Paper : 107 - The Twentieth Century Literature: From World War II to the End of the Century

• Totalitarianism and the Erosion of Truth: The   Role of Language and Surveillance in          Orwell's '1984'

• Assignment Details:

Paper : 107 - The Twentieth Century Literature: From World War II to the End of the Century (22400)

Topic : Totalitarianism and the Erosion of Truth: The Role of Language and Surveillance in Orwell's 1984

Submitted to - Smt. S.B.Gardi Department of English M.K.B.U.

Date of Submission: 

• Personal Information:

Name: Nikita Vala 

Batch: M.A. Sem - 2 (2024-2026)

Enrollment Number: 5108240038

Roll No: 17

• Table of contents

Assignment Details 

Abstract

Key Words

Introduction

Totalitarianism in 1984

The Role of Language: Newspeak and Thought Control

Surveillance and Its Psychological Impact

Orwell's Warning and Modern Relevance

Conclusion

References

• Totalitarianism and the Erosion of Truth: The Role of Language and Surveillance in Orwell's 1984

                                      

•  Abstract

George Orwell’s 1984 is a powerful dystopian novel that serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarianism, the manipulation of language, and the pervasive role of surveillance in controlling society. This paper explores how Orwell portrays a world where truth is distorted, language is weaponized, and surveillance ensures absolute obedience. The Party's control over reality through Newspeak, Doublethink, and perpetual monitoring by Big Brother highlights the devastating consequences of authoritarian rule. By analyzing Orwell’s work through critical perspectives, including Michel Foucault’s theories on surveillance and Bernard Crick’s insights on political language, this paper argues that 1984 remains a relevant warning against modern-day threats to freedom and truth.

• Keywords

Totalitarianism, Orwell, 1984, Newspeak, Doublethink, Surveillance, Big Brother, Thought Control, Political Manipulation, Dystopia

• Introduction

George Orwell’s 1984 is one of the most influential dystopian novels ever written, offering a chilling vision of a future ruled by an oppressive, all-controlling government. Published in 1949, the novel presents a world where truth is rewritten, language is engineered to limit free thought, and individuals are under constant surveillance. The protagonist, Winston Smith, struggles against a regime that dictates not only actions but also thoughts, demonstrating the horrifying extent to which a totalitarian government can dominate its people.

This assignment aims to explore three central themes in 1984: totalitarianism, the manipulation of language, and the role of surveillance. Orwell’s novel serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked political power, showing how regimes can maintain control through the suppression of truth and freedom. The Party’s use of Newspeak, a language designed to eliminate independent thinking, highlights how language can be a tool of oppression. Similarly, the concept of Doublethink—holding contradictory beliefs simultaneously—reveals how reality can be distorted to serve the ruling power. Furthermore, the novel’s depiction of an omnipresent surveillance state, where citizens are monitored through telescreens and informants, reflects Orwell’s fears about the loss of personal freedom.

To analyze these themes, this paper will reference critical perspectives from scholars such as Bernard Crick, who discusses the role of language in politics, and Michel Foucault, whose theories on surveillance provide a framework for understanding Orwell’s portrayal of constant monitoring. Additionally, Irving Howe’s insights on 1984 as a cautionary tale will be considered. By examining these perspectives, this paper will argue that Orwell’s novel remains profoundly relevant in today’s world, where issues of misinformation, government surveillance, and political propaganda continue to threaten democratic societies.

1) Totalitarianism in 1984

Orwell’s Depiction of a Totalitarian Regime

In 1984, George Orwell portrays a society under absolute authoritarian rule, where the Party seeks to control every aspect of life. The government manipulates reality, history, and even language to maintain its dominance, creating an environment where individual freedom is nonexistent. The Party's primary aim is to ensure that citizens are incapable of rebellious thoughts, achieved through continuous propaganda and psychological manipulation.

Big Brother and the Party’s Methods of Maintaining Control

Central to the Party's control is the figure of Big Brother, a symbolic leader who represents the Party's surveillance and authority. Slogans like "Big Brother is watching you" serve as constant reminders of the omnipresent surveillance, instilling fear and compliance among citizens. The Party employs various methods to maintain control:

Surveillance: Telescreens and hidden microphones monitor citizens' every move, ensuring that dissent is detected and eradicated promptly.

Propaganda: The Party disseminates false information to shape public perception and eliminate any alternative viewpoints.

Historical Revisionism: Past records are continually altered to align with the Party's current narrative, making it impossible for citizens to verify the truth.

Orwell’s Warning Against Authoritarianism

Orwell's depiction of this dystopian society serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked political power. By illustrating a world where truth is malleable and individuality is suppressed, Orwell warns readers of the potential consequences of authoritarian regimes. His work emphasizes the importance of vigilance in preserving democratic values and protecting against the erosion of truth and freedom.

