Predictions of the future vary from bountiful paradises to dark and sparse dictatorships. In 1984 Orwell predicted the future would be a totalitarian government who stole all individuality and freedom from its citizens through physical and mental manipulation. The use of technology as a weapon was another way the government could control the population.
Was Orwell correct in his vision of the future? Technology has become a major aspect of many peoples lives. Very easily it could be turned into a way to control the masses, much like in the novel. Technology is also used for propaganda; attempting to convince people that their way is the right one.
Orwells prediction of war becoming a part of everyone's life and seeming normal has not occurred. War is still a tragic and horrible misfortune that most would like to see end. Advances in world peace have also not died; people are still striving across the globe for a better future for all. Democracies are also present throughout the world as well, providing equality for citizens.
People still have the freedom of speech and thought in modern days. Although constant cuts to education are being made we still have a great opportunity to learn of the past and apply history to make a better future. Our government is based on citizen participation to choose leaders to help make our country better. Certain people may be corrupt but the educated ones will keep them at bay.
Monday, September 5, 2011
1984 Answer 4
Without emotions and liberty humanity will cease and people will become mindless animals. Our ability to think and feel is what humanity is and without that we revert back to animalistic instincts. In the type of government that Orwell portrays in 1984 we witness what will happen to the world when a persons individuality and freedoms are taken away.
Throughout the book, Winston rebels against the Party and attempts to keep his individuality. His love affair with Julia is one example of how they both refuse to follow the party and maintain a piece of who they are and the emotions and desires they possess. It also allows the reader to see how the Party truly does destroy every last hope of feelings like love or devotion. When Winston finally cracks and begs the Party to hurt Julia instead of him it shows how the Party has complete control over him and Winston no longer has any sense of who he is.
Being able to make decisions and have feelings is what makes us human. Having the freedom to think and make decisions based on our emotions is what sets us apart from ordinary animals. When you take these elements away we become animalistic. We'd only think of our own basic needs and nothing else; humanity would no longer exist.
Orwell suggests that when restrictions are put in place that prevent us from being human, all of humanity will die. People need and want to be loved and express their emotions and when that disappears we're nothing more than an average animal. We are an advanced species and when you take away our greatest assets we become nothing more than a common mammal; our humanity is gone.
Throughout the book, Winston rebels against the Party and attempts to keep his individuality. His love affair with Julia is one example of how they both refuse to follow the party and maintain a piece of who they are and the emotions and desires they possess. It also allows the reader to see how the Party truly does destroy every last hope of feelings like love or devotion. When Winston finally cracks and begs the Party to hurt Julia instead of him it shows how the Party has complete control over him and Winston no longer has any sense of who he is.
Being able to make decisions and have feelings is what makes us human. Having the freedom to think and make decisions based on our emotions is what sets us apart from ordinary animals. When you take these elements away we become animalistic. We'd only think of our own basic needs and nothing else; humanity would no longer exist.
Orwell suggests that when restrictions are put in place that prevent us from being human, all of humanity will die. People need and want to be loved and express their emotions and when that disappears we're nothing more than an average animal. We are an advanced species and when you take away our greatest assets we become nothing more than a common mammal; our humanity is gone.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
1984 Answer 3
People can learn from the past and apply that information to create a better future. When something goes wrong, we learn from our mistakes and make progress after time. But what if there was no past? One would create the same mistakes over and over again without ever learning because that information was lost to them. Take it one step further; what if you could control the past? People would remember any information that you gave them, instead of what actually happened; essentially creating your own future.
In 1984, the Party controls the past in the present. By destroying any evidence of a past through newspapers, pictures, or books people begin to forget their memories of the past. When memorizes become fuzzy and old the Party then creates their own version of the past that they want citizens to remember. When they have this new past in motion, the party is now able to control the future. With the power and authority the Party contains they are able to control the past, present, and future.
With this new knowledge one can ask, is the past we know actually real? How do we know someone didn't start making lies or telling different versions of a story and that new version became the old one? In order to keep the past true physical evidence is much more reliable then spoken words. Historical reality does exist but the ability to change fact and make it a lie is very possible.
By controlling all elements of information in the past, present, and future you also control in immense amount of power. Through this power you exert authority on an entire nation to do whatever you please; having control over all aspects of peoples lives. To control time, events, and essentially life you have all characteristics of a god and that amount of power in any one mans hands is extremely dangerous.
In 1984, the Party controls the past in the present. By destroying any evidence of a past through newspapers, pictures, or books people begin to forget their memories of the past. When memorizes become fuzzy and old the Party then creates their own version of the past that they want citizens to remember. When they have this new past in motion, the party is now able to control the future. With the power and authority the Party contains they are able to control the past, present, and future.
With this new knowledge one can ask, is the past we know actually real? How do we know someone didn't start making lies or telling different versions of a story and that new version became the old one? In order to keep the past true physical evidence is much more reliable then spoken words. Historical reality does exist but the ability to change fact and make it a lie is very possible.
