The Dehumanization Of Society In 1984 And Brave New World

“Until they become conscious they will never rebel, and until after they have rebelled they cannot become conscious” (41). 1984 and Brave New World were written by men who encountered much of the violence and hardships of the twentieth century. Disturbed by the society presented to them both authors created compelling stories in an attempt to warn the world of futuristic societal possibilities. Huxley generates the World State a well kept society in which everyone is carefree and the production of goods are vital to keep everything balanced and under control. John the Savage, an outsider introduced to the civilized society is incapable of adapting to their manipulations and takes a tragic end. On the other hand, in 1984 Orwell presents a society where the people live in poor conditions and constant war. The Party keeps a very close watch on those members of society who are deemed capable of disrupting it. Winston Smith, the novel’s protagonist is depicted with similar issues yet in the end becomes subservient to the Party. In both stories, the heroes feel that there must be more than State-constructed reality.

In the novels Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and 1984 by George Orwell both authors evaluate societal totalitarian methods through the tragic hero’s Winston Smith and John the Savage to present the dehumanization of individuals ultimately leading to their defeat and inability to change the civilization in which they find themselves.