2  The Role of Language: Newspeak and Thought Control

Purpose of Newspeak in Limiting Free Thought

Newspeak, the official language of Oceania, is designed to constrict the range of thought by diminishing the complexity of language. By eliminating words associated with rebellion or unorthodox ideas, the Party aims to make dissent not only inexpressible but even unthinkable. As the vocabulary shrinks, so does the capacity for critical thinking, effectively preventing any challenge to the Party's authority. 

Concepts Like Doublethink and the Manipulation of Truth

Doublethink is the practice of holding two contradictory beliefs simultaneously and accepting both as true. This concept is central to the Party's strategy of reality control, allowing citizens to accept falsehoods without question. By manipulating truth and promoting doublethink, the Party ensures that individuals are unable to trust their own perceptions, rendering them more susceptible to control. 

Language as a Tool for Political Domination

The simplification and alteration of language through Newspeak serve as powerful tools for political domination. By controlling language, the Party controls the way people think, effectively suppressing any potential for rebellion. This linguistic manipulation ensures that the populace remains docile and obedient, as they lack the words—and therefore the thoughts—to challenge the status quo.

 3. Surveillance and Its Psychological Impact

Constant Surveillance through Telescreens, Spies, and Informants

In George Orwell's 1984, the Party employs pervasive surveillance methods to maintain control over the populace. Telescreens, installed in every home and public space, serve as both transmitters and receivers, broadcasting propaganda while monitoring citizens' actions and speech. Hidden microphones and the omnipresent Thought Police further ensure that individuals are under constant observation, fostering a climate of fear and conformity. 

Comparison with Michel Foucault’s Panopticon Theory

Michel Foucault's concept of the Panopticon—a design for a circular prison where inmates are constantly visible to a central guard—parallels the surveillance state depicted in 1984. Both models create a sense of perpetual visibility, leading individuals to internalize the watchful eye of authority, thereby regulating their own behavior. This self-regulation is a powerful tool for social control, as it minimizes the need for overt enforcement.

Psychological Effects of Surveillance on Individual Freedom

The relentless surveillance in 1984 induces paranoia among citizens, compelling them to conform to Party expectations to avoid punishment. This environment erodes personal autonomy and suppresses dissenting thoughts, as individuals are aware that any deviation from prescribed norms could be detected and severely punished. The result is a society where genuine individuality is stifled, and freedom is an illusion. 

4. Orwell's Warning and Modern Relevance

Parallels between 1984 and Contemporary Society

Orwell's 1984 serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of unchecked governmental power, mass surveillance, and the manipulation of truth. In today's world, the proliferation of surveillance technologies and data collection practices by both state and private entities echo the novel's themes, raising concerns about privacy and individual freedoms. 

Government Surveillance, Misinformation, and the Control of Information Today

Contemporary issues such as widespread surveillance programs, the spread of misinformation, and efforts to control or censor information reflect the mechanisms of control depicted in 1984. The use of technology to monitor citizens, the dissemination of "alternative facts," and the suppression of dissenting voices are modern manifestations of the novel's warnings.

The Lasting Impact of Orwell’s Warning

Orwell's insights remain profoundly relevant, reminding us of the importance of vigilance in protecting democratic principles and individual liberties. His work encourages critical examination of power structures and advocates for transparency and accountability to prevent the erosion of truth and freedom.

Conclusion

George Orwell’s 1984 remains one of the most significant and chilling portrayals of totalitarian control, demonstrating how absolute power can manipulate truth, language, and surveillance to suppress individual freedoms. Through the Party’s use of Newspeak, Doublethink, and historical revisionism, Orwell highlights how language can be a tool for thought control, shaping reality to suit the ruling regime’s agenda. Similarly, the constant surveillance imposed by telescreens, spies, and the Thought Police enforces conformity through fear, creating a society where independent thought is virtually impossible.

By drawing parallels between Orwell’s dystopian vision and modern realities—such as mass government surveillance, misinformation campaigns, and media manipulation—it is evident that the warnings in 1984 are more relevant today than ever. Concepts like Foucault’s Panopticon theory reinforce how surveillance not only enforces control but also alters human psychology, making individuals regulate their own behavior even when they are unsure if they are being watched.

Ultimately, Orwell’s novel serves as a timeless cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked political power, urging societies to remain vigilant against oppressive structures that seek to distort truth and limit personal freedom. As technology and authoritarian tendencies continue to evolve, the lessons from 1984 remind us that safeguarding truth, freedom of thought, and privacy is an ongoing struggle—one that demands constant awareness and resistance.

References : 

Courtine, Jean-Jacques, and Laura Willett. “A Brave New Language: Orwell’s Invention of ‘Newspeak’ in 1984.” SubStance, vol. 15, no. 2, 1986, pp. 69–74. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3684756. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Enteen, George M. “GEORGE ORWELL AND THE THEORY OF TOTALITARIANISM: A 1984 RETROSPECTIVE.” The Journal of General Education, vol. 36, no. 3, 1984, pp. 206–15. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27797000. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Paden, Roger. “Surveillance and Torture: Foucault and Orwell on the Methods of Discipline.” Social Theory and Practice, vol. 10, no. 3, 1984, pp. 261–71. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23556565. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.