By controlling all elements of information in the past, present, and future you also control in immense amount of power. Through this power you exert authority on an entire nation to do whatever you please; having control over all aspects of peoples lives. To control time, events, and essentially life you have all characteristics of a god and that amount of power in any one mans hands is extremely dangerous.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
1984 Answer 2
For centuries the "lower classes" have revolted against authority in order to obtain equality and recognition. A majority of the time they have the advantage of size and spirit and can overthrow even the most powerful of people. In Orwell's 1984 the "proles" are Oceania's lower class and the main character, Winston, believes they could one day overthrow Big Brother.
Despite being the lowest ranking citizens in Oceania the proles have essentially more freedom than anyone else. However, they lack the courage, intelligence, and awareness to act on that freedom. They make up over half of the population and if the want for freedom could be realized a successful revolution could happen. If the proles could recognize their advantages they would have a chance at overthrowing Big Brother.
Distraction is the key to controlling the proles throughout the novel. The party begins to distract the proles through fear of being punished and bombarding them with limitless amount of information they should now know. Fear makes the proles weak and vulnerable and once they reach that physical and mental state they infuse them with new facts. The proles are so over come with this intense amount of change they can no longer think for themselves.
Although the proles do not rebel as Winston wishes they are a still a small, meek symbol of hope. They have been brainwashed into these mindless, animal like people but if they could become educated about the past and individual freedoms then they could overthrow the government. If proles, or lower classes, have had successful rebellions in the past then surely there could be one in the future and that is what Winston believes and hopes for. Winston has faith in the proles because they are the last speck of hope in this cruel, dark world.
Despite being the lowest ranking citizens in Oceania the proles have essentially more freedom than anyone else. However, they lack the courage, intelligence, and awareness to act on that freedom. They make up over half of the population and if the want for freedom could be realized a successful revolution could happen. If the proles could recognize their advantages they would have a chance at overthrowing Big Brother.
Distraction is the key to controlling the proles throughout the novel. The party begins to distract the proles through fear of being punished and bombarding them with limitless amount of information they should now know. Fear makes the proles weak and vulnerable and once they reach that physical and mental state they infuse them with new facts. The proles are so over come with this intense amount of change they can no longer think for themselves.
Although the proles do not rebel as Winston wishes they are a still a small, meek symbol of hope. They have been brainwashed into these mindless, animal like people but if they could become educated about the past and individual freedoms then they could overthrow the government. If proles, or lower classes, have had successful rebellions in the past then surely there could be one in the future and that is what Winston believes and hopes for. Winston has faith in the proles because they are the last speck of hope in this cruel, dark world.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
1984 Answer 1
At the time when 1984 was written, totalitarian governments were at their prime in areas such as Russia, Italy, and Germany. Americans were unaware of the terrors and distress caused by a totalitarian government and so Orwell sent out a warning in the form of a novel; 1984. It described how such a way of life could essentially bury any human qualities like individuality, love, and critical thought. America heeded his warning and continued with a democratic government which allowed for individual freedoms.
Throughout the novel Orwell depicts probable outcomes in a totalitarian society in order to warn people of a very real and possible future. This particular government has the ability to control its citizens and take away the fundamental aspects of humanity in many different ways. In the novel propaganda is a key factor for the psychological manipulation that takes place. Numerous posters of Big Brother across the city, announcements on the telescreens non stop every day, and brainwashing children from a young age by forcing them into special camps and organizations. Orwell also predicted the abominable use of pain in order to control people, as shown when Winston is captured and tortured in the Ministry of Love. Technology can also be used in order to control citizens and take away their privacy and natural rights.
Although we are still a democracy and far from any sort of totalitarian government, technology has become a very prominent part of every day life. At a moments notice the government could use these major advancements against the people. Technology has also become a major distraction for people in modern days. With the propaganda through television or the internet people are more concerned with what they're being told instead of figuring out the truth. Much like the novel, technology could be a major weapon in controlling the population.
Throughout the novel Orwell depicts probable outcomes in a totalitarian society in order to warn people of a very real and possible future. This particular government has the ability to control its citizens and take away the fundamental aspects of humanity in many different ways. In the novel propaganda is a key factor for the psychological manipulation that takes place. Numerous posters of Big Brother across the city, announcements on the telescreens non stop every day, and brainwashing children from a young age by forcing them into special camps and organizations. Orwell also predicted the abominable use of pain in order to control people, as shown when Winston is captured and tortured in the Ministry of Love. Technology can also be used in order to control citizens and take away their privacy and natural rights.
Although we are still a democracy and far from any sort of totalitarian government, technology has become a very prominent part of every day life. At a moments notice the government could use these major advancements against the people. Technology has also become a major distraction for people in modern days. With the propaganda through television or the internet people are more concerned with what they're being told instead of figuring out the truth. Much like the novel, technology could be a major weapon in controlling the population.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Frankenstein 5
Yes the creature committed several horrific acts of murder but was it really his fault? Could Frankenstein's coldness towards him been the cause for everything he did? Frankenstein is really the one to blame and label a villain in this story. Throughout the entire novel Frankenstein cared for no one but himself. He put on a front and claimed to be distraught by the deaths of his family members but was he really only worried because it was his fault? The creature deserves pity and Frankenstein should receive none.
