Sculpting an Ordinary Man- 1984 by George Orwell

“war is peace freedom is slavery ignorance is strength”

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Doesn’t seem to make sense, right? That is the reason I chose to do a review of this book. 1984 explores ideas that aren’t usually explored or discussed. It gives readers an overview of how society is capable of changing every single thing that makes humans including the one thing that I thought can never be controlled, thoughts. The quote above refers to an idea called “double-think” in the book. The phrases are absolutely contradictory, but the government somehow got the people of Oceania (a town that is controlled by totalitarianism) to believe in them. It shows to what extent humans can be influenced by their government, surroundings, leaders, teachers, or society as a whole.

Written in the late 1940s, this book follows the life of Winston, a 39-year-old man who has a huge imagination and rebels against his countries’ totalitarianist government. This type of government controls all aspects of citizens’ lives and watches them at all times for power. Citizens are not allowed to love, they can only associate with certain people, history books are removed, propaganda is constantly being portrayed, and cameras are placed in every house. All emotions that people experience must solely relate to the “party”, which is the government ruling over the city.

Winston represses his rebellion for a long time; once the rebellion can no longer be

contained, his thoughts erupt into a diary. Winston expresses his disdain for the party, which later turns the book into a weapon used against him to completely brainwash him. Later in the book, Winston falls in love with Julia and they decide to create a movement against the government. Eventually, they get caught and taken for “re-education” where most of the story unravels.

Here, Winston’s clothes are stripped away, and he sees his emaciated body. Winston’s character changes dramatically; the party takes away everything including his beliefs, values, and individuality. He once thought that the proles will overtake the party, he will never stop loving Julia, and that the party’s doctrines are false; however, he lost that through the party’s psychological and physical control. Through torture, Winston loses what once made him human. Segments of his diversity wheel (John Hopkins University- shown in the photo above) slowly crumble into pieces. When individuality and thoughts are abolished there is no longer any diversity between humans, and they cannot come together to teach one another since they all think in the same manner. This part of the book made me realize that society can greatly alter how one lives their life especially if it is enforcing specific standards at a young age. That is why for example, kindergarten teachers can have the greatest influence on someone’s life. I have had personal experience with this. In Syria, my kindergarten teacher was a feminist and constantly empowered girls and gave us many opportunities to present in front of our peers. This is why even until today, I find it very easy to present to a big audience with confidence!

In one part of the book, Winston approaches a mirror. He refers to what he sees as “a creature” and does not want to believe that he has transformed so dramatically. He wants to hold onto who he used to be and does not want to be a “skeleton-like” creature with no individuality or thoughts. Winston’s body is in decay “his body [is] grey all over with ancient, ingrained dirt …and hair is coming out in handfuls”. This represents the decay of humanity. Winston represents the last man standing, since he is brought into such a state, humanity will never be able to change. Society will always control many of our thoughts; however, when we express ourselves through the arts and learn from our differences that is when we can maintain individuality and continue to grow our imagination.

During his torture, we begin to see Winston as the last man standing. O’Brien, the man who tortures, explains to Winston that if he is human, then his emaciated body, “that is humanity”. O’Brien wants Winston to understand that it is better to be part of a bigger group, part of the party as a whole. Here, the theme of anti-diversity is portrayed. O’Brien portrays individuals who are all the same as being better than people with differences. This is seen in many other movies and books such as in The Greatest Showman, where in the beginning the people who look different are at first isolated from society and are unsuccessful. O’Brien also contrasts his own face with Winston’s face to show him that those who are part of the bigger group have better lives. He wants to lure him into joining the party with the idea that he will be happier.

Overall, I really liked how this book does not only contain one meaning. It is meant to be subjective to the reader. I saw it as a call for help… To encourage individuals to be themselves and express themselves because a world where we cannot do that can be quite frightening. Schools, especially in younger grades must create more opportunities for kids to illustrate their ideas and teach their peers. This can be done in many ways, kids can be encouraged to write diaries, songs, poetry, or simply draw their ideas. That way, Oceania will be destroyed, and people will not be sculpted by society.

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Source

Dean, M., & Orwell, G. (2008). 1984. London: Pearson Education.