Imagery in George Orwells 1984

714 Words3 Pages
In the novel 1984 George Orwell uses imagery to portray the theme of a grotesque society in which the government is in total control. The citizens in this novel live in a constant fear of making a mistake and being punished by the ever so powerful government. Living in fear is usual in this totalitarian based book because of the amount of power the government holds over its citizens. Tele-screens, Posters and a new dictionary and thought police as well as the images of the filthy living space are all described and depict images in the readers mind to help deliver the theme. A total control government is conveyed in this novel through Orwell’s imagery. For example he depicts the citizens as always being influenced by the government. “On each landing, opposite the lift shaft, the poster with the enormous face (of big brother) gazed from the wall.” Watching you as you gradually progress up the floors. The poster of the citizens leader, big brother, influences the people to do nothing to shame there society. “Big brother is watching you” Plastered throughout the town this quote forces the party to live in fear of never having the privacy to think and do as they wish if it be against the party. “On the wall sat the tele-screen a one way device allowing the government to watch you without you seeing them. The silkscreen inflicted on the privacy of the citizens and was there so the government could better control every ones lives. It was there too hear and see everything the people of the party did and to ensure that they weren’t committing any crimes or planning to rebel against the party. It instilled the idea that the government really is in control, or rather ‘Big Brother’ is in control. Orwell uses imagery to depict big brother to be many things. A godly influence, a Hitler type and essentially a ‘big brother’ to the party members. “Big brother is watching
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