1984 Essay

When reading of oppression far worse than Nazi Germany or Communist Russia in George Orwell's 1984 it is a challenge to pick, which is worse: mind slavery with luxuries or severe oppression? There are two classes of people in the novel, the proles and the party members. The party members are upper class and have more privileges while the proles have the lowly jobs and meager conditions. I personally would choose to be a prole if faced with a decision. Firstly, I would choose this because they are not under constantly under the looking glass like the party members. The members of the party are surrounded day and night by telescreens. "The telescreen received an transmitted simultaneously. Any sound that Winston made, above the level of a very low whisper, would be picked up by it...he could be see as well as heard," (Orwell, 6). This supervision at all times of the day was inescapable except for dangerous trips to prole neighborhoods. Even when out in the country, "There was no telescreen, but there must be hidden microphones," (239). I do not feel that I could tolerate such totalitarian treatment. Furthermore, I would rather be a prole because they are allowed to have relationships and feelings for people. The party members are brainwashed from having feelings for each other. If a true romantic affair was ever discovered both people would suffer deadly consequences. Such is the case for the main character Winston. Sex and reproduction is allowed, but the women are not allowed to enjoy it. Also, the offspring are discouraged from growing close to their parents. They are told to sell out their parents if they are suspicious even of any miss deed or thoughtcrime. "With those children, he thought...they would be watching her night and day for symptoms of unorthodoxy," (24). It appears to be quite common actually for children to betray their parents in 1984. I under no circumstances could tolerate constant supervision and not have relationships.

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