What Are The Similarities Between 1984 And 1984

Examining Ambition and Consequence with Orwell and Shelley The beauty of literature lies in its ability to transcend time with an impact lasting across generations of readers. Even better is when a body of work can mirror humanity’s timeless struggles and triumphs. Readers are confronted with profound examinations of human nature in the pages of these classics. Notably, upon revisiting the literature I read years ago, striking parallels emerged between two specific works. In “1984,” George Orwell preaches the dangers of totalitarianism and the deprecation of individual freedoms in the face of unbridled power. Likewise, Mary Shelley’s haunting reminder in “1984” dissects the consequences that arise from the pursuit of knowledge without ethical
For instance, “1984” unveils the Party’s insatiable hunger for absolute power. One of Orwell’s first depictions in the novel is a daily ritual employed by the Party called the Two Minutes Hate, designed to control and manipulate the emotions of Oceania’s inhabitants at mass. During this event, citizens are exposed to a propaganda video portraying the figurehead of the rival Brotherhood. Orwell describes this film as “so exaggerated and perverse that a child should have been able to see through it, and yet just plausible enough to fill one with an alarmed feeling that other people, less level-headed than oneself, might be taken in by it” (Orwell 12). The purpose of the Two Minutes Hate is to channel the citizen’s loyalty toward the Party, achieved through zealous ritualistic practices that foster a coexisting sense of unity and hatred toward the perceived enemies of the state. Adamant in their pursuit, the Party employs strictly regulated directives that heighten their influence and power. Similarly, “Frankenstein” exposes Victor’s ardent desire to expand the boundaries of scientific discovery by creating
Winston endures physical beatings with various items, coercing him into submission during the reintegration stage of indoctrination. Orwell masterfully conveys the dissonance between the confessions of so-called thoughtcrime, dismissed as mere formalities, and the harsh reality of the torture endured by prisoners (Orwell 240). This reveals a system of brutality deployed as a method of social control. Similarly, Shelley illustrates in “Frankenstein” that Victor is driven to madness following the murders of those closest to him by the monster. Victor orates that while his loved ones were dead, he was alive along with their murderer, and thus to destroy him he must drag out his “weary existence” (Shelley). The monster taunts Victor as he tries to capture the creature, yet it proves futile. Shelley crafts a haunting portrayal of the havoc that wreaked upon Victor’s sanity, demonstrating the repercussions of the creation that spiraled out of his control. This parallel between Winston and Victor’s ordeals showcases both characters grappling with the relentless aftermath of their