If the creature had not been left to struggle on his own by Frankenstein he would not have been the monster he became. Love, kindness, and guidance was all the creature wanted and needed in order to live a life without death and despair. He was denied all of these things simply because of his appearance. Everyone was too quick to judge and it lead to a dark and depressing life for the creature.
However, one could argue that the creature had no self control and acted unreasonably. His anger went out of control before every murder that he committed so it's his fault because he couldn't control himself. Instead of being the bigger man with better morals the creature sunk to the same level as Frankenstein and killed innocent people for revenge. Still the argument always leads back to Frankenstein. If he hadn't abandoned the monster and refused responsibility the monster would have been happy. He wouldn't have felt the need to strike back and gain revenge; causing death and despair for all.
One could even go so far as to blame Frankenstein for all of the murders. If Frankenstein had accepted responsibility for his creation than none of the murders would have occurred. Frankenstein was even given a second chance to repair the damage he caused by creating another creation, but female, in order to comfort the monster. Yet again he refuses and only strengthens the anger and revenge that the monster feels toward him. Every bad action by the monster leads directly back to Frankenstein and his selfish sense of being.
If the creature had not been left to struggle on his own by Frankenstein he would not have been the monster he became. Love, kindness, and guidance was all the creature wanted and needed in order to live a life without death and despair. He was denied all of these things simply because of his appearance. Everyone was too quick to judge and it lead to a dark and depressing life for the creature.
However, one could argue that the creature had no self control and acted unreasonably. His anger went out of control before every murder that he committed so it's his fault because he couldn't control himself. Instead of being the bigger man with better morals the creature sunk to the same level as Frankenstein and killed innocent people for revenge. Still the argument always leads back to Frankenstein. If he hadn't abandoned the monster and refused responsibility the monster would have been happy. He wouldn't have felt the need to strike back and gain revenge; causing death and despair for all.
One could even go so far as to blame Frankenstein for all of the murders. If Frankenstein had accepted responsibility for his creation than none of the murders would have occurred. Frankenstein was even given a second chance to repair the damage he caused by creating another creation, but female, in order to comfort the monster. Yet again he refuses and only strengthens the anger and revenge that the monster feels toward him. Every bad action by the monster leads directly back to Frankenstein and his selfish sense of being.
Frankenstein 4
The monster is not a naturally wicked creature; he became bad because of his abandonment by Frankenstein and environmental factors around him. Much like a child, the creature was innocent and kind in the beginning of his life and was then forced to face the harsh realities of the world alone. One does not have angry feelings at birth, or in this case creation. Some horrible act creates that feeling of hatred and revenge that leads to an evil being.
To be brought into this world by someone and then abandoned by that same person can cause emotional trauma. When the creature is left behind by Frankenstein to fend for himself without any guidance, feelings of anger and hatred begin to arise. His confused and naive self is forced to survive and learn on his own. The creature has no one to direct him through life and help him when he becomes confused by all new, unknown things. His only coping mechanism is to lash out with anger when he is rejected time and time again by everyone.
Environmental factors such as society also brought about the wickedness of the monster. In the beginning of his life the creature witnessed the love and acceptance of a companion and family. Yet the only interaction he receives is hated and fear from all who come in contact with him. The creature must cope with prejudice and judgmental people who refuse to give him a chance. When no one understands you or how you're feeling, anger becomes the number one emotion which over rides practical thinking for the creature.
Like any human being the creature desired human contact and a sense of belonging to someone or something. When he is denied this in an unfair manor the creature becomes somewhat evil and wants revenge on the one who gave him this hellish life. It was not present in him from the beginning but grew because of bad parenting and negative environmental factors.
To be brought into this world by someone and then abandoned by that same person can cause emotional trauma. When the creature is left behind by Frankenstein to fend for himself without any guidance, feelings of anger and hatred begin to arise. His confused and naive self is forced to survive and learn on his own. The creature has no one to direct him through life and help him when he becomes confused by all new, unknown things. His only coping mechanism is to lash out with anger when he is rejected time and time again by everyone.
Environmental factors such as society also brought about the wickedness of the monster. In the beginning of his life the creature witnessed the love and acceptance of a companion and family. Yet the only interaction he receives is hated and fear from all who come in contact with him. The creature must cope with prejudice and judgmental people who refuse to give him a chance. When no one understands you or how you're feeling, anger becomes the number one emotion which over rides practical thinking for the creature.
Like any human being the creature desired human contact and a sense of belonging to someone or something. When he is denied this in an unfair manor the creature becomes somewhat evil and wants revenge on the one who gave him this hellish life. It was not present in him from the beginning but grew because of bad parenting and negative environmental factors.
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