Freedom and Security in 1984 and the Handmaid's Tale

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“Although humans claim to desire freedom above all else, many prefer security.” In the light of this statement discuss two or three works you have studied, showing the ways in which they have presented attitudes to freedom and/ or security. Freedom and security is two terms that contradict one another, unless one wants to be secured, security almost sounds like imprisonment. In reality some may prefer security for they feel safe within the protection of the state, while others feel encapsulated by the security provided to them. It all depends on ones perspective on freedom, this theme of freedom and security is adopted in many great novels. The novel 1984 by George Orwell and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood both discuss the conflict within the balance of freedom and security in their respective dystopian society. In the realm of Big Brother, the slogan that is propagated to citizens clearly defies the principles of Airstrip One. “Freedom is slavery” as it is presented oxymoronically. The civilians are given freedom under the price of slavery. The Old Soviet concept that Airstrip One abide to makes all the decisions for its civilians, leaving people with freedom to not have to choose. This resulted in constant scrutiny where even thoughts are monitored by the thought police. While some, those who over rely on authority, may find it gratifying of its presence for it will ensure them to not go astray from the party, others see the true purpose behind this act. As Winston said “thoughtcime does not entail death: thoughtcrime IS death”, it is evident that he sees the limitation possessed in this “security”. He wants to rebel to break out of the encapsulation, he wants the freedom TO choose. On the other hand, Mr. Parsons enjoys the presence of the security, he feels protected under the surveillance. The clear contradiction of the two characters opinion is

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