1984 vs. Fahrenheit 451

1984 vs. Fahrenheit 451 “Do you begin to see, then what kind of world we are creating? It is the exact opposite of the stupid hedonistic Utopias…” (Orwell 267). 1984 and Fahrenheit 451 are both dystopias, although in each society, the government tells the citizens that it is a utopia. A dystopia is, “An imaginary place or state in which the condition of life is extremely bad, as from deprivation, oppression or terror” (“dystopia”). On the other hand, a utopia is described as, “An ideally perfect place, especially in its social, political, and moral aspects” (“utopia”). There are many similarities between the society in 1984 and the society in Fahrenheit 451, as well as many differences. The most obvious characteristics of a dystopian society are the restriction of information and history, independent thought, and freedom (Wright). In 1984, information is restricted because whenever something doesn’t go the Party’s way, they just change the facts. Winston’s job is to edit people and events from history. He explains to Julia how frustrated he is: Already we know all most literally nothing about the Revolution and the years before the Revolution. Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book has been rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street and building has been renamed, every date has been altered…After the thing is done, no evidence ever remains. The only evidence is inside my own mind. (Orwell 155)
The society of 1984 could never be very successful because history is a key factor in running a country. When one studies history, they learn not do make the same mistakes as others have made. If one does not know the mistakes previously made, then they will continue to make the same mistakes and make no progress. An example of how the Party changes facts is when Winston is given the assignment to replace a man named Withers from all documents. Withers had some how disgraced the Party and the Party didn’t want