1984 Essay Topics & Examples

What can you say about the famous George Orwell’s book? With the 1984 essay topics and research titles gathered by our team , you’ll easily find the right words.

🏆 Best 1984 Essay Topics & Examples

📌 most interesting essay topics for 1984, 👍 good 1984 research paper topics, ❓ 1984 essay questions.

  • George Orwell’s 1984: Winston and Julia’s Relationship Essay In the relationship, Julia teaches Winston the idea of love, and the love feeling is then manipulated and directed towards Big Brother.
  • Language in Orwell’s 1984 as a Means of Manipulation and Control One of the key themes in the novel is the control over language and rewriting history. Thus, it is apparent that control of language leads to the restriction of people’s feelings and thoughts.
  • The Aspects of Human Nature That George Orwell Criticizes in His Work 1984 Compared to Today’s World The aspects of human nature that George Orwell criticizes in his work 1984 compared to today’s world Orwell in the novel 1984 represents the modern society be it capitalist or communist.
  • The Dystopian Societies of “1984” and Brave New World The three features which are discussed in this respect are the division of the two societies into social strata, the use of state power and control over citizens, and the loss of people’s individualities.
  • Comparison of G. Orwell’s “1984”, R. Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” and A. Huxley’s “Brave New World” The leadership is in charge of virtually each and every single activity that takes place in the lives of the inhabitants of the society.
  • George Orwell and Two of His Works “1984” and “Animal Farm” Orwell draws on his own personal experiences in the context of political terrorism to describe a life, lived in fear and guilt.
  • The Declaration of Independence and 1984 by George Orwell Another feature that relates the Declaration of Independence to 1984 is a demonstration of the tyranny of the ruler and the restriction of the citizen’s rights.
  • Literature Comparison: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “1984” It can be said that while both of these books address the issue of hidden methods of coercion, Nineteen-eighty Four provides a bleak vision of the future in which the whole of society is controlled […]
  • George Orwell’s Novel 1984 The world is involved in an endless war, and the political regime called Ingsoc and headed by a mystical Big Brother permanently looks for ways to control the citizens’ minds and private lives.
  • Dystopias “Brave New World” by Huxley and “1984” by Orwell The modern world is full of complications and the moments when it seems like a dystopia the darkest version of the future. In the novel, promiscuity is encouraged, and sex is a form of entertainment.
  • Two Opposite Worlds: “Utopia” and “1984” More criticizes the laws of the contemporary European society; he highlights that other countries, in the East for instance, have more fair laws; and after that he starts depicting Utopia, where all people live and […]
  • Generation Z Through George Orwell’s “1984” Lens One of the things that the new generation lacks and that the old one had is respect for the opinion of an ideological opponent.
  • Winston Smith, in the Novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four” Lastly, Winston Smith is not a hero, and individuals should not emulate and admire him as he is quick to surrender, indiscreet, and promotes the wealth of the ruling class.
  • Unhappiness of Society in Orwell’s 1984 Dystopia His character is a strong individual who will not transgress the ideals of his party and is fully committed to him.
  • Orwell’s 1984 Literary Analysis: Should the Majority Rule? The main character of the 1984 novel is Winston Smith, who is in his late 40s and who works in the Ministry of Truth or Minitruth, which is apparently the Ministry of Lies, since the […]
  • “Novel 1984” by George Orwell The specific inspirations for the Oceania society from “1984” were The Soviet Union and Nazi Germany with their inherent propaganda, betrayal of the ideals of the revolution, concentration camps and misinformation.
  • Events in the 1984 by George Orwell This paper explores the similarities and dissimilarities between the book’s events and the occurrences of contemporary society in 2014. Orwell’s accounts in the book 1984 strike many similarities with the events happening in contemporary society.
  • Analysis of Enemy of the People and Nineteen Eighty Four Hovard evidences a good example of the barrier of doing the right things due to influences and the need to fulfill the desires of the people even if they are wrong.
  • Analysis of Books “Half the Sky How to Change the World”, “Gulliver’s Travel” and “1984” Comprehensively, the book Half the Sky How to Change the World exposes the rot that is human trafficking and tries to expose the severity of the trade and how it affects the world today.
  • 1984 by George Orwell There are high hopes that the current settings of the twenty-first century and the predictable future of governance will be sustainable and responsible especially on issues of cultural identity and preservation.
  • Understanding the Concept of Doublethink in the World of George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Weakness of Big Brother in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Theme of the Survival of a Hero in the Movie “Casablanca” and George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Truth About Communism and Totalitarism in George Orwell’s Novel “1984”
  • The Similarities Between the Novels “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley and “1984” by George Orwell
  • Totalitarianism and Dystopia in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Theme of History in “Brave New World” by Arthur Huxley and “1984” by George Orwell
  • Theme Analysis in “Zeitoun” by Dave Eggers and “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Philosophy of Determinism in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Power and Control of the Party in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Near Dystopian Future in a “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley and “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Suppression of Thoughts and the Elimination of Freedom in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Totalitarian Government of “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Use of the Newspeak Language to Control and Manipulate in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Practice of Dehumanization by the Party in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Psychological Manipulation of Society in “1984” by George Orwell
  • Theme of Betrayal in the Novel “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Roles of Love, Government, Freedom, Education, and Pleasure in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Idea of Humans Being Naturally Rebellious in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The World of Deceit and Propaganda in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Importance of Winston and Julie’s Romantic Relationship in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Inferiority of Women in “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley and “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Utopian Society in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Significance of the Elements of Political Protest in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Necessities for a Dystopian Society in George Orwell’s “1984” and Its Possibility in the Modern Era
  • The Role of Newspeak in the Inner Party’s Philosophy and Propaganda in “1984” by George Orwell
  • Totalitarian Society in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Mirrored Worlds in Novels “1984” by George Orwell and “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
  • Totalitarian Goverments in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Pleasure Principle in “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley and “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Parallelism of Today’s Society to the Social Conditions Found in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • Winston Smith in the Novel “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Three Important Aspects of the Fictional World in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Verbal and Situation Irony in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • Understanding Dystopia in “1984” by George Orwell and “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
  • The Government’s Suppression of Freedom in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Influence of Stalinist Russia’s Total Control, Censorship, and Terror on George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Opening of Public Opinions to Future World in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Political Satire of the Novel “1984” by George Orwell
  • Triumph and Futility in “The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand and “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Exploration of Truth and Reality in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Societal Impact of Surveillance and the “Big Brother” Concept in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Traits of Society in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Use and Abuse of Power in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Themes of the Dangers of Psychological Manipulation and Physical Control in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Impact of the Advances in Technology in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Understanding and Manipulation of Emotion as a Tool for Building Power in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Use of Foreshadowing in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Government’s Attempt to Control Citizen’s Minds and Bodies in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Four Essential Freedoms and the Freedom of Fear in “1984” by George Orwell
  • How Does the George Orwell Use Language to Create a Sense of Place in “1984”?
  • What Is the Significance of Coffee in “1984”?
  • Why Did Winston Betray Julia in “1984”?
  • What Role Does Contradiction Serve Within the Framework of Doublethink in “1984”?
  • How Does “1984” Relate to Dystopian Literature?
  • Is There Evidence in “1984” That Supports the Poster That Says “Big Brother Is Watching You”?
  • What Was the Two Minutes Hate in “1984”?
  • How Does Winston View His Job at the Ministry of Truth in “1984”?
  • Why Is Winston So Afraid of Rats in “1984”?
  • How Does “1984” Relate to Contemporary Politics and Society?
  • How Is Free Will Seen in George Orwell’s ‘’1984’’?
  • How Does the Interaction of Text and Reader Create Meaning in the Novel “1984” by George Orwell?
  • What Is the Role of Women in “1984”?
  • How Do Winston and Julia Differ in Their Views of the Past in “1984”?
  • How Is Technology Used to Control the Citizens in “1984”?
  • How Does the Party Use Propaganda in “1984”?
  • What Are the Morals and Ethical Views of Winston and Julia in the Novel “1984”?
  • What Does the Rat Symbolize in “1984”?
  • How Are “1984” and “Harrison Bergeron” Alike and Different?
  • What Does Memory Hole Mean in “1984”?
  • What Is the Purpose of the Record’s Department in “1984”?
  • Why Does the Party Discourage Romantic Relationships Between Party Members in “1984”?
  • What Was Julia’s Room 101 in “1984”?
  • How Does George Orwell Reveal Character in “1984”?
  • What Warnings Can We Take From Orwell’s “1984”?
  • How Are Characters Brainwashed in “1984”?
  • How Effectively Does Orwell Introduce the Reader to the New Society of “1984” in Chapter One of the Novel?
  • What Is the Significance of the Name Ministry of Love in “1984”?
  • What Is the Main Problem in “1984”?
  • What Is O’Brien’s Vision for the Future of Oceania in “1984”?
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Essays on 1984

Hook examples for "1984" essays, the dystopian warning hook.

Open your essay by discussing George Orwell's "1984" as a prophetic warning against totalitarianism and government surveillance. Explore how the novel's themes are eerily relevant in today's world.

The Orwellian Language Hook

Delve into the concept of Newspeak in "1984" and its parallels to modern language manipulation. Discuss how the novel's portrayal of controlled language reflects real-world instances of propaganda and censorship.

Big Brother is Watching Hook

Begin with a focus on surveillance and privacy concerns. Analyze the omnipresent surveillance in the novel and draw connections to contemporary debates over surveillance technologies, data privacy, and civil liberties.

The Power of Doublethink Hook

Explore the psychological manipulation in "1984" through the concept of doublethink. Discuss how individuals in the novel are coerced into accepting contradictory beliefs, and examine instances of cognitive dissonance in society today.

The Character of Winston Smith Hook

Introduce your readers to the protagonist, Winston Smith, and his journey of rebellion against the Party. Analyze his character development and the universal theme of resistance against oppressive regimes.

Technology and Control Hook

Discuss the role of technology in "1984" and its implications for control. Explore how advancements in surveillance technology, social media, and artificial intelligence resonate with the novel's themes of control and manipulation.

The Ministry of Truth Hook

Examine the Ministry of Truth in the novel, responsible for rewriting history. Compare this to the manipulation of information and historical revisionism in contemporary politics and media.

Media Manipulation and Fake News Hook

Draw parallels between the Party's manipulation of information in "1984" and the spread of misinformation and fake news in today's media landscape. Discuss the consequences of a distorted reality.

Relevance of Thoughtcrime Hook

Explore the concept of thoughtcrime and its impact on individual freedom in the novel. Discuss how society today grapples with issues related to freedom of thought, expression, and censorship.

Major Themes of The Setting in 1984

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1984 Winston's Diary Analysis

George orwell’s representation of authority as illustrated in his book, 1984, orwell's use of literary devices to portray the theme of totalitarianism in 1984, the culture of fear in 1984, a novel by george orwell, let us write you an essay from scratch.

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1984 by George Orwell: Literary Devices to Portray Government Controlling Its Citizens

The use of language to control people in 1984, dictatorship of the people: orwell's 1984 as an allegory for the early soviet union, searching for truth in 1984, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

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A World Without Love: The Ramifications of an Affectionless Society in 1984

On double-think and newspeak: orwell's language, the theme of survival and selfishness in the handmaid's tale in 1984, government surveillance in 1984 by george orwell: bogus security, george orwell's 1984 as a historical allegory, exploitation of language in george orwell's 1984, how orwell's 1984 is relevant to today's audience, the relation of orwel’s 1984 to the uighur conflict in china, symbolism in 1984: the soviet union as representation of the fears people, parallels to today in 1984 by george orwell, the relationship between power and emotions in 1984, proletariat vs protagonist: winston smith's class conflict in 1984, a review of george orwell’s book, 1984, o'brien as a dehumanizing villain in 1984, family in 1984 and persepolis, the philosophy of determinism in 1984, orwell's use of rhetorical strategies in 1984, control the citizens in the orwell's novel 1984, dangers of totalitarianism as depicted in 1984, dystopian life in '1984' was a real-life in china.

