To what extent are D-503 and Winston cowardly in the face of repression
To what extent are Winston and D503 cowardly as they face repression in their dystopian world?
In 1921 Yevgeny Zamyatin wrote the world’s first dystopian science fiction novel- WE. It would prove to be a lasting and universal novel that dissected the relatively fresh Revolution. Twenty-eight years later another dystopian novel appeared, this time written by the English writer George Orwell. 1984 would prove to be the more famous of the two, providing new vocabulary to a world reeling from the Second World War and terrified of the looming “Red Threat.” Both novels paint a dark picture of a world oppressed by state machinations and re-created to suit a ruling elite. We almost certainly informed Orwell’s approach to writing his novel, and similarities can be seen in the way the authors develop their characters in terms of repression imposed by the state. However differences are apparent, most notably in the tone of the novels. Zamyatin’s book holds a more hopeful tone; it ascribes revolution a place in totalitarian society, and gives hope for freedom outside the Green Wall. Conversely, Orwell seems convinced that revolution within the confines of a totalitarian state is not only impossible, but in the end simply another machination of the state. Both novels use the idea of the 'all powerful' state to create situations which develop the characters and reflect their changing attitudes and personalities. In this paper I will be analysing how the narrative techniques and writing styles of both Zamyatin and Orwell can affect the readers perception of the characters as either cowardly or heroic in the context of state repression.
Setting is key in both novels to establishing the tone , while creating and changing the readers perception of D-503 and Winston. A detailed description of surroundings can reflect the mood and state of mind of the character , creating both sympathy and anger from the reader towards them. The introductions to both novels are in stark
In 1921 Yevgeny Zamyatin wrote the world’s first dystopian science fiction novel- WE. It would prove to be a lasting and universal novel that dissected the relatively fresh Revolution. Twenty-eight years later another dystopian novel appeared, this time written by the English writer George Orwell. 1984 would prove to be the more famous of the two, providing new vocabulary to a world reeling from the Second World War and terrified of the looming “Red Threat.” Both novels paint a dark picture of a world oppressed by state machinations and re-created to suit a ruling elite. We almost certainly informed Orwell’s approach to writing his novel, and similarities can be seen in the way the authors develop their characters in terms of repression imposed by the state. However differences are apparent, most notably in the tone of the novels. Zamyatin’s book holds a more hopeful tone; it ascribes revolution a place in totalitarian society, and gives hope for freedom outside the Green Wall. Conversely, Orwell seems convinced that revolution within the confines of a totalitarian state is not only impossible, but in the end simply another machination of the state. Both novels use the idea of the 'all powerful' state to create situations which develop the characters and reflect their changing attitudes and personalities. In this paper I will be analysing how the narrative techniques and writing styles of both Zamyatin and Orwell can affect the readers perception of the characters as either cowardly or heroic in the context of state repression.
Setting is key in both novels to establishing the tone , while creating and changing the readers perception of D-503 and Winston. A detailed description of surroundings can reflect the mood and state of mind of the character , creating both sympathy and anger from the reader towards them. The introductions to both novels are in stark