A Reflection of 1984

[Jackmerius]

As a whole, I think that the book is quite confusing and pretty hard to wrap your mind around if you're a high school student. But if you take the book into smaller pieces, it becomes more evident that Orwell is spot on with some of his predictions. Obviously the concept of a society always being under surveillance is surely seen in the present day. Our own school is littered with camera's at every corner. I think that Orwell's description of the use of telescreens is a bit stretched from anything we will ever see, but I believe that the idea of it is real. Whether or not we actually have the screens in our house, we are still being monitored on cell phones/computers, etc. Someone could've been watching me type this for all I know, and I think that's one of the ideas Orwell is trying to warn us about.

[iamnotbob]

One of the scariest predictions in George Orwell's 1984, is the degree at which the government feel it needs to control people. the constantly brought up 'telescreens' are used to spy on the people, as well as the thought police, who are also used by the government to spy on and control the people. The intimidation factor, exhibited by the unknown, "who are the thought police", "are they watching me" will I survive the day, the night", "do they think I against big brother". All of these questions are circulating through the heads of the people, putting them in a constant state of fear, further allowing the government to control them. Fear of torture and punishment for misdeeds are also ways of the government to rule by fear. This concept of fear, as previously stated, is laced throughout the novel, and I believe Orwell's message is to not be afraid, know your rights, do not allow yourself to be lied to. To some degree, Orwell's predictions were correct, we see cameras everywhere, security, violation of rights, undermining of natural right, and rule by fear. Orwell's message has not been perceived properly in some parts of the world. people must no allow such violations to continue. We need to prove ourselves wrong and fight power, question rulers, and exile fear. People must live free.