George Orwell’s 1984 Compared To Today
| Subject: | 📚 Literature |
| Type: | Compare and Contrast Essay |
| Pages: | 3 |
| Word count: | 825 |
| Topics: | George Orwell's 1984, Communism, ⏳ Social Issues, 📗 Book |
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Table of Contents
Introduction
It is terrifying to indeed suggest that we live in a world like the novel “1984”, where the government monitors everything; it sounds extremely severe to be real, but we already live in such a world. The factual description of a dystopia says that it is an unreal place where things are inappropriate, but the world has turned too much like Orwell’s to refer to that as a dystopia since it has become true. The novel “1984” by George Orwell represents a hyperbolized version of the present, and if we consider it with today, these resemblances are clearly visible: history being rewritten, rationing of meals and resources, prevailing socialism and communism.
Rewriting history in “1984” and in the present
History matters and rewriting it can transform certain things that are currently happening. Winston believes that a lie can turn into the truth if enough people believe it. Winston points out: “and if all others accepted the lie which the Party imposed-if all records told the same tale-then the lie passed into history and became truth” (Orwell 34). Individuals’ views can be swayed by historical events. Winston states that “day by day and almost minute by minute the past was brought up to date”. Therefore, the accuracy of every statement issued by the Party could be supported by documentary proof. It is frightening to consider that something from the past can change our present. That is because humans take actions relying on previous experiences.
Rationing in “1984” and nowadays
Rationing in “1984” used to be an ordinary thing. Everyone was aware of what it signified and how it affected them. Society had to accept it because they received no other option: “bad news coming, thought Winston. And sure enough, following on a gory description of the annihilation of a Eurasian army, with stupendous figures of killed and prisoners came the announcement that, as from next week, the chocolate ration would be reduced from thirty grams to twenty”. It seems impossible to some that the realistic world could discover itself in such circumstances. However, it can indeed become a reality. This situation is vulnerable to get into if people do not begin to consider how many things they have for granted.
Not many people reflect on the resources that are used by humanity on a daily basis. Meals, water and electricity are some of the most essential, and some people use them carefree without giving it a second thought. Rationing of resources is a global concern. Conceivably not all people should care about it. Nevertheless, some places keep an eye on how much they consume.
Socialism and communism in “1984” and today
Socialism is identified as a political and economic social organization theory that holds that the tools of producing, sharing and exchanging should be owned or managed by the collective. This type of society is portrayed in “1984” through the language and image of Big Brother. Winston states, “the sacred principles of Ingsoc: Newspeak, doublethink, the mutability of the past. He felt as though he were wandering in the forests of the sea bottom, lost in a monstrous world where he himself was the monster”. Socialism nowadays expresses itself in various ways. These are not as large-scale as a diverse language or a contemporary leader of a state. When a factory provides all the workers with the same salary, or the employees decide on a resolution, that’s socialism. Socialism can also exist on a more substantial level, for example, in Cuba, where the economy is managed by the government.
As for communism, it is a political theory developed by Karl Marx, which stands for class warfare and results in a system in which all wealth is socially held, and everyone is employed and waged depending on their skills and necessities. This type of society is demonstrated in “1984” through the work of people. O’Brien notes, “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”. Communism is of course present in the realistic world: countries like Cambodia and Ethiopia were once communist. Communism represents a system of government, therefore, there are no small instances here.
Conclusion
However, for all these commonalities, there are many more distinctions. The resemblances are also not so drastic. Although we have transformed history, but not on such a major scope. Rationing of products and power is not so essential. Socialism and communism are not so overbearing. We are free to have feelings. We can entertain ourselves. And we possess the freedom to achieve, express and behave as we choose.
Such things may sound unbelievable that they occur in today’s world, but the fact is that they take place all the time. “1984” represents an overblown idea of a world where history has been wiped out, rationing of food and energy, socialism and communism reign, and it is part of the modern day.
Offered for reference purposes only.