8 June 1949, George Orwell

Novel; Dystopia, Political Fiction, Social Science Fiction Novel

Winston Smith, Julia, O'Brien, Aaronson, Jones, and Rutherford, Ampleforth, Charrington, Tom Parsons, Syme, Mrs. Parsons, Katharine Smith

Since Orwell has been a democratic socialist, he has modelled his book and motives after the Stalinist Russia

Power, Repressive Behaviors, Totalitarianism, Mass Surveillance, Human Behaviors

The novel has brought up the "Orwellian" term, which stands for "Big Brother" "Thoughtcrime" and many other terms that we know well. It has been the reflection of totalitarianism

1984 represents a dystopian writing that has followed the life of Winston Smith who belongs to the "Party",which stands for the total control, which is also known as the Big Brother. It controls every aspect of people's lives. Is it ever possible to go against the system or will it take even more control. It constantly follows the fear and oppression with the surveillance being the main part of 1984. There is Party’s official O’Brien who is following the resistance movement, which represents an alternative, which is the symbol of hope.

Before George Orwell wrote his famous book, he worked for the BBC as the propagandist during World War II. The novel has been named 1980, then 1982 before finally settling on its name. Orwell fought tuberculosis while writing the novel. He died seven months after 1984 was published. Orwell almost died during the boating trip while he was writing the novel. Orwell himself has been under government surveillance. It was because of his socialist opinions. The slogan that the book uses "2 + 2 = 5" originally came from Communist Russia and stood for the five-year plan that had to be achieved during only four years. Orwell also used various Japanese propaganda when writing his novel, precisely his "Thought Police" idea.

“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” “But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.” “Being in a minority, even in a minority of one, did not make you mad. There was truth and there was untruth, and if you clung to the truth even against the whole world, you were not mad.” “Confession is not betrayal. What you say or do doesn't matter; only feelings matter. If they could make me stop loving you-that would be the real betrayal.” “Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing.” "But you could not have pure love or pure lust nowadays. No emotion was pure, because everything was mixed up with fear and hatred."

The most important aspect of 1984 is Thought Police, which controls every thought. It has been featured in numerous books, plays, music pieces, poetry, and anything that has been created when one had to deal with Social Science and Politics. Another factor that represents culmination is thinking about overthrowing the system or trying to organize a resistance movement. It has numerous reflections of the post WW2 world. Although the novella is graphic and quite intense, it portrays dictatorship and is driven by fear through the lens of its characters.

This essay topic is often used when writing about “The Big Brother” or totalitarian regimes, which makes 1984 a flexible topic that can be taken as the foundation. Even if you have to write about the use of fear by the political regimes, knowing the facts about this novel will help you to provide an example.

1. Enteen, G. M. (1984). George Orwell And the Theory of Totalitarianism: A 1984 Retrospective. The Journal of General Education, 36(3), 206-215. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/27797000) 2. Hughes, I. (2021). 1984. Literary Cultures, 4(2). (https://journals.ntu.ac.uk/index.php/litc/article/view/340) 3. Patai, D. (1982). Gamesmanship and Androcentrism in Orwell's 1984. PMLA, 97(5), 856-870. (https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/pmla/article/abs/gamesmanship-and-androcentrism-in-orwells-1984/F1B026BE9D97EE0114E248AA733B189D) 4. Paden, R. (1984). Surveillance and Torture: Foucault and Orwell on the Methods of Discipline. Social Theory and Practice, 10(3), 261-271. (https://www.pdcnet.org/soctheorpract/content/soctheorpract_1984_0010_0003_0261_0272) 5. Tyner, J. A. (2004). Self and space, resistance and discipline: a Foucauldian reading of George Orwell's 1984. Social & Cultural Geography, 5(1), 129-149. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1464936032000137966) 6. Kellner, D. (1990). From 1984 to one-dimensional man: Critical reflections on Orwell and Marcuse. Current Perspectives in Social Theory, 10, 223-52. (https://pages.gseis.ucla.edu/faculty/kellner/essays/from1984toonedimensional.pdf) 7. Samuelson, P. (1984). Good legal writing: of Orwell and window panes. U. Pitt. L. Rev., 46, 149. (https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/upitt46&div=13&id=&page=) 8. Fadaee, E. (2011). Translation techniques of figures of speech: A case study of George Orwell's" 1984 and Animal Farm. Journal of English and Literature, 2(8), 174-181. (https://academicjournals.org/article/article1379427897_Fadaee.pdf) 9. Patai, D. (1984, January). Orwell's despair, Burdekin's hope: Gender and power in dystopia. In Women's Studies International Forum (Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 85-95). Pergamon. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0277539584900621) 10. Cole, M. B. (2022). The Desperate Radicalism of Orwell’s 1984: Power, Socialism, and Utopia in Dystopian Times. Political Research Quarterly, 10659129221083286. (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/10659129221083286)

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108 1984 Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

1984 by George Orwell is a classic dystopian novel that explores themes of government control, surveillance, and the loss of individual freedom. If you're tasked with writing an essay on this iconic book, you may be looking for some inspiration to get started. Here are 108 essay topic ideas and examples to help you brainstorm and develop your own unique perspective on 1984.

  • Discuss the role of technology in controlling the citizens of Oceania.
  • Analyze the use of propaganda in the novel and its effects on the population.
  • Explore the theme of truth and reality in 1984.
  • Examine the concept of doublethink and its significance in the novel.
  • Compare and contrast the characters of Winston and Julia.
  • Discuss the importance of memory and history in the novel.
  • Analyze the role of power in maintaining control in Oceania.
  • Explore the symbolism of Big Brother in the novel.
  • Discuss the significance of the proles in the society of Oceania.
  • Analyze the role of language in controlling thought in the novel.
  • Discuss the use of surveillance in the novel and its effects on the characters.
  • Explore the theme of resistance and rebellion in 1984.
  • Analyze the concept of thoughtcrime and its consequences in the novel.
  • Discuss the role of fear in maintaining control in Oceania.
  • Examine the significance of the Ministry of Truth in the novel.
  • Compare and contrast the world of 1984 with our own society.
  • Analyze the role of love and relationships in the novel.
  • Discuss the role of the Party in controlling the population of Oceania.
  • Explore the theme of individualism in the novel.
  • Analyze the concept of freedom in 1984.
  • Discuss the role of technology in surveillance in the novel.
  • Examine the role of memory in shaping the characters' identities.
  • Compare and contrast the character of O'Brien with other members of the Party.
  • Discuss the significance of the diary in the novel.
  • Analyze the concept of reality in 1984.
  • Explore the theme of power and control in the novel.
  • Discuss the role of fear in shaping the characters' behavior.
  • Examine the symbolism of the glass paperweight in the novel.
  • Compare and contrast the character of Winston with other dystopian protagonists.
  • Discuss the significance of the telescreens in the novel.
  • Analyze the role of the Ministry of Love in Oceania.
  • Discuss the theme of oppression in the novel.
  • Examine the concept of Newspeak and its effects on the characters.
  • Explore the significance of the prole woman in the novel.
  • Analyze the role of the Thought Police in maintaining control in Oceania.
  • Discuss the significance of the Brotherhood in the novel.
  • Compare and contrast the world of 1984 with other dystopian societies.
  • Analyze the role of war in controlling the population of Oceania.
  • Discuss the significance of the slogan "War is Peace" in the novel.
  • Explore the theme of betrayal in 1984.
  • Analyze the concept of memory in the novel.
  • Discuss the role of the past in shaping the characters' identities.
  • Examine the significance of the proles in the society of Oceania.
  • Compare and contrast the character of Julia with other female characters in dystopian literature.

These essay topic ideas and examples should help you get started on your 1984 essay. Remember to choose a topic that interests you and allows you to explore your own unique perspective on the novel. Good luck!

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Home ➔ Free Essay Examples ➔ 1984 Essay

Writing an Essay on George Orwell’s 1984

George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984 masterfully depicts a society dominated by a totalitarian government. Through extensive imagery, Orwell reveals the nature of an anti-utopian regime from the viewpoint of Winston Smith, an outer party member tasked with rewriting history, indicative of the past controls in the novel. His perspectives reflect the present controls in the novel and unveil the dystopian totalitarian society of Oceania, a nation in constant antagonism with others.

Writing an Essay on George Orwell's 1984

1984 by George Orwell is recognized as a must-read literary masterpiece, engaging readers across all age groups with its rich characters and stimulating essay topics. The novel’s detailed historicism and depiction of the dominant political party’s actions, echoing their party slogan, have inspired numerous thought-provoking essays.

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While some may believe that all possible essay topics on 1984 have been explored, this is only partially true. Every essay uniquely explores an author’s thought process, offering new perspectives even on familiar themes. For instance, the concept of doublethink, central to Orwell’s political fiction narrative, continues to be a subject of lively debate. Moreover, the novel raises complex issues worth exploring, such as the effects of government surveillance and the erosion of civil liberties in a dystopian society.

How to Choose an Effective Topic

1984 winston

Consider the social problems highlighted in this dystopian literature to select a relevant essay topic. Possible research subjects include:

  • Gender balance in the novel: Examine the roles of men and women, particularly focusing on Winston Smith and Julia’s relationship.
  • Symbolism in the novel: Identify images and ideas that relate to real-world events and explore the author’s intentions behind these metaphors.
  • Brainwashing: Analyze how altering history impacts the novel’s characters and how doublethink affects their behavior.
  • Room 101 metaphor: Contemplate the symbolic significance of Room 101, where individuals confront their worst fears and psychological effects.
  • Power display: Investigate how power is portrayed in the book and the Party’s methods to demonstrate its supremacy.
  • Technology use: Discuss how technology is employed to limit freedom and its effects on characters’ mental and physical health.
  • Historicism: Examine the correlation between events in the book and real-world history, comparing Orwell’s portrayal to historical periods like World War II or the Soviet Union.

These research ideas can become fascinating and purposeful essay topics . Consider each and choose a subject that offers fresh perspectives, ensuring to express your own opinions and attitudes.

How to Come Up With an Innovative Idea

Engaging your reader, sparking curiosity, and presenting fresh insights are the hallmarks of a compelling essay . But how does one achieve these? The answer lies in innovation. Innovation in essay writing is not just about uniqueness; it’s about offering a new understanding of a familiar subject. An innovative idea can challenge established viewpoints, connect disparate concepts, or revitalize well-trodden debates. Writing about a widely studied text like 1984 by George Orwell requires an innovative approach to stand out and encourage deeper discussion.

Understanding the Novel

To create innovative essay ideas, it is essential to understand “1984” thoroughly. Dive into the novel’s world, absorbing the plot’s nuances, character dynamics, themes, and Orwell’s distinct style. Reflect on the characters’ actions and the story’s development. Understand Orwell’s historical context and motivations, whether as a warning, critique, or dystopian vision. This deep comprehension will fuel unique essay topics.

Brainstorming Techniques

Enhance your brainstorming with techniques like mind mapping, starting with core concepts like ‘totalitarianism’ or ‘doublethink’ and expanding into related areas. Use free writing to unleash subconscious thoughts and insights. The questioning method can lead to innovative ideas by asking probing questions about the novel’s characters, themes, or Orwell’s intentions.

Connecting to Contemporary Themes

Consider how “1984” reflects our contemporary society. Draw parallels between Orwell’s dystopian world and current political and social issues. Analyze the novel’s portrayal of surveillance and propaganda in relation to modern discussions about privacy and misinformation. By linking these themes, you bring your essay a modern, innovative perspective.

Diving Deeper into Characters and Themes

Go beyond surface-level understanding. Explore the psychological depths of characters like Winston Smith, Julia, and Big Brother. Analyze how their motivations interact with Orwell’s overarching themes. Investigate themes like totalitarianism, privacy, and the nature of power. Such exploration will reveal fresh perspectives and groundbreaking essay topics.

Here is a comprehensive, comma-separated list of themes found in George Orwell’s “1984”:

Totalitarianism, censorship, manipulation of information, propaganda, surveillance, resistance to power, psychological manipulation, physical control, the alteration of reality, loss of individuality, loyalty, nationalism, sexuality and love, class struggle, language as mind control, memory and the past, fear, betrayal, fatalism, repression, truth, power, control, privacy, rebellion.

