In George Orwell's book "1984" Big Brother is a fictional character or symbol throughout the book showing complete dictatorship. "BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU" is often quoted. It seems that "big brother" has the abuse of government power. He symbolizes reassurance for most people but in fact the face of big brother is an open threat “one cannot escape his gaze.” 1984 is trying to show that a totaltarian government is dangerous to you. Throughout the book, Orwell gives you the perfect totalitarian society of what life would be like and the most extreme realization of a modern-day government with absolute power. Orwell is trying to show that it was very possible that the happenings in this book would become a reality. That big brother would be watching you. For example, your government(known as big brother) would watch your every move. Sadly to say, this is becoming a reality. In today's society, it is not this harsh. Although, the government still tracks our whereabouts, phone calls, and other personal information. It is a scary reality of what the world is coming to today. Orwell also goes to great lengths to show you how terrifying and controlling big brother could get. Big Brother is the face of the Party, the leader behind the great power in this society. The best part is that they never come to confirm his actual existence yet. Is he real? Maybe the Party just hired an intimidating looking male to make those posters portraying big brother. Big Brother serves as a God-like figure to the citizens of Oceania. He is a symbol of power and is seen as a knowing figure gazing into the lives of every citizen's life around. Everyone is expected to be loyal to him and follow his commands of control.
Working, eating, drinking, sleeping, talking, thinking, that all are controlled by the state. Any hint of obedience or dislike can be detected by many such as the Thought Police, telescreen, or even your children who will not hesitate to betray you to the authorities. Even language is modified in such ways that you cannot express yourself. Everyone seems to be afraid of big brother considering if you are caught betraying him, you aren't to be found again. No one knows what actually happens, but you no longer come back. There is no real truth in Oceania. The "truth" is what the state says it is. Black is white and 2+2=5, if the state says so. Winston, the protagonist and main character does not fall within this belief of this being the world. He experiences multiple thoughts that could cost him his life and he feels alone in his reason of thinking. He even goes as far as dangerously buying a diary from a shop and starts recording his different opinions and thoughts. This could cost Winston his life, but he doesn't seem to care as he is so confused on how "big brother" works. The novel focuses a lot on how many freedoms we take for granted have been removed, and this is a terrifying thought.
How does 1984 make you realize that we should not take our freedom for granted? Do you think there will ever become a point where "big brother is watching you?"
I definitely think today that "Big Brother" or our government is watching us. Today we have the technology and cameras for this kind of watch. Knowing that they are watching seems scary but that is how they run. They use false and twisted information to make us believe is it real.
ReplyDeleteI think in the far future we may have a figure such as "big brother'. We already have people watching all our moves on the internet and tracking who we talk too. I take my freedom for granted all the time. In 1984, it's unusual to even have friends, so when ever I talk to someone and don't have to make sure my face gives nothing away, I will be grateful.
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