Totalitarian Government In George Orwell's 1984

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George Orwell’s 1984 cautioned its readers about the dangers of a totalitarian government, using the country and inhabitants of Oceania to set forth an example. The audience is exposed to contrasting views of the Party through Winston’s narrative and dialogue, allowing for various conclusions to be drawn. It is likely readers from the capitalist United States and authoritarian North Korea would interpret 1984 differently due to conflicting opinions of dictatorship, methods used to control the population, and the necessity of war. Americans would view the Inner Party of Oceania as oppressive and against basic human rights, while middle-class North Koreans would appreciate absolute control by a powerful leader. Members of the Outer Party do not see Big Brother as overbearing, but rather find his presence similar to that of a deity. This is exemplified by a woman during Two Minutes Hate, who flung herself towards Big Brother in servitude. Orwell states, “With a tremendous murmur that sounded like ‘My Savior!’ she extended her arms toward the screen… she was uttering a prayer” (16). This shows he is portrayed with the qualities of a god: faultless, wise, and omnipotent. A middle-class North Korean may not see this depiction of a leader as abnormal because their current leader is viewed similarly. Kim Jong-un is seen as a benevolent leader responsible for all well-being, regardless of any personal involvement. A citizen of North Korea, Jong Hui, gave the dictator credit for a mini-golf course, saying it was “‘Thanks to the warm love of the ‘Respected General’”. Hui went further to say, “‘I have…show more content…
Their opinions would differ on the subjects of leadership, how the population is controlled, and if war is essential. Despite these differences, 1984 can still be appreciated by both audiences due to its unique twist on a negative

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