Examining Literary Devices

Study Orwell’s literary craft, focusing on how his use of metaphor, simile, irony, and foreshadowing enhances the narrative and themes. Understanding these devices is key to unlocking deeper meanings and forming the basis of insightful essays.

Here is an exhaustive, comma-separated list of literary devices found in George Orwell’s “1984”:

Allegory, allusion, analogy, antithesis, aphorism, apostrophe, assonance, cacophony, characterization, conflict, connotation, denotation, dialogue, dramatic irony, dystopia, euphemism, foreshadowing, hyperbole, imagery, irony, juxtaposition, metaphor, metonymy, mood, motif, paradox, parallelism, personification, plot, point of view, prose, repetition, satire , setting, simile, symbolism, syntax, theme, tone, understatement, foreshadowing, flashback, alliteration.

Encouraging Multiple Perspectives

View 1984, a classic in social science fiction, from different angles. Consider the story from the perspectives of various characters under the party’s control or through different theoretical lenses like feminist, Marxist, or postcolonial theories. These diverse viewpoints can illuminate the text and inspire unique essay topics.

Consult Secondary Sources

Expand your research with secondary sources like scholarly articles and literary critiques, seeing ‘1984’ as a prime example in its genre. They can provide new interpretations and context, enriching your essay with a well-rounded perspective. Critically evaluate these sources and integrate them to support your unique viewpoint.

Evaluating Ideas

Once you’ve generated various ideas, it’s time to evaluate them. Not all ideas are created equal. Ask yourself: Which of my ideas are truly innovative? Which ones offer fresh insights and perspectives on “1984”? Which will engage my audience most effectively? Consider the scope, depth, and relevance of each idea. Can you find enough evidence in the text to support your argument ? Will your idea contribute to the existing discourse around the novel, or does it risk rehashing well-trodden arguments? This critical evaluation will ensure that you choose the most innovative and effective idea for your essay.

Comparative Analysis with Other Dystopian Novels

Innovate by comparing “1984” with other dystopian works like “Brave New World” or “Fahrenheit 451”. This comparison can highlight common themes and narrative techniques in dystopian literature, providing a fresh angle for your essay.

1984 Topic Examples

1984 city

When choosing an essay topic for “1984”, it’s important to select a subject that resonates with you. Here are some topic ideas to consider:

  • Mechanisms of Control : Explore how the Inner Party employs various methods to instill paranoia in Oceania’s citizens and analyze their effectiveness in maintaining the regime’s rule.
  • Historical Parallels : Examine elements within “1984” that mirror real-world instances of totalitarian rule, such as the parallels between the Party’s tactics and those used in historical dictatorships.
  • Winston’s Rebellion and Failure : Discuss the complex dynamics that lead to Winston’s inability to overthrow the oppressive government, focusing on the interplay between his character traits, the political environment, and societal structures.
  • Effective Methods of Totalitarian Rule : Identify and argue the most effective strategy used by Big Brother to maintain control over society, comparing it with other methods depicted in the novel.
  • The Role of Propaganda : Analyze the use of propaganda in the novel and its effectiveness in controlling the populace within a totalitarian society.
  • The Power of Language : Delve into Orwell’s introduction of ‘Newspeak’ and discuss how language manipulation consolidates a totalitarian state.
  • Technology and Control : Scrutinize how Orwell portrays technology as a tool for surveillance and societal manipulation in the novel.
  • Dehumanization in Totalitarian Regimes : Discuss the dehumanizing effects of living under a totalitarian regime as portrayed in “1984”, focusing on how the regime’s control over individuality and personal life affects the characters.
  • Doublethink as a Tool of Control : Examine how the concept of doublethink is used to maintain the totalitarian government, analyzing its role in perpetuating the state.
  • The Role of the Proles : Analyze the depiction of ‘the proles’ in “1984” and discuss their potential as a disruptive force against the oppressive regime.

The Perils of Doublethink in 1984 (Essay Sample)

George Orwell’s “1984” provides a chilling exploration of a dystopian society under a totalitarian regime, where citizens are compelled to accept contradictory beliefs simultaneously – a concept Orwell termed as “doublethink.” This novel vividly portrays the sinister consequences of doublethink on personal freedom and objective reality. In this essay, we delve into Orwell’s critique of doublethink, elucidating its damaging impacts on individual freedom of thought and the recognition of objective reality.

In the world Orwell conjures, doublethink becomes a psychological instrument of the totalitarian government, meticulously designed to manipulate citizens into submissively endorsing the regime’s ideology. An instance of this can be seen in the paradoxical statement, “two and two equal five,” a governmental doctrine the citizens are forced to embrace despite its glaring falsity. This powerful manifestation of doublethink unveils the ability of the Party to distort the truth and disseminate its propaganda without any resistance. The collective acceptance of these blatant lies not only obstructs free thinking but also paves the way for a society in which objective reality is perpetually challenged.

The insidious nature of doublethink lies in its capacity to coerce citizens into abandoning their personal convictions and accepting the Party’s dictates, thereby suppressing their freedom of thought and action. Such mental manipulation leads to a society of individuals unable to discern truth from falsehood, submissively adhering to any propaganda the government propagates. Scholars argue that through doublethink, people are psychologically conditioned to accept lies as truth, demonstrating the horrifying extent of control the Party exerts over the masses (Orwell, 1990).

More alarmingly, doublethink blurs the boundary between reality and fiction, contributing to a society where the concept of objective truth becomes obsolete. In Orwell’s words, doublethink “negates the existence of objective reality while simultaneously accounting for the reality it denies” (Orwell, 1990). This suggests that proponents of doublethink willingly forsake objective truth, accepting any belief propagated by the Party irrespective of its veracity. An illustration of this is when citizens believe that consuming fruits is harmful, despite their inherent knowledge of their nutritional benefits. This form of cognitive distortion serves the interests of autocratic leaders, providing them with unwavering control over the populace.

Overall, Orwell’s “1984” paints a disturbing picture of a society crippled by doublethink, an instrument of manipulation stemming from totalitarian ideology. The consequences of this dangerous practice are the suppression of individual freedom of thought and the denial of objective reality, all serving to solidify the unyielding control of a corrupt government. Therefore, Orwell’s novel stands as a stark warning against the acceptance of doublethink, reinforcing the vital importance of independent thought and the recognition of objective reality in a democratic society.

  • Anderson, M. (2016). Charter school reform: doublethink and the assault on the vulnerable. Journal of Thought , 50 (3-4), 33-48.
  • Kaye, S., & Chin, C. (2017). Donald Trump’s use of post-truth double-think politics is a threat to liberal democratic norms. USA pp–American Politics and Policy Blog .
  • Moran, S. (2018). Control in WWII Novels: 1984 and Brave New World (Doctoral dissertation, Worcester Polytechnic Institute).
  • Orwell, G. (1990). Nineteen Eighty-Four. 1949. The Complete Novels , 7.

Writing the Thesis Statement and Conclusion

Crafting the thesis statement.

An impactful thesis statement is the linchpin of a compelling essay. It presents your central argument clearly and concisely and guides the structure of your essay . When writing a thesis statement for an essay on “1984”, ensure it communicates your unique perspective and directly addresses the essay question or topic.

Your thesis statement should make an argument rather than stating a fact. For example, rather than saying, “George Orwell’s ‘1984’ presents a dystopian society,” you might argue, “Through the portrayal of a dystopian society in ‘1984’, George Orwell critiques the misuse of political power and the erosion of individual freedoms.”

Ensure your thesis is specific enough to be covered effectively in your essay and broad enough to allow you to discuss multiple aspects of the text. Your thesis statement should also indicate the key points you will use to support your argument.

For example: “In ‘1984’, George Orwell uses the motif of Big Brother, the concept of doublethink, and the character arc of Winston Smith to critique the totalitarian government’s manipulative control over individuals’ thoughts and actions.”

Finally, position your thesis statement at the end of your introduction . This placement effectively sets the stage for the rest of your essay and guides your readers on the journey of your argument.

Constructing the Conclusion

The conclusion is your final chance to make an impact on your readers, so make it count. It ties up your argument and gives your essay a sense of completion.

Begin your conclusion by rephrasing your thesis statement in a new way. Do not simply repeat your thesis verbatim—instead, revisit it in light of the arguments and evidence you’ve presented. This reinforces your central argument and demonstrates how your essay has supported it.

Next, summarize the key points you’ve made in your body paragraphs . This should not simply be a list but a synthesis of your main arguments demonstrating how they support your thesis.

Finally, consider the broader implications of your argument. What does your analysis of “1984” contribute to the understanding of the novel or the broader discussions around it? How does your essay connect to the world today? By ending your essay with a thought-provoking conclusion, you leave your readers with a lasting impression and demonstrate the relevance and impact of your arguments. For instance, you might conclude with a statement: “Orwell’s ‘1984’ serves as a chilling reminder of the power of propaganda and manipulation, urging contemporary societies to be vigilant against any infringement on individual liberties.”

Remember, your conclusion should not introduce any new arguments or information. Its goal is to wrap up your essay in a satisfying and coherent way, leaving your readers with a clear understanding of your argument and its significance.

Conclusion example

“ George Orwell’s dystopian novel “1984” profoundly illustrates the grim outcomes of totalitarian rule, creating a cautionary tale of manipulated consciousness and obliterated freedoms. [Introduction of main theme] The exploration of language manipulation, the concept of doublethink, and the pervasive presence of Big Brother exemplify Orwell’s portrayal of the dangerous potential of absolute power to manipulate reality and alter citizens’ perceptions of truth and morality. [Key themes & concepts] The novel’s relevance in today’s digital age is undeniable, with increasing surveillance technology and the proliferation of ‘fake news’ raising urgent questions about privacy, truth, and the power of political manipulation. [Contemporary relevance] More than a mere work of fiction, ‘1984’ serves as a chilling prophecy and stark reminder of the importance of critical thinking, freedom of expression, and individual autonomy. As we delve deeper into an era marked by digital surveillance and data manipulation, Orwell’s ‘1984’ remains a necessary critique and potent warning, underscoring the need for constant vigilance and resistance against any threats to our freedoms. [Conclusion & broader implications] ”

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The Definitive Guide to Analysing ‘1984’ for English: Summary, Context, Themes & Characters

1984 is now - Analysis Featured Image

Newspeak? Doublethink? What do all of these words mean? If you need help analysing 1984 by George Orwell, you’ve come to the right place — we’ve got all you need to know with a summary, list of key characters, themes and a 3-step essay analysis guide!

We’ve even got an analysis table and a sample paragraph that’s all free for you to download on 1984.

So, let’s throw back into 1984 (the fictional one of course)! 

1984 by George Orwell Summary & Key Messages Key Characters in 1984 Context Themes Explored in 1984 Essay Analysis of 1984

1984 by George Orwell Summary & Key Messages

The politics of oceania.

1984 belongs in the dystopian, science fiction genre as it explores the dangers of corrupted power under a totalitarian regime. Totalitarianism is a government system that dictates how its citizens think, behave and act by constantly keeping an eye on them and carrying out punishments for those who don’t obey. Sounds strict, hey? 

Sadly, this is the life of our protagonist, Winston Smith. Winston lives in a nation that resembles London in Oceania, which has been in a war with Eurasia and Eastasia since forever but no one really knows what the war is about. This is because the Party controls its people through rewriting history in the Ministry of Truth, where Winston edits historical records as part of his job.

The Party also invented a new language called “Newspeak” , which eliminates any words associated with rebellion to ensure full subservience of their nation. 

Eye watching over people - 1984 essay analysis

Wherever Winston goes, he is bombarded with posters of their omnipresent leader, Big Brother. There are also hidden cameras and microphones that are implanted everywhere by the thought police to monitor every move of its citizens.

It’s a scary place because if you do or say anything wrong, the thought police will capture you and force you into lifelong labour . In this world, people cannot have close friends, cannot date whoever they want and cannot have intimate relationships.

