Techniques Used To Control Society In The Novel 1984
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Dictators rule with absolute power, through many means unknown to the majority they manipulate and sculpt the people to their own desire. The totalitarian regime of Oceania is no different, except they have almost complete control over their citizens. The techniques they use to control the civilians are both hidden and openly used. The “inner party” has almost completely forced the outer party (the majority of the party) into utter submission, to follow their rules and regulations to the exact. Using these amazing techniques they rule over the citizens of Oceania with and iron fist. In the novel Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell, the Government of Oceania controls the citizens by using fear and propaganda.
One of the most effective ways of controlling a society is by manipulating their fears. Fearful societies are the societies that obey their rulers without question. In Oceania the government has refined this technique to near perfection. Oceanias most feared enforcers are the Thought Police. They had a reputation of brutal efficiency; no one could hide once the crime had been committed, “Whether he went on with the diary, or whether he did no go on with it, made no difference. The Thought Police would get him just the same.” (pg. 21, Nineteen Eighty-Four) The government of Oceania had eliminated loyalties, ties and bonds of brother hood and family. Trust was almost and unknown word, everyone feared everyone else. Even family members could not trust each other; they had managed to break the sacred bonds of blood “It was almost normal for people over thirty to be frightened of their own children.” (pg. 26-27) Possibly the most effective way they control their citizens is through the use of telescreens. The telescreens provided the government with constant supervision over the lower class outer party. Telescreens were everywhere, able to pick up motions, sounds and visuals. No matter what “Whichever way you turned, the telescreens faced you.” (pg. 115-116) Fear can force people to do unbearable things, or live unbearable lives.
The less forceful way, but no less effective than the techniques mentioned above were the governments use of propaganda. The government of Oceania used propaganda in so many amazing ways. Their posters of Big Brother along with their slogans caused many people to crumble. The most important of these slogans is “BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU.” (pg. 4) They are trying to relay the message that you are never alone, no matter what you are doing, you will be caught. Again they also use the telescreens to implement their forms of propaganda. The two minutes of hate became a frenzy where “People were leaping up and down in their places and shouting at the tops of their voices” (pg. 16) They are inspiring loyalty to the party, making it so their enemies are evil and completely hated and the party