumanization and living their lives without responsibility. Its control extends to the language used, the control of information, the manipulation of relationships, and laws. Many of these processes include the development of “Newspeak”, wherein the vocabulary used in language is reduced, thus making though processes limited, and the mental manipulation of children at an early age, where they are trained to spy on their parents and report any acts of rebellion. It is made clear throughout the novel that the freedom of thought and expression gives rise to the development of their individualities which made it prohibited; therefore, making Julia and Winston’s pursuit of personal happiness forbidden. In 1984, the Party creates an environment where there is no sense of morality since everyone is expected to follow the rules set by it. Hence, there is no good or bad, but only an expected obedience
EN2020
Professor Rosenstein
7 April 2015
The Subjugation of Individuality in the Presence of Social Constructs in George Orwell’s 1984 and Apuleius’s The Golden Ass
Change is defined as an act or process through which something becomes different (Oxford Dictionaries “Change”); and it may start with a deviation from social conventions. In order for society to function effectively, its inhabitants must believe in the ideals of the governing body. With this necessity in mind, it is important to consider social conformity. Man must adapt to what society requires, or will have to face the consequences of being cast aside. 1984 is George Orwell’s prophetic vision of the crippling results of a society that is under …show more content…
The journal is representative of all of Winston’s thoughts and memories and can be considered a symbol of truth and his individual freedom. Amidst the conditions of his society, he finds solace by writing in it and is able to express himself freely within it. To an extent, he escapes the harsh realities of Oceania through it. His thoughts are to an extent made safe within his journal on the condition that he keeps it hidden and away from the surveillance of the telescreens. However, Winston plays a more active role in his rebellion against the Party through his relationship with Julia. Despite the fear of punishment, both of them choose to disregard the laws of the Party and pursue their relationship regardless of the possible consequences of their actions. The Party envisions a society where the citizens of Oceania are mentally transformed into mere instruments, paving the way for their dehumanization and living their lives without responsibility. Its control extends to the language used, the control of information, the manipulation of relationships, and laws. Many of these processes include the development of “Newspeak”, wherein the vocabulary used in language is reduced, thus making though processes limited, and the mental manipulation of children at an early age, where they are trained to spy on their parents and report any acts of rebellion. It is made clear throughout the novel that the freedom of thought and expression gives rise to the development of their individualities which made it prohibited; therefore, making Julia and Winston’s pursuit of personal happiness forbidden. In 1984, the Party creates an environment where there is no sense of morality since everyone is expected to follow the rules set by it. Hence, there is no good or bad, but only an expected obedience