1984

George Orwell’s “1984” is considered as one of the most prominent books in the history of political literature. The book paints a picture of a dystopian UK which is under the brutal rule of an autocratic regime. Here, the United Kingdome has been replaced by state called “Oceania”.

Over the years, the ruthless methods of repression and authoritarian control illustrated in the book have become an important part of the international political debate. Terms such as “Big Brother”, “thought-crime” and ‘double-think” are now frequently used pundits to examine intricate political and social dilemmas.

Many observers have compared the model of governance in the novel to the famous totalitarian regimes of USSR and Nazi Germany. However, “1984” does not aim to criticize and expose these regimes but it intends to demonstrate how freedom and liberty can be suppressed through constant propaganda.

In the world of 1984, the government of Oceania intrudes in all facets of people’s daily lives to ensure that the citizens remain under absolute control of the state. The Party, which is the ruling entity in the country, tells the people how they should behave even in their most personal affairs. Concurrently, the children are taught from very young ages that their loyalties must lie with the state even if they have to go against their own parents.

In addition, the masses are constantly bombarded with propaganda to make them susceptible to the oppressive actions of the regime. The purpose of all these activities is to ensure that citizens remain unmoved by their miserable condition and do not question their rulers. Perhaps the most prominent feature of the oppressive government of Oceania is the “Big Brother” which is an all-powerful figure that inspires devotion by the people while also keeping an eye on any dissidents who may not agree with his ideas.

In recent times, due to the rise of nationalism in Europe and other parts of the western world, 1984 has become increasingly prominent on the bookshelves of libraries around the world. It was noted that the novel once again became a best-seller shortly after the election of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States. Therefore, it can be said that in the current political climate, the uncertainty of the affairs is driving people toward this book for any plausible explanation.

It is impressive that nearly seven decades after the book was first published, it is still sought after by individuals who take interest in political and administrative affairs. It is suffice to say that 1984 has and will continue to serve as a guide for people who wish to understand complex political environments and consequent effect they can have on the civil liberties of the masses.