Instead, the people pent up these emotions and channel them into aggressive patriotism for their government which are expressed in two minute hate rallies. 

The Start of Winston’s Rebellion

Winston has had enough of the Party and its strict control. He purchases an illegal diary to commit crimethink, where he expresses his own thoughts and feelings about the Party through writing. He also writes about his interest in O’Brien, a member of the Inner Party who he believes could be part of the underground rebellion group called the Brotherhood. 

Access 1984 Downloadable Sample Paragraph and Examples of Analysis

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Winston’s and Julia’s Relationship

At work, Winston realises that his historical records were not aligning with his memories . He notices Julia, a young beautiful girl staring at him, and he is afraid that she will turn him into the “thought police”.

However, Julia passes him a note that says “I love you” and they start an affair. 

O’Brien’s Betrayal 

As their relationship grows more seriously, so does Winston’s hatred for the Party. He and Julia decided to reveal their rebellion to O’Brien, who also appeared to be on their side .

O’Brien welcomes them into the Brotherhood and passed Winston a copy of Emmanuel Goldstein’s book. As Winston starts reading the book, the thought police charge in, arrest Winston and Julia and bring them to the Ministry of Love. Turns out, O’Brien is a snake. 

The Party Tortures Winston

At the Ministry of Love, Winston is tortured mercilessly and this makes him confess everything he knows about Julia and the rebellion .

It is then revealed that the government carries out these acts to exercise total power and control over the people of Oceania, to the extent where people not only do things out of fear, but genuinely believe in what they are doing even if it doesn’t make sense.

Winston’s Loss of Individuality

In Room 101, Winston experiences a true Fear Factor episode. The thought police threaten Winston with his ultimate fear, rats that would eat his face off. This caused Winston to scream “Do it to Julia, not me!”, which represents his betrayal to the only person that held value to him.

After this, the thought police let both Winston and Julia go, but the two ex-lovers can no longer look at each other face to face as they are both broken inside. Winston becomes a changed man who does not want to think about rebelling and instead becomes highly supportive of the Party and Big Brother. 

Key Characters in 1984

Winston Smith  The main protagonist who works under the Ministry of Truth in London, Oceania. His appearance is frail, pensive and intelligent. He hates the Party and its totalitarian system with a desire to revolutionise his current political situation. He can be emotional and idealistic with his goals. 
Julia  A beautiful young girl who is Winston’s love interest. Julia is sex-positive with an optimistic attitude about the future of the Party. She represents parts of humanity that Winston lacks, such as passive survival, intimacy, intuition and pragmatism. 
O’Brien  A mysterious leader of the Inner Party who Winston trusts as Winston believes that O’Brien is a member of the legendary rebellion group, the Brotherhood. It is revealed later in the novel that O’Brien is a leader of The Party who has been keeping a close eye on Winston. His betrayal launches us into the inner mechanisms of The Party and its totalitarian rule. O’Brien’s character parallels that of famous dictators in modern history such as Stalin and Hitler, as he is determined to indoctrinate Winston in the name of “purity.” 
Big Brother  Have you watched the show Big Brother? His character in the show is almost the same as in 1984, except a lot more controlling. In 1984, Big Brother is the most dominating figure in Oceania as he is perceived to be the ruler, although Orwell does not specify whether he really exists or not. Big Brother’s face is plastered among posters, coins and telescreens with the slogan “BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU” so it’s impossible to avoid him anywhere. 
Emmanuel Goldstein As the leader of the legendary group of rebels called the Brotherhood, Emmanuel Goldstein is the opposing figure of Big Brother. Although he never appears in the novel, he has had a profound impact on Winston’s hope for the future. He is the most dangerous man in Oceania, according to the Party.  

Context in 1984

To understand 1984’s context, we must first understand the author’s personal background to craft a well thought-out essay analysis. This is because the author’s personal and historical experiences do shape the novel and its themes. So, let’s start with Orwell’s schooling days.

If you ever felt suppressed at school, Orwell can definitely relate with you on that. As a “lower-upper-middle class”, Orwell didn’t fit in with his peers and was upset with the restricted routine that schools impose on their students.

1984 Book Cover - 1984 analysis

He then went on to become a British Imperial Policeman in Burma where he hated his job as he had to execute strict laws under a political system he didn’t like. After this, he moved to England and became a full-time writer. 

Orwell experienced poverty for awhile, and even lived as a coal miner in northern England which caused him to shift from capitalist ideals to democratic socialism. Here are the simplified definitions of the political concepts that influenced Orwell’s beliefs and 1984’s themes: 

  • Capitalism: An economic system where property is owned and controlled by private actors, rather than by state. As such individuals can control how much they set their prices, instead of leaving it to the government to dictate. 
  • Democratic Socialism: Unlike capitalism, democratic socialism is an economic system whereby property and products are owned and controlled by the entire society, alongside governments. So, the main difference here is that governments have a say in trade whereas in capitalism, governments do not interfere with private owner’s business. 

Orwell was also concerned with the rise of Thatcherism. 

In the year 1936, Orwell fought as a socialist in the Spanish Civil War during World War II, where he became familiar with totalitarian systems that are under leaders such as Hitler and Stalin. Although Orwell was passionate about socialism at first, he soon became disillusioned and disappointed with its ideals as Stalin used communism as the foundation of his authoritarian system. 

Stalin of the Soviet Union was also an important influence in shaping 1984’s totalitarian regime of Oceania, as Stalin used secret police to force confessions out of enemies through torture alike how the Ministry of Love did with Winston . Like the Party, the Soviet Union also tampered with physical records of people as they imprison and/or eliminate millions of lives. 

24 hour surveillance

With the rise of the nuclear age and television in 1949, Orwell envisioned a future where everyone would always be monitored through screens in a post-atomic dictatorship . This became a fear that was highly possible when speculated thirty five years into the future. 

But as we all know, this did not become true. In the early 1990s, the Cold War ended with the triumph of democracy, as signified by the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Even so, Orwell’s 1984 still serves as a precautionary tale against the corruption and abuse of totalitarian regimes, along with a profound insight into the use of language and history to manipulate one’s individuality.  

Want more information on George Orwell? Take a look at this biography found via the Orwell Foundation page!

Themes Explored in 1984

To help you get started on your thesis or topic sentence , here are three key themes from 1984 that you can write about in your essay analysis !

The Consequences of Totalitarianism

After experiencing the violence and corruption of totalitarian regimes in Spain and Russia, Orwell wrote 1984 as a warning about the dangers of an authoritarian regime where the government holds the most power. As such, the Party in 1984 administered extreme methods of physical and psychological manipulation to enforce total submission of its people. 

Physical control by the Party includes total surveillance of its people to the extent where even a twitch in the face can be enough to warrant an arrest. Morning exercises, called Physical Jerks, are also carried out before long hours at work to tire people out so they don’t have the energy to think beyond the Party’s propaganda. 

The Party also uses physical torture to “re-educate” and punish those who rebel against them. It is this physical pain that causes Winston to lose his own individuality and moral beliefs, allowing the Party to infiltrate his mind and dictate his sense of reality. 

Meanwhile, the Party also uses psychological tactics to saturate the individual’s mind with propaganda and disable its ability for independent thinking. On top of watching everyone everywhere, the telescreens are also used to indoctrinate (ie. brainwash) people into supporting the Party despite its flaws.

Black and white television - 1984 analysis

The telescreens also perpetuate slogans such as “BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU” , to remind people that their government is always watching their back so they better behave according to the Party’s standards. 

The Party also deems close friendships and conversations with others illegal. So, if you’re itching to spill the tea, your only method of venting your emotions out is through pep rallies, where the Party encourages you to show extreme expressions of hatred to its political enemies. Ultimately, this allows the Party to dictate how and where you should express your emotions, keeping you from expressing your individual feelings, thoughts and opinions. 

Here are some quotes that illustrate the perils of totalitarianism: 

QuoteLink to the Consequences of Totalitarianism
“Big Brother is Watching You” This slogan represents how the Party constantly monitors its people and instills psychological fear to enforce total control over its citizens. 
“We convert him, we capture his inner mind, we reshape him” This line from O’Brien reveals the Party’s motive of gaining total control over people’s minds by forcing them to forfeit their independent thought and truly believing in whatever the Party wants them to believe in. 
“You want it to happen to the other person. You don’t give a damn what they suffer. All you care about is yourself.”This line from Julia as she speaks to Winston about what happened in 101 reveals that the both of them have betrayed one another as a result of the torture they’ve experienced under the Party, which represents their loss of morality and individual values under cruel physical control of authoritarian regimes. 

The Power of Language to Liberate and Control 

In 1984, language has the dual capacity to both restrain and facilitate individual expression. This is another key message that Orwell imparts, as he highlights how language can either promote or limit ideas which influence our beliefs, behaviour and identity. 

The Party uses Newspeak as a way of controlling the language that its people speak, which in turn dictates the people’s thoughts, actions and personalities (or lack thereof).

By eliminating words that are associated with rebellious thoughts, the Party essentially removes the people’s ability to think of resistance because there are no words to conceive it. With continual edits with Newspeak, the Party inches a step closer to their ultimate goal of total coercion from their people.

Yet, in Winston’s case, he uses language as a vehicle of self-expression as he purchases a diary for himself and writes his everyday thoughts, opinions and feelings into it . By writing in his own words, he is able to build himself an identity with his own passions, goals and perspective.

Notebook without writing in it

Sadly, in a world where the government overrules individual expression, Winston’s use of language dwindles, though it is encouraging to see how language can still work to preserve independent thought.

Here are three quotes that can help you get started on this theme: 

QuoteLink to the Consequences of Totalitarianism
“WAR IS PEACE

FREEDOM IS SLAVERY

IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH”
This official slogan of the Party is an example of “doublethink” that is used to instil propaganda and fear, forcing its people to believe anything they say even when it is contradictory and illogical. (eg. Ministry of Truth is where history is rewritten, Ministry of Love is where people are tortured, Ministry of Peace is head of war). 
“Don’t you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought? In the end we shall make thoughtcrime literally impossible, because there will be no words in which to express it.." This represents the Party’s use of language to restrain any thought of rebellion against its political campaign and enforce subservience. 
“Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows”This line from Winston reinforces the power of language to reclaim his perspective of the world moves beyond the indoctrinations from the Party. 

The Importance of Preserving Our Identity and Individualism

What happens if we lose everything that defines us as us? 

1984 truly delves into this scary concept as the Party removes everyone’s personal details so they are not able to establish their own identity. For example, even Winston does not know his own age, who his real parents are nor can he trust his own childhood memories as there are no photographs or evidences to help him differentiate between reality and imagination. 

Aside from Winston, the rest of Oceania are also denied documents that could give them a sense of individuality and help them differentiate themselves from others . This causes their memories to grow fuzzy, thus making the people of Oceania vulnerable and dependent on the stories that the Party tells them.

In turn, by controlling the present, the Party can re-engineer the past. Simultaneously, by controlling the past, the Party can rationalise its shortcomings and project a perfect government that is far from the truth. 

With no recollection of the past, the people of Oceania can no longer stay in touch with their real identities and instead, become identical as they wear the same uniform, drink the same brand of alcohol and more. Yet, Winston builds his own sense of identity through recording his thoughts, experiences and emotions in his diary. This act along with his relationship with Julia symbolises Winston’s declaration of his own independence and identity as a rebel who disagrees with the Party’s system. 

Despite this, Winston’s own sense of individuality and identity dissolves after his torturous experience at the Ministry of Love, which transforms him into another member of the Outer Party who blends into the crowd. By asserting a dark vision of humanity’s individualism, Orwell urges audiences in the present to truly value their freedom to express and preserve their identity. 

