1984 By George Orwell

At what point do we surrender our freedom to read? One of the most controversial issues currently seen in legions of secondary educative institutions throughout the United States is the matter over banning “inappropriate” novels. Such an example is the dystopian narrative 1984 by George Orwell. It has been challenged for a plethora of rationales, many of which condemn the novel for “…being Communistic, containing sex references, and being depressing.” (Davis 1) These accusations are simply absurd. While 1984 does include some slightly inappropriate references and provokes some controversial thoughts, it contains very intricate literary techniques and lessons that students around the country will be able to benefit from as aspiring English scholars;
1984 should undoubtedly be read and taught as part of the curriculum. 1984’s depiction of a modern Totalitarian society allows the reader to observe how complete manipulation of modern-day technology and propaganda by the government could result in catastrophic consequences; this portrayal serves as an outstanding reference for the limitations that every political administration should have.
Throughout the novel, the fictional nation of Oceania uses a variety of relentless tactics to influence its’ citizens ways of thinking. The most apparent approach is the implantation of posters of “Big Brother” – the figurehead of the ruling Inner Party – in almost every public sector with the ominous slogan, “BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU,” to remind inhabitants everywhere that they were constantly under surveillance. (Orwell 3) Yet another extremity was the placement of Telescreens, two-way TV like instruments that were used by the Inner Party to continue the distribution of propaganda and to further spy on citizens through sound, in almost every room and main corridor. They were used every minute of every hour of every day, and could only “…be dimmed…there was no way of shutting [them] off completely.” (Orwell 4) This allowed the Thought Police, a task force specifically designated to work against those who dared to question the Inner Party, to “…observe all citizens to see that they are responding in a desirable manner-hating enemies and loving BIG BROTHER.” (Davis 2) These fictitious examples of a futuristic, crooked society serve as prominent examples
as to why governments should be limited, or else the result can be a living nightmare where individuals are no longer allowed to think for themselves. Orwell also incorporates various literary devices into 1984 that can be analyzed by students to observe the true lessons that he has hidden in his marvelous work of literature.
The most apparent and reoccurring literary technique is the allusion to figures of history that were highly influential at the time of the novel’s composition. The iconic Big Brother of the novel is often regarded by literary analysts as the infamous Joseph Stalin, as they both used extreme tactics to control their respective countries. Take for example the Ministry of Truth, which rewrites history to depict Oceania as an outstanding country with a rich past, just as Stalin did when he needed to portray himself in a good view when he was actually abusing his power in Communist Russia. Another literary element is the oxymoron in the motto “WAR IS PEACE, FREEDOM IS SLAVERY, IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.” (Orwell 6) By WAR IS PEACE, Orwell means that by keeping the country at constant war, peace is achieved among the people of Oceania. By FREEDOM IS SLAVERY, he means that if people were allowed to be free, they will soon see that freedom is actually a way to become enslaved to one’s weaknesses and senses. By IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH, he means that an easily manipulated populace is easy for the government to use for strengthening itself. These are just two of the countless literary devices that show how 1984 provides secondary students with an outstanding display of literary techniques that they can analyze for
academic betterment and can use for their own writing. While 1984 does depict a fictitious world in a seemingly Communistic government, it in no way whatsoever provokes pro-Communistic ideas into the mind of the reader. The novel is simply written to show how the improper manipulation of government can lead to a modern-day dystopia where citizens no longer have control over their own lives. 1984 does include some graphic material, but in today’s society where sexual activities, violence, and verbal profanities are accepted in television and movies for young adults, the same should be allowed for books that are being read by typical high school students. The idea of limiting our rights for a novel that isn’t nearly as profane as other forms of modern entertainment is absolutely absurd; this will only put us one step closer to becoming a modern-day Oceania. 1984 is an absolute necessity to the curriculum of high school students across the nation. Without it, we are simply blind like those who have learned to love Big Brother. Are we to succumb to the limitations of our government, or are we to live freely like George Orwell intended when he wrote this influential novel?