A ‘1984’ George Orwell Essay about Corruption

Actually written in 1949, the novel “1984” had great resonance in the post-WWII world. The living standards in the novel were similar to totalitarianism in the USSR and Nazi Germany during Hitler’s governing. It was a terrible time, and George Orwell showed his readers once again what the world would be if everyone followed the cult of personality.

In the “1984” critical analysis essay sample, payforwriting shows students how they can create thesis statements based on the book’s plot. To get more information and samples on literature, visit our service and learn how to read fiction literature between lines.

The Corruption in the Book 1984 by George Orwell

George Orwell published the dystopian novel in 1949 titled 1984. The story is about Winston Smith, a member of a powerful party reigning in London, Oceania. Although a member of the ruling Party, he hates their rules and beliefs. Here, we can see how an organization having the power of control can corrupt its people and vanquish all who oppose it.

The Party also changes the native language to a new one called Newspeak, which removes all words that are related to the plotting of a rebellion against it. Its words include doublethink, “which is reflected in the Party’s slogans: War is peace, Freedom is slavery, and Ignorance is strength” (Lowne). It is a form of manipulation in which people would be held liable if they express negative opinions against the Party. People do not have the freedom in expressing what they truly feel about the ruling system. These people may or may not be turned against their will. It is even illegal to think of rebellious acts, which is referred to as “thoughtcrimes.” The Party has full control over these people’s speech, actions, and even thoughts.

The protagonist puts effort into trying to hurt the Party. He had hoped that one powerful member, O’Brien, was really a secret member of the Brotherhood, the organization that aspires to destroy the Party. But it turns out O’Brien is a spy of the Party that secretly traps anyone who plans to overthrow it. Winston is tortured again and again until O’Brien succeeds in bending his will. In the end, he is manipulated to commit to the Party and its leader, “Big Brother.”

The novel effectively portrays what a world would look like under total control and manipulation of a dictator that only listens to himself. He disregards the beliefs and aspirations of those he rules. This kind of leadership lacks unity, and followers have to commit acts against their will.

Works Cited

“Detailed Summary of George Orwell Novel Nineteen Eighty-Four.” Overblog, Feb. 2015, http://mensekhar.over-blog.com/article-detailed-summary-of-george-orwell-novel-nineteen-eighty-four-1984-125474620.html. Accessed 16 December 2019.
Lowne, Cathy. “Nineteen Eighty-Four.” Britannica, Nov. 2016, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nineteen-Eighty-four#ref341297. Accessed 16 December 2019.