Here are some quotes that are related to this idea which you may find helpful:

QuoteLink to the Consequences of Totalitarianism
“Who controls the past, controls the future: who controls the present controls the past”This slogan from the Party reveals that by rewriting history, the Party can justify their actions and systems in the present. Alternatively, by controlling the present, they can choose to manipulate history however they like. 
“What appealed to [Winston] about [the coral paperweight] was not so much its beauty as the air it seemed to possess of belonging to an age quite different to the present one”This quote from Winston represents his act of rebellion which helps him to assert his own independence in determining what he likes or does not like that are outside of the Party’s influence. 
“And when memory failed and written records were falsified… the claim of the Party to have improved the conditions of human life had go to be accepted, because there did not exist, and never again could exist.” This quote represents Winston’s realisation that the Party purposefully erodes people’s memories of the past to disable their sense of identity and gain full control of their sense of self. 

Of course, 1984 also includes other themes that you may be thinking about writing analysis for, such as: 

  • Rebellion and Patriotism 
  • Active versus Passive Survival 
  • The Corrupt Use of Technology
Check out our recommended related text for 1984 .

Essay Analysis: How to Analyse 1984 in 3 Steps

Analysing your text is always the first step to writing an amazing essay! Lots of students make the mistake of jumping right into writing without really understanding what the text is about.

This leads to arguments that only skim the surface of the complex ideas, techniques and elements of the text. So, let’s build a comprehensive thesis through an in-depth analysis of the 1984. 

Here are three easy steps that you can use to analyse 1984 and really impress your English teachers!

Step 1: Select your example(s)

1984 is a world of its own with its totalitarian systems, use of foreign words and more. So, we totally understand if you’re feeling lost and don’t know where to begin. 

Our piece of advice is to look for examples that come with a technique. Techniques offer you a chance to delve into the text’s underlying meaning, which would help you deepen your analysis and enrich your essay writing. 

Find our extensive list of quotes from 1984 by George Orwell!

Here are two quotes that relate to consequences of totalitarian power, which we have picked to help you visualise which examples can provide a deeper meaning: 

“Big Brother is Watching You.”  “WAR IS PEACE FREEDOM IS SLAVERY IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH” 

Step 2: Identify your technique(s)

Getting a good grade in English is more than listing out every technique that you can find in the text. Instead, it’s about finding techniques that allow you to dive deeper into the themes you’re focussing on, while also supporting your argument. 

Try to look for techniques that allow you to explain its effects and link to your argument such as symbols, metaphors, connotations, similes and historical allegories . In Orwell’s case, he uses a lot of language techniques such as neologism, where he makes up his own words such as “Doublethink” or “Newspeak”. 

For the two quotes above, its three techniques include historical allusion, rhetoric and oxymoron. 

If possible, you can look out for a quote that encompasses a few techniques to really pack a punch in your analysis. 

Step 3: Write the analysis

Once you’re done collecting your examples and techniques, the next part is writing. You must remember to explain what the effect of the technique is and how it supports your argument. Otherwise, it’s not going to be a cohesive essay if you’re just listing out techniques. 

An example of listing out techniques looks like this: 

“The rhetoric “Big Brother is Watching You” is also a historical allusion while “War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery and Ignorance is Strength” is oxymoronic.”

Instead, you must elaborate on how each of these techniques link to your argument. 

“Big Brother is Watching You” is a rhetoric imposed by the Party to instil psychological fear and submission of the people of Oceania, whereby Orwell uses to warn the dangers of totalitarianism. “Big Brother” is also a historical allusion to Hitler to remind the audience that 1984 is not entirely fictional but a possible future of our reality, urging us to take action against totalitarian regimes with the autonomy we have now. 

Meanwhile, the slogan ““WAR IS PEACE, FREEDOM IS SLAVERY, IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH” represents the oxymoronic mentalities that have been indoctrinated into the people of Oceania, highlighting how totalitarian regimes would force its people to think whatever they want their people to think, no matter how illogical it is. 

Together, your analysis should look something like: 

The Party perpetuates the rhetoric, “Big Brother is Watching You” to instil psychological fear and coercion of the the people of Oceania, which forewarns a lack of individual freedom and private reflection within authoritarian regimes. As “Big Brother” is a historical allusion to Hitler, Orwell reminds the audience that 1984 and its extremist politics is a reality, urging us to defend our independence before it’s forbidden. Furthermore, the slogan “War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength” embodies the oxymoronic mentalities that the Party indoctrinates into its people, revealing the extreme extent of psychological control an authoritarian regime strives to ensure their power is never questioned, no matter how irrational it is.

Need some help with your essay analysis of other texts aside from 1984?

Check out other texts we’ve created guides for below:

  • Romeo and Juliet
  • Run Lola Run
  • The Meursault Investigation
  • In Cold Blood
  • To Kill a Mockingbird
  • The Book Thief
  • The Tempest
  • Blade Runner
  • Things Fall Apart
  • Mrs Dalloway

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George Orwells 1984 - Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

1984 is a dystopian novel by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism and surveillance. Essays on this topic could delve into the themes of surveillance, truth, and totalitarianism in the novel, discuss its relevance to contemporary societal issues, or compare Orwell’s dystopian vision to other dystopian or utopian literary works. A substantial compilation of free essay instances related to George Orwell’s 1984 you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Dissecting Dystopia: George Orwells 1984 and the World of Oceania

George Orwell's "1984", a terrifying portrayal of dictatorship seen through the prism of a made-up superstate called Oceania, is still regarded as a classic piece of literature. Examining how Orwell's dystopian picture of the world mirrors larger concerns of power, surveillance, and the human spirit under authoritarian control, this article explores the complex world-building of Oceania. In the film "1984," Oceania is shown as an authoritarian society marked by ongoing conflict, constant government monitoring, and widespread public manipulation. Orwell painstakingly […]

1984 and Brave New World Comparison

As years pass by, human society has advanced in very unpredictable ways due to the evolution of ideas and technologies. It is somewhat cloudy to forseek what new advancements that may arrive in the future. In the 20th century, two dystopian writers had predicted the fate of the world that we live in today. The novels Nineteen Eighty-Four written by George Orwell and Brave New World written by Aldous Huxley both envisioned how society would end up as a dystopia. […]

1984 Compared to Today

In the world today, the internet is at the center of our actions. The internet and technology enable the recording of everything we do, which can be accessed by millions of people within a short time. This leads to the question of privacy in this age. In the novel "1984" by George Orwell, the main character, Winston Smith, and the rest of the population in Oceania are being surveyed. All their moves are followed with the help of telescreens purposed […]

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Winston against the Party in the Novel 1984

In 1984, the main character, Winston Smith goes through moments where he is in need; His needs consist of physiological needs, safety, and security needs, love and belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. Winston is the main character in his novel it follows his around during this time. In 1984 Winston has his physiological met. These physiological needs include; water, pleasure, and food. Winston had taken up his spoon and was dabbling in pale-colored gravy that dribbled across the […]

1984 the Soviet Union the Parallels

George Orwell is an author who wrote the book 1984 and Animal Farm, two famous Dystopian novels. But what is a dystopian novel? A dystopian novel is where the author writes about a society being oppressed or terrorized from a group of people or person(Jennifer Kendall). Typically in dystopian novels, we are shown a character who don’t agree with the government structure and tend to rebel against them. Although dystopian novels are fictional, it doesn’t mean that it can’t happen […]

1984 Surveillance Essay

George Orwell's 1984 writes of a dystopian society that has become severally oppressed by the methods ‘The Party' uses to control its society. The people do not think for themselves, and there is no independence from the government’s rules. One form that the party has control over everyone is with mind manipulation and constant surveillance, watching people actions and reactions to their messages that ‘The Party’ shares via the ‘telescreen’. A ‘telescreen’ is a two-way connection screen that people watch […]

Lack of Privacy in 1984 Essay

Privacy is a loose term in our world today because no one abides by it and the privacy of many people is invaded every day. People don’t even think about being watched when they’re posting personal experiences in their life on social media. Invasion of privacy is a serious issue concerning the Internet, as e-mails can be read and/or encrypted, and cookies can track a user and store personal information. Lack of privacy policies and employee monitoring threatens security also. […]

Main Themes in 1984

There are many Themes in 1984 however there are two that show themselves as the most important throughout the story: The disastrous effects of both the control of information and complete and total domination of the people, or Authoritarianism. These two themes show themselves many times throughout the entire story. The main Villain of the novel, Big Brother, exists to show the reader what will happen when one single organization or entity controls all information, and every other facet of […]

Nature and Animals 1984 Essay

In George Orwell's 1984, the reader follows a middle-aged man named Winston Smith. In Winston's society, people can be under surveillance at any time, in any place. The reader follows Winston through his affair with a woman named Julia, and the consequences that they face after. Throughout 1984, many motifs are represented, one of them being nature and animals. The motif of nature/animals demonstrates how Orwell connects characters in his book to animals. In 1984, the first time the reader […]

Parallels between a Novel 1984 and Soviet Union

George Orwell is a politically charged author who writes novels as warning issued against the dangers of totalitarian societies. The novel is dystopian literature. A dystopian society is the not so good version of an utopian society which is pretty much a perfect world. While an utopian society IS a perfect world, a dystopian society is the exact opposite as it is dehumanizing and unpleasant in regards to trying to make everything ideal. The novel 1984 by George Orwell is […]

1984 Literary Essay

In the novel 1984 war ment peace, freedom ment slavery, and ignorance ment strength. This novel very intriguing yet dark and twisted, the novel all began with an average man with an average job and an average life named Winston Smith, but what you don't know is how unruly the government is. The government believes everyone they have in their grasp they completely and utterly control, they have dehumanized humans to the point where they can't hardly think for themselves […]

Current Events Shaped Themes in 1984

Throughout history there have been dozens of examples of how the book 1984 relates to current events. A Prime example of this is Fidel Castro and 1960's Cuba, Throughout his rule he was responsible for housing many soviet missiles, and limiting the freedoms of his people. The only news allowed in cuba was the news that was verified by either castro himself or his higher up officers. This is an example of censoring/controlling the media. Throughout the book there are […]

George Orwell’s Fiction Novel 1984

With new technology and advanced programs, the government is gaining more power than one may realize. George Orwell’s fiction novel 1984, depicts Oceania’s control upon it’s party members thoughts and freedom showcasing the harsh effects that it had on its population. Too much control can often lead to social repression, Winston being a product of this repressed society. The cruelty Winston is faced with serves as both a motivation for him throughout the novel and reveals many hidden traits about […]

The Party and Power 1984

William Gaddis once said, “power doesn’t corrupt people, people corrupt power”; a truth that perfectly articulates the relationship between man and power. George Orwell’s prose novel, 1984, and James McTeigue’s theatrical film, V for Vendetta, are such quintessences of power abused by those in pursuit of reaching authoritative domination. They differ in textual form and perspectives however at their core, both texts are works of dystopian fiction and juvenalian satire against authoritarian style leaderships, depicting their respective protagonists as victims […]

A Political Novel 1984

1984 is a political novel composed for the humans below a totalitarian authorities and to give consciousness for the feasible dangers of it. George Orwell, the author, purposefully created the e book give emphasis to the rising of communism in Western countries who are nonetheless uncertain about how to approach it. He additionally wrote it due to having an insight of the horrendous lengths to which authoritarian governments that ought to possibly go beyond their power such as Spain and […]

The Power of Words and Rhetoric in 1984

In a lucid moment Winston found that he was shouting with the others and kicking his heel violently against the ring of his chair (Orwell 14). Winston Smith is an average man in the world of 1984, at least that is what readers believe at first glance. However, there is a hidden life under the surface of his skin, this being the brewing hatred he feels for the, otherwise, worshiped Big Brother. Smith meets an unlikely companion in a young […]

About the Hazard of Controlling Governments in 1984

Dystopian literature has been around for quite some time, shaping the minds of young readers. However, in the course of recent decades, it has turned out to be increasingly popular, especially after the turn of the century. In a time of fear and anxiety, the dystopian genre has become more popular in pop culture, in that they provide audiences with a different aspect of entertainment, while offering a sense of comfort and control. The world that young adults of today […]

The Tools and Actions of Totalitarianism in Cuba and “1984” by George Orwell

George Orwell’s book 1984 displayed an example of a real-life dystopia. Totalitarianism is shown in this communist-based society so ghastly that it coined its own term “Orwellian” in the dictionary. However, a country living in full surveillance with extremely nationalistic views in cookie-cutter world is not entirely fictional. Historical dictatorships are similar to Orwell’s telling of Big Brother, the man in control of Oceania’s economy and strictly enforced values. An example of such was the Cuban regime under control of […]

