Power
A thematic look at 1984
Thematic Statement
1984 is a warning sign about the power that can be used on the people. Totalitarianism rises up in this novel and the government takes away every right of the people. They obtain power just for the simple fact of being able to control the people and not for any other reason. They are able to get the power by manipulating the minds of people, using physical torture, creating fear, and using classism. Power can be used for terrible things and Orwell uses specific examples of how this can happen in 1984.
Quotes
"Winston kept his back turned to the telescreen. It was safer, though, as he well knew, even a back can be revealing." (1.1.6) This quote is a specific example of how the party gained their power. Winston had no privacy from the party and the party created fear in him by making him think they could catch his unloyalty to the party no matter what.
"But always- do not forget this, Winston- always there will be the intoxication of power, constantly increasing and constantly growing subtler. Always, at every moment, there will be the thrill of victory, the sensation of trampling on an enemy who is helpless. If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face- forever." (3.3.34, O'Brien) This passage explains that the party only wants to maintain power over resistance and for no other reason. They want power because the thrill of winning against the people for eternity.
Power struggles today in the media April 29, 2013
North Korea is holding American Kenneth Bae hostage for what they say, trying to overthrow the government. The U.S. has called for an immediate release of Kenneth on humanitarian grounds due to North Korea's announcement that he will be tried in court that could carry to the death penalty. This subject in the media is of great relation to the same system that the party runs in 1984. The party led Winston to physical torture for thinking of revolting against the party just as North Korea may possibly send Kenneth to his death. North Korea is an example of where power has become a problem because there is no good cause they are using it for other than to suppress and control its people.