Wake up its 1984 again

War is peace; freedom is slavery; ignorance is strength In the book 1984 by George Orwell, Big brother is an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent dictator of Oceania. Big Brother symbolizes the face of the Party and its public manifestation, which controlled people's thoughts, actions, knowledge and way of living. By using secret police, surveillance, torture, propaganda, misinformation, and corrupted languages to control all aspects of one's life. Even though the book was meant to be fictional, there is some elements […]

The Parallels of 1984 and the Soviet Union

George Orwell, a pen name for the author’s real name Eric Arthur Blair, is a man that had multiple professions, such as an essayist, imperial police officer, and a critic. However, he is best known as a novelist, writing such stories like Animal Farm, Burmese Days, and the main focus novel that will be talked about today, 1984. 1984 is the story about a man named Winston Smith, a man that lives in a totalitarian society where no one is […]

What did 1984 Steal from 1922

There have been many dictators in the history of the world. They have been mostly bad for the people of the society, reducing their ability to stand up for them self. Most dictators used fear and intimidation to scare their opponents into complying with them, but in 1984 they limited their vocabulary (newspeak) and twisted what they were saying to make it sound nicer (doublespeak) to get the people to comply with the rules. The Party in 1984 is influenced […]

The Party Control in 1984

1984 is a story of tragedy and warns of a dystopian future, which day by day looks like it is becoming closer to a reality. The story starts out with Winston Smith, a member of the Party, living inside the conglomerate super-nation Oceania. Everywhere Winston goes, he is being watched by the Party's leader, Big Brother, who is constantly monitoring to stop any and all rebellion. The Party controls everything and are trying to indoctrinate people, inventing a brand new […]

My 1984 Story

INTRODUCTION The Party did the people wrong and treated them poorly because the Party wanted them to do what they asked for and manipulating their minds. Orwell wanted to tell people how the Party treated other people and what they had to sacrifice in order to do what was told. For it to be one of the most powerful warnings that ever happened in the totalitarian society. George Orwell’s 1984 is a interesting and constructive book that is filled with […]

Dystopian Literature – 1984

The destruction of history causes people to obey the party more and become mindless objects to the party. The party imposed if all records told the same tale then the lie passed into history and became truth. Who controls the past ran the party slogan controls the future who controls the present controls the past And the through of its nature alterable never has been altered{ Orwell p.31}. It represent imagery and talks about how the party controls them and […]

1984 and Brave New Word: Literary Criticisms

Although they seem to portray two completely opposite dystopias, Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World and George Orwell’s 1984 are two sides of the same coin, as they both warn of the dangers of an all-powerful government. Both their personal lives and the social climate in which they lived in contributed in the shaping of their novels into the disturbingly brilliant pieces of literature that are praised today. Huxley’s childhood provides great insight into some of the many influences of his […]

The Shadow of 1984

When people read dystopian text they often include topics with darker views of our political structures. George Orwell's novel 1984 is about a place named Oceania in which the main character Winston, a member of the outer party,journeys into his end. He finds himself with these viewpoints no one else seems to have of how Oceania is runned and only continues to question and dig further until he is put to stop by the party. Although Orwell’s work is fiction […]

George Orwell’s 1984 Oppression

After reading and discussing the outcomes of high tech policing, I strongly take a stand with the critics of it. This is not only opinion, the data received by high tech policing technologies distort the true meaning of privacy and is a form of biased policing against poor and minority communities. Police are using high tech policing to target poor and minority communities. The main facts that support my claim are how high tech policing results in biases against minorities […]

What does the Paperweight Symbolize in 1984: Metaphor for Loss of Individuality

Introduction “Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows” (Orwell 81). George Orwell wrote a book called 1984 about Winston and how he lives in an oppressive government. The government manipulates them so much that they have no freedom and no way to express themselves. They cannot even say 2+2=4. Imagery, symbolism, and figurative language are used to convey the theme of the loss of individuality by totalitarianism. Metaphor […]

Decoding Dystopia: George Orwell’s 1984 Explored

Picture a world where your every move is watched, where your thoughts aren’t even your own. Welcome to George Orwell’s "1984," a novel that isn’t just a story but a warning bell that still echoes loudly today. Written in 1949 and set in a future that's now our past, Orwell spins a tale of a world caught in the grip of total government control, a place where the very idea of truth is as malleable as clay. At the heart […]

George Orwells 1984 Theme: Rejecting Political Apathy through Orwellian Insights

In George Orwell's iconic dystopian novel, "1984," the theme of rejection to political apathy emerges as a powerful undercurrent. Set in a totalitarian regime where Big Brother's watchful eye permeates every aspect of citizens' lives, the novel serves as a stark warning against the dangers of political passivity. As an environmental studies student, I find intriguing parallels between the oppressive political climate depicted in the book and the urgent need for active environmental engagement in today's world. Orwell's masterpiece provides […]

Originally published :June 8, 1949
Author :George Orwell
Pages :328
Genre :Dystopian, political fiction, social science fiction
Set in :London, Airstrip One, Oceania
Characters :Big Brother, Winston Smith, Julia, Emmanuel Goldstein, Syme, O'Brien

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How To Write an Essay About George Orwell's 1984

Understanding the context and themes of 1984.

When setting out to write an essay about George Orwell's "1984," it's crucial to first grasp the novel's historical and literary context. Published in 1949, "1984" is a dystopian novel that paints a chilling picture of a totalitarian regime. In your introduction, outline the key themes of the novel: the dangers of totalitarianism, the manipulation of truth, and the erosion of individuality. It's important to contextualize these themes within the post-World War II era during which Orwell was writing, as well as considering their continued relevance in today's society. This foundational understanding will inform your exploration of the novel's complex narrative and thematic structure.

Analyzing Orwell's Characters and Narrative Techniques

The body of your essay should delve into a detailed analysis of the novel's characters and narrative techniques. Focus on the protagonist, Winston Smith, and his journey of rebellion and subsequent downfall. Examine Orwell's portrayal of the Party, particularly the character of Big Brother, and the ways in which it exercises control over individuals. Discuss the novel's key symbols, such as telescreens, Newspeak, and the concept of doublethink, and how they contribute to its overall message. Analyze Orwell's use of language and narrative style, considering how these elements enhance the novel's themes and its impact on readers. Use specific examples and quotes from the text to support your analysis, ensuring each paragraph contributes to a comprehensive understanding of Orwell's vision.

Contextualizing 1984 in the Broader Literary Landscape

In this section, place "1984" within the broader context of dystopian literature and its historical background. Discuss how the novel reflects the anxieties of its time, including fears of fascism and communism, and how these concerns are woven into the fabric of the narrative. Consider the influences on Orwell's writing, such as his experiences during the Spanish Civil War and his observations of Stalinist Russia. Additionally, reflect on the novel's impact on later literature and culture, including its influence on the genre of dystopian fiction and its relevance in contemporary discussions about surveillance, privacy, and political power.

Concluding Reflections on 1984

Conclude your essay by summarizing the key points of your analysis, emphasizing the enduring significance of "1984" in both literary and socio-political contexts. Reflect on the novel's warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of preserving individual freedoms. Consider the novel's relevance in today's world, particularly in light of current technological and political developments. A strong conclusion will not only provide closure to your essay but also underscore the novel's ongoing relevance, encouraging readers to continue contemplating Orwell's warnings and insights in relation to contemporary society.

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1984 essay topics examples

Common Module State-Rank Essay Showcase: Nineteen Eighty-Four

The following essay was written by Project Academy English Tutor, Marko Beocanin

Marko Beocanin

Marko Beocanin

99.95 ATAR & 3 x State Ranker

The following essay was written by Project Academy English Teacher, Marko Beocanin.

Marko’s Achievements:

  • 8th in NSW for English Advanced (98/100)
  • Rank 1 in English Advanced, Extension 1 and Extension 2
  • School Captain of Normanhurst Boys High School

Marko kindly agreed to share his essay and thorough annotations to help demystify for HSC students what comprises an upper Band 6 response!

Common Module: Nineteen Eighty-Four Essay Question

Marko’s following essay was written in response to the question:

“The representation of human experiences makes us more aware of the intricate nature of humanity.” In your response, discuss this statement with detailed reference to George Orwell’s ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’.

State-Ranking Common Module Essay Response

George Orwell’s 1949 Swiftian satire Nineteen Eighty-Four invites us to appreciate the intricate nature of humanity by representing how the abuse of power by totalitarian governments degrades our individual and collective experiences. (Link to rubric through individual/collective experiences, and a clear cause and effect argument: totalitarian governance -> degraded human experience. Also, comments on the genre of Swiftian satire. Value!) Orwell explores how oppressive authorities suppress the intricate societal pillars of culture, expression and freedom to maintain power. He then reveals how this suppression brutalises individual human behaviour and motivations because it undermines emotion and intricate thought. (Link to rubric through ‘human behaviour and motivations’, and extended cause and effect in which the first paragraph explores the collective ‘cause’ and the second paragraph explores the individual ‘effect’. This is an easy way to structure your arguments whilst continuously engaging with the rubric!) Ultimately, he argues that we must resist the political apathy that enables oppressive governments to maintain power and crush human intricacy. Therefore, his representation of human experiences not only challenges us to consider the intricate nature of humanity, but exhorts us to greater political vigilance so we can preserve it. (Concluding sentence that broadens the scope of the question and reaffirms the purpose of the text).

Orwell makes us aware of the intricate nature of humanity by representing how totalitarian authorities suppress intricate collective experiences of culture, expression and freedom in order to assert control. (This is the ‘collective’ paragraph – a cause and effect argument that relates the question to the loss of human intricacy in the collective as a result of totalitarian rule). His bleak vision was informed by Stalin’s USSR: a regime built upon the fabrication of history in Stalin’s ‘cult of personality’, and ruthlessly enforced by the NKVD. (Specific context – an actual specific regime is named and some details about its enforcement are given). The symbolic colourlessness and propaganda-poster motif he uses to describe London reflects the loss of human intricacy and culture under such leadership: “there seemed to be no colour in anything, except the posters that were plastered everywhere.” (First example sets up the world of the text, and the degraded collective experience). Orwell uses the telescreens, dramatically capitalised “BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU” posters and allusions to Stalin in Big Brother’s “black-moustachio’d face” as metonyms for how governmental surveillance dominates both physical and cultural collective experiences. Winston’s metatextual construction of the fictitious “Comrade Ogilvy” serves as a symbol for the vast, worthless masses of information produced by totalitarian governments to undermine the intricacy of real human history: “Comrade Ogilvy, who had never existed…would exist just as authentically, and upon the same evidence, as Charlemagne or Julius Caesar.” Similarly, Orwell’s satirical representation of Newspeak ignites the idea that political slovenliness causes self-expression to degrade, which in turn destroys our capacity for intricate thought and resistance: “we shall make thoughtcrime literally impossible, because there will be no words in which to express it.” (The examples above prove that the government’s leadership style truly is totalitarian, and that it results in a loss of intricacy and ‘humanity’ in the collective. It’s good to cover a variety of examples that explore different facets of the collective – for example, the first example establishes the extreme surveillance, the second example establishes the loss of ‘truth’/history, and the third example establishes the loss of language). The political bitterness that marks Nineteen Eighty-Four as a Swiftian satire (This is a link to the ‘Swiftian’ term used in the thesis statement. It’s important to refer back to any descriptive terms you use in your thesis) ultimately culminates in O’Brien’s monologue, where Orwell juxtaposes the politicised verb “abolish” to symbols of human intricacy, “we shall abolish the orgasm…there will be no art, no literature, no science…when we are omnipotent”, to express how totalitarian rulers suppress collective experiences to gain metaphoric omnipotence. Thus, Orwell makes us aware of the intricate nature of humanity by representing a future in which totalitarian governments suppress it. (A linking sentence that ties it all back to the question and rephrases the point)

Orwell then argues that the effect of this suppression is a loss of human intricacy that brutalises society and devalues individual experiences. (Cause and effect argument that links collective suppression to a loss of human intricacy on an individual scale – continuous engagement with the question and the rubric!) Orwell’s exposure to the widespread hysteria of Hitler’s Nazi regime, caused by the Nuremberg Rallies and Joseph Goebbels’ virulent anti-semitic propaganda, informs his representation of Oceania’s dehumanised masses. (More specific context around the Nazis, and a specific link to how it informed his work) The burlesque Two Minute Hate reveals human inconsistency by representing how even introspective, intelligent characters can be stripped of their intricacy and compassion by the experience of collective hysteria: even Winston wishes to “flog [Julia] to death with a rubber truncheon…ravish her and cut her throat at the moment of climax”, and is only restored by compliance to the Christ-like totalitarian authority, “My-Saviour!”, Big Brother. (A link to the rubric with the ‘human inconsistency’ point) Orwell frequently juxtaposes dehumanising representations of the proles, “the proles are not human beings”, to political sloganism: “As the Party slogan put it: ‘Proles and animals are free’”, to argue that in such a collectively suppressed society, the upper class grow insensitive towards the intricate nature of those less privileged. (It’s important to link the proles into your argument – they’re often forgotten, but they’re a big part of the text!) He asserts that this loss of empathy degrades the authenticity and intricacy of human relationships, characterised by Winson’s paradoxically hyperbolic repulsion towards his wife: “[Katharine] had without exception the most stupid, vulgar, empty mind that he had every encountered”. (Continuous engagement with the question and rubric: make sure to recycle rubric terms – here, done with ‘paradoxically’ – and question terms – here, with ‘intricacy’)  Winston’s “betrayal” of Julia symbolises how totalitarianism ultimately brutalises individuals by replacing their compassion for intricate ideals such as love with selfish pragmatism: “Do it to Julia…Tear her face off, strip her to the bones. Not me!” Therefore, Orwell makes us more aware of the intricate nature of humanity by demonstrating how it can be robbed by suppressive governments and collective hysteria. (A linking sentence that sums up the paragraph).

By making us aware of how totalitarian governments suppress meaningful human experiences both individually and collectively, Orwell challenges us to resist so we can preserve our intricate nature. (This third paragraph discusses Orwell’s purpose as a composer. This can in general be a helpful way to structure paragraphs: Collective, Individual, Purpose) Orwell’s service in the 1930s Spanish Civil War as part of the Republican militia fighting against fascist-supported rebels positions him to satirise the political apathy of his audience. (Integration of personal context is useful here to justify Orwell’s motivations. It’s also a lot fresher than just including another totalitarian regime Orwell was exposed to) Orwell alludes to this through the metaphor of Winston’s diarising as an anomalous individual experience of resistance, ““[Winston] was a lonely ghost uttering a truth that nobody would ever hear,” which highlights how his intricate nature persists even in a suppressive society. Often, Orwell meta-fictively addresses his own context, as “a time when thought is free…when truth exists”, to establish an imperative to preserve our intricate human nature while we still can. The Julia romance trope (It’s good to include terms such as ‘trope’ which reflect your understanding of narrative structure and the overall form of the work.) represents how Winston’s gradual rejection of his political apathy empowered him to experience an authentic, intricately human relationship that subverts his totalitarian society: “the gesture with which [Julia] had thrown her clothes aside…[belonged] to an ancient time. Winston woke up with the word ‘Shakespeare’ on his lips.” Orwell juxtaposes Julia’s sexuality to Shakespeare, an immediately-recognisable metonym for culture and history, to argue that human intricacy can only be restored by actively resisting the dehumanising influence of the government. Orwell also represents Winston’s desensitised and immediate devotion to the Brotherhood to reflect how the preservation of human intricacy is a cause worth rebelling for, even by paradoxically unjust means: “[Winston was] prepared to commit murder…acts of sabotage which may cause the deaths of hundreds of innocent people…throw sulphuric acid in a child’s face.” (More chronological examples that show Winston’s transformation throughout the text. It’s useful to explore and contrast those who resist with those who don’t resist, and how just the act of resistance in some way restores our humanity! That’s why this paragraph comes after the ‘brutalised individual experience’ paragraph) However, Orwell ultimately asserts that it is too late for Winston to meaningfully restore humanity’s intricate nature, and concludes the text with his symbolic death and acceptance of the regime, “[Winston] had won the victory over himself. He loved Big Brother.” (It’s important to remember that Orwell ends the text so miserably so that he can motivate his audiences not to do the same thing). The futility of this ending ignites the idea that we must not only be aware of our intricate nature, but must actively resist oppressive governments while we still can in order to preserve it. (A linking sentence that ties the paragraph together and justifies the futility of the ending)

Therefore, Orwell’s representation of human experiences in Nineteen Eighty-Four encourages us to reflect personally on our own intricate human nature, and challenges us to fight to preserve it. (Engages with the question (through the reflection point), and includes Orwell’s purpose as a composer). His depiction of a totalitarian government’s unchecked assertion of power on human culture and freedom, and the brutalising impact this has on individual and collective experiences, ultimately galvanises us to reject political apathy. (Your argument summaries can often be combined into a sentence or two in the conclusion now that the marker knows what you’re talking about. This reinforces the cause and effect structure as well.) Thus, the role of storytelling for Orwell is not only to make us more aware of our intricate nature, but to prove that we must actively resist oppressive governments while we still can in order to preserve it. (The clincher! It’s often useful to add “not only” in your final sentence to reinforce the massive scope of the text)

If reading this essay has helped you, you may also enjoy reading Marko’s ultimate guide to writing 20/20 HSC English essays .

P.S If you have any questions about aceing HSC English , you are welcome to learn from Marko and join one of Project Academy’s HSC English classes on a 3 week trial .

1984 essay topics examples

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by George Orwell

1984 themes, totalitarianism.

In writing 1984 , Orwell's main goal was to warn of the serious danger totalitarianism poses to society. He goes to great lengths to demonstrate the terrifying degree of power and control a totalitarian regime can acquire and maintain. In such regimes, notions of personal rights and freedoms and individual thought are pulverized under the all-powerful hand of the government. Orwell was a Socialist and believed strongly in the potential for rebellion to advance society, yet too often he witnessed such rebellions go wrong and develop into totalitarian rule. Specifically, Orwell saw such developments during his time in Spain and in Russia, where he witnessed the rise of communism and the accompanying destruction of civil liberties, honest government, and economic strength.

During a time when much of the Western world was lauding communism as a step towards human progress in the development of equality in government, Orwell clearly and definitively spoke out against the practice. In 1984 , Orwell presents a dystopia, or in other words, the perfect totalitarian state. In composing this novel, Orwell gave the world a glimpse of what the embrace of communism might lead to if allowed to proceed unchecked. The Party is unflawed in its universal control over society, as evidenced by its ability to break even an independent thinker such as Winston, and has mastered every aspect of psychological control, largely through utilizing technological developments (allowing for inventions such as the telescreen) to their advantage. In ending the novel with Winston defeated in every sense of the term, Orwell clearly suggests that there is no hope for quelling the expansion or growth of such a perfectly established regime. And, more importantly, Orwell warns that at the time, this outcome was within the realm of possibility as long as the world supported and embraced communism.

A major factor in the Party's rule over Oceania lies in its extremely well organized and effective propaganda machine. The Ministry of Truth, which is ironically where Winston works, is responsible for disseminating all Party publications and information. All figures and facts come from the Ministry of Truth, and all are dictated by the Party. In other words, the Party chooses exactly what to tell the public, regardless of what is accurate. The effectiveness of this propaganda machine, which constantly corrects old material to reflect the Party's current position on any subject ranging from chocolate rations to the loyalty of a specific individual, allows the Party to completely dominate the range of information disseminated to the public. Therefore, as O'Brien notes, the machine determines what constitutes reality.

In addition to the massive amounts of doctored information the Party disseminates to the public, there are also basic forms of propaganda, such as the Two Minutes Hate, Hate Week, posters of Big Brother , and required daily participation in the Physical Jerks. The Party uses literally every waking opportunity to instill its ideals into its citizens, and is strikingly successful in achieving its goal of total loyalty. In 1984 we see the vigor and loyalty such propaganda inspires in the citizens. The citizens of Oceania are filled with hatred for the country's stated enemies, but this hatred is easily re-directed if the enemy happens to change. This efficiency is quite disturbing. Orwell's presentation of the power of propaganda significantly supports his warning against totalitarianism. If propaganda rules all information, it is impossible to have any grasp on reality. The world is as the Party defines it.

Love/Sexuality

The Party works to quell all physical sensations of love, and depersonalizes sex to the point where it is referred to as a "duty to the Party" (for the purposes of procreation). Some Party organizations even advocate complete abstinence and procreation only through artificial insemination. Winston suffers the Party's removal of personal fulfillment or enjoyment in relationships in his failed marriage with Katharine . Later, when he finds Julia , Winston relishes the freedom of being able to love someone in a physical and emotional way. So much of Winston's seeming rebellion turns out to be guided and influenced by the Party ( Mr. Charrington , O'Brien, the Brotherhood), but his relationship with Julia is not. Winston is only able to rebel against the Party through his affair with Julia, even though this love is destroyed in the end.

Orwell's discussion of love is not only relegated to romantic love. Through Winston's memories of his mother and the contrast between how she cared for him and his sister and the average Party family is striking. Winston's mother deeply loved her children and did all she could to protect them during the aftermath of the Revolution and the Party's rise to power. In Winston's time, the Party has removed such interfamilial loyalty, demanding that all love and loyalty be reserved for Big Brother and the Party. In this way, the bonds between parents and children are broken. Even worse, children commonly report their parents to the Thought Police, placing the Party above the lives of their mother and father. The Party's eventual goal is to destroy the family unit entirely and have all children raised in Party facilities. The Party has no room for love, unless that love is directed with full force at Big Brother and Oceania.

Independence/Identity

Through its effective psychological manipulation tactics, the Party destroys all sense of independence and individuality. Everyone wears the same clothes, eats the same food, and lives in the same grungy apartments. Life is uniform and orderly. No one can stand out, and no one can be unique. To have an independent thought borders on the criminal. For this reason, writing such as Winston does in his diary has been outlawed. People are only permitted to think what the Party tells them to think, which leads to what Syme refers to as "duckspeak." Independent thought can be dangerous, as it might lead to rebellion.

This theme comes to a head during Winston's torture, when Winston argues that he is a man, and because he is a man O'Brien cannot tell him what he thinks. O'Brien counters that if Winston is a man, he is the last man on earth. Moreover, O'Brien suggests that this independence is evidence of insanity. O'Brien's view represents the purity of a totalitarian regime, in that independent thought must be destroyed to promote the needs and goals of the Party. Winston and Julia's downfall occurs because they believe they are special. Their arrest and torture, however, breaks this spirit. Once again, through this ultimate loss of individual thought, we witness Orwell's warning against embracing any version of totalitarian rule.

Songs appear throughout the novel, most often when Winston is reflecting on the state of the world. Music appears to inspire Winston and allows him to see beauty and simplicity in an otherwise violent, ugly, and frightening world. He sees a powerful sense of tragedy in "Under the spreading Chestnut Tree," hope for a brighter future in the beautiful thrush song, respect for the true, untouchable past in the "St. Clement's Dane" rhyme, and freedom and hope in the passion with which the prole woman sings while hanging her laundry. Below, listed in chronological order are the musical events that occur in the novel.

Winston describes sitting in the Chestnut Tree Cafe, observing the clearly beaten, defeated, and tragically sad Jones, Aaronson and Rutherford , while the song "Under the spreading Chestnut Tree, I sold you and you sold me" plays over the telescreen. The song seems to reflect the broken spirits of these three men, who were once Inner Party members and now have lost everything.

Mr. Charrington teaches Winston the rhyme that begins "Oranges and lemons say the bells of St. Clement's," which is a vestige of the past. Throughout the novel, Winston holds on to this rhyme and tries to discover its entirety. He succeeds, with the help of Julia, who remembers a few more lines than Mr. Charrington, and O'Brien, who finishes the poem for Winston.

Julia and Winston are in the Golden Country, beginning their affair. As they stand next to each other surveying the landscape, a small thrush begins to sing next to them. Winston is taken in by the bird's boundless freedom and wonders what makes him sing so beautifully. To Winston, the bird's song represents all he longs for in life. It is the exact opposite of the Party.

Winston hears the prole woman in the yard behind Mr. Charrington's house sing while she works. She belts out the tune without any hesitation, throwing herself into the simple music with a passion Winston reveres.

Winston tells Julia of the poem Mr. Charrington taught him, and she adds two verses. Her grandfather taught her the rhyme when she was young, and Winston is elated to learn the next few lines of the piece. This cooperation reveals a strong bond between Winston and Julia.

Winston discusses the Hate Song the Party created solely for the Hate Week celebration. This is the only time we hear of a song created purely for negative means. Winston notes that the Hate Song is not as popular among the proles as some of the more simple tunes the Ministry of Truth has produced for them.

O'Brien completes Mr. Charrington's rhyme, and Winston is immensely satisfied to finally know the complete piece. He feels that gaining the last puzzle piece from O'Brien symbolically represents their bond in rebelling against the Party and pursuing a future steeped in freedom.

Winston again hears the prole woman singing passionately while doing her wash and reflects on the primitivism in song. Winston thinks about the millions of people around the world, just like this woman, who find such pleasure, power and freedom in music and are able to embrace it in their lives. He is arrested immediately after this brief scene, which fulfills the last line of the "St. Clement's Dane" song, "Here comes a chopper to chop off your head!"

Winston sits in the Chestnut Tree Cafe, just as Jones, Aaronson and Rutherford once did. He hears the same song he heard when watching those three men, "Under the spreading Chestnut Tree, I sold you and you sold me." Here, the song speaks to the destruction of Winston's independence, and his newly discovered love for Big Brother.

The Party is fueled by loyalty, and thus demands that its citizens support any and all actions it takes in pursuing a greater Oceania. For the Party, loyalty means accepting without question or hesitation. Ironically, when Winston pledges his loyalty to the Brotherhood, he also agrees to accept the goals and requirements of the Brotherhood without question or hesitation. Winston agrees to do anything the Brotherhood requires, even if that means murdering innocents. However, Winston is also loyal to Julia, and refuses to be separated from her forever. This split loyalty is what separates Winston from the other Party members. Party members are loyal to the Party, Big Brother, and Oceania alone. Personal relationships are of no importance.

While in the Ministry of Love, O'Brien notes this weakness in Winston's mind and effectively removes it. Through painful physical torture, O'Brien first teaches Winston that the Party's perspective is the accurate perspective. Next, by threatening him with carnivorous rats, O'Brien breaks Winston's loyalty to Julia. In the last scene of the novel, Winston finally comes to love Big Brother, and his transition from split loyalties to a greater single loyalty to the Party is complete.

Poverty vs. Wealth

Oceanian society presents a clear dichotomy in living conditions. The small Inner Party lives luxuriously, with servants and lush, well-furnished apartments. Party members, on the other hand, live in run-down single-room apartments with no amenities and low-quality, tasteless food. The proles live in absolute poverty. The chasm between poverty and wealth in the novel is striking, and is most noticeable during Winston's forays into prole society. The buildings the proles live in are decaying, and the city of London is filled with bombed-out ruins. While the Inner Party comforts itself with luxury, the citizens of Oceania suffer, getting by with the bare minimum in a dying city.

Orwell presents this dichotomy to demonstrate how totalitarian societies promote the wealth of the ruling regime while decreasing the quality of life for all other members of society. Such governments often tout their hopes for establishing an equal society when in reality the separation between their living conditions and those of the citizens is vast. Winston looks out on the city of London and sees a dying world. Meanwhile, O'Brien looks out on the city of London and sees a society trapped in a single moment in time, defined and controlled by the Party.

As previously noted, technology is an extremely important tool that the Party uses to maintain control over its citizens. Without telescreens, the Thought Police would not be nearly as effective, and propaganda would not be so widespread. The constant supervision of the telescreen effectively imprisons citizens of Oceania in their daily lives: they are always under observation.

Ironically, other areas of technological development are strikingly stagnant. For example, the printing machines in the Ministry of Truth are still quite basic, and each superstate continues to build the same bombs that were used decades before. Scientific progress has halted, except where it serves the Party's goals (such as in artificial insemination or new methods for psychological manipulation). In the world of Oceania there is no such as thing as progress for the sake of progress; there is only power for the sake of power. When technological developments serve this power, they are encouraged. When they do not, they are stopped.

Newspeak plays an extremely important role in Oceanian society and in the Party's control over its population. As Syme says, Newspeak reduces and limits the number of words in the English language, and removes words used to describe rebellion or independence (with the ultimate goal being to remove citizens' ability to think anti-Party thoughts). Interestingly, the Party works to form a language around itself rather than naturally accepting and assuming the language of the people that make up the country. In this way, language is used as yet another mechanism of mind control.

Removing a nation's original language serves to reduce the importance of a nation's past. Languages develop over centuries, and are deeply intertwined with culture and history. Redefining and forcing a language on a population, as was often done in the postcolonial era, denies that society its individuality. The Party meets this goal with great efficiency.

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1984 Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for 1984 is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Describe O’Briens apartment and lifestyle. How do they differ from Winston’s?

From the text:

It was only on very rare occasions that one saw inside the dwelling-places of the Inner Party, or even penetrated into the quarter of the town where they lived. The whole atmosphere of the huge block of flats, the richness and...

What was the result of Washington exam

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how is one put into the inner or outer party in the book 1984

The Outer Party is a huge government bureaucracy. They hold positions of trust but are largely responsible for keeping the totalitarian structure of Big Brother functional. The Outer Party numbers around 18 to 19 percent of the population and the...

Study Guide for 1984

1984 study guide contains a biography of George Orwell, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

  • 1984 Summary
  • Character List

Essays for 1984

1984 essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of 1984 by George Orwell.

  • The Reflection of George Orwell
  • Totalitarian Collectivism in 1984, or, Big Brother Loves You
  • Sex as Rebellion
  • Class Ties: The Dealings of Human Nature Depicted through Social Classes in 1984
  • 1984: The Ultimate Parody of the Utopian World

Lesson Plan for 1984

  • About the Author
  • Study Objectives
  • Common Core Standards
  • Introduction to 1984
  • Relationship to Other Books
  • Bringing in Technology
  • Notes to the Teacher
  • Related Links
  • 1984 Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for 1984

  • Introduction

1984 essay topics examples

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94 pages • 3 hours read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the play over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. A text’s atmosphere is a feeling created through the details and language used to describe setting.

  • How does Orwell establish a dystopian atmosphere early in the novel? ( topic sentence )
  • Give at least 3 examples of details, images, or phrasing that support a dystopian atmosphere. Explain how they accomplish this task.
  • In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how the dystopian atmosphere supports the theme Constant Surveillance is Oppressive or Totalitarian Power Diminishes Individuality .

2. Winston believes that there is something essentially different about the impact the Party has on proles versus the impact it has on Party members.

  • Why does Winston hope the proles will be able to contest the Party’s power? ( topic sentence )

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Home Essay Samples Literature

Essay Samples on 1984

Comparison of "v for vendetta" and "1984".

Two iconic dystopian works, "V for Vendetta" by Alan Moore and David Lloyd, and "1984" by George Orwell, explore themes of totalitarian control, resistance, and the human quest for freedom. While set in different fictional worlds, both narratives offer thought-provoking reflections on power, authority, and...

  • V For Vendetta

Surveillance in George Orwell's "1984": The Perils of Totalitarian Control

George Orwell's novel "1984" serves as a chilling depiction of a dystopian society where surveillance is used as a tool of control and manipulation. The novel explores the devastating consequences of a government that employs surveillance to monitor and regulate every aspect of its citizens'...

  • Surveillance

The Dynamics of Power in George Orwell's "1984"

George Orwell's novel "1984" presents a harrowing exploration of power and its various manifestations within a dystopian society. The novel delves into the complex dynamics of power, including the ways it is exercised, maintained, and resisted. Through the lens of the Party's authoritarian regime, this...

Government Surveillance in George Orwell's "1984": The Illusion of Security

George Orwell's novel "1984" serves as a haunting portrayal of a dystopian society dominated by government surveillance and control. The government's use of surveillance technologies to monitor and manipulate citizens is presented as a mechanism for maintaining power and suppressing dissent. In this essay, we...

  • Government Surveillance

The Viability of a Society Based on Hate in George Orwell's "1984"

George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" presents a chilling depiction of a society dominated by hatred, oppression, and totalitarian control. The novel explores the consequences of a society built on hate and examines whether such a system can sustain itself in the long term. Through the...

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Propaganda and Manipulation in George Orwell's "1984"

George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" offers a haunting portrayal of a society dominated by propaganda, where truth is distorted, and reality is manipulated by those in power. The novel explores the insidious nature of propaganda and its role in controlling thought, erasing history, and perpetuating...

The Human Experience in George Orwell's "1984"

George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" paints a bleak and haunting portrayal of a totalitarian society where individuality is suppressed, truth is manipulated, and human experience is tightly controlled. Through the lens of the protagonist, Winston Smith, the novel delves into the complexities of the human...

"Brave New World" and "1984": Comparison of the Depiction of Power and Control

Introduction Christian Nestell Bovee once said, 'No one is happy without a delusion of some kind. Delusions are as necessary to our happiness as realities.' Bovee's quote applies to the dystopian genre, as evident in Aldous Huxley's novel Brave New World and George Orwell's film...

  • Brave New World

"Animal Farm" and "1984": Comparison of George Orwell’s Notable Novels

Introduction In this essay, I will perform a comparison of George Orwell's two renowned books, '1984' and 'Animal Farm.' Furthermore, I will argue that '1984' holds greater relevance in our modern society, which, in my opinion, is heading towards a future that closely aligns with...

  • Animal Farm
  • George Orwell

1984' Book Review: Anomalies and Paradoxes of Human Behaviour

Through the representation of individual and collective human experiences, composers are able to challenge our assumptions on the complexity of human behaviour. Through the '1984' book review essay we cam analyse the anomalies and paradoxes of human behaviour that are revealed in Orwell's novel. These paradoxes...

Theme, Setting and Symbolism in 1984: an Overview of Orwell's Novel

For this 'Theme, Setting and Symbolism in 1984' essay the task for an author is to discuss how effectively Orwell uses one of the following literary devices in 1984: symbolism, theme, setting or point of view.  In the hard hitting and some could say most...

1984 Compared to Today: George Orwell's Use of Themes in the Novel

As in many other novels, the use of multiple themes is evident throughout George Orwell’s 1984. Theme can be used in a variety of ways by the author to add to the complexity of a novel, and promote critical thinking by the audience. Orwell’s 1984...

1984 Compared to Today: Comparison of Technology in the Book and Today

¨It was the Police Patrol, snooping into peopleś windows… only the Thought Police mattered.¨ (P.6) In the novel 1984 by George Orwell, people do not have privacy with the Thought Police always watching them. People do not feel safe knowing they are always being watched....

The Characterization And Orwell's Mood In 1984

Bob Dylan, a singer-songwriter, once stated that “No one is free, even the birds are chained to the sky”, but little did he know the prominence of his speech as it pertains to the novel 1984 by George Orwell. The novel depicts a totalitarian dystopia,...

  • Mood in Literature

Allegory Elements In George Orwell's 1984

Dystopian novels allow people to envision and fear what is possible to happen in the future, but it also shows that there will always be people hanging on to hope, and people who wish for change. This is what the book 1984, written by George...

  • Allegory in Literature

The Grim Imagery Used In 1984

George Orwell’s prose fiction novel Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949) and Yevgeny Zamyatin’s dystopian novel We (1924) provide projections of the adverse effects of oppressive governments and how their insidious nature restrains one’s individuality and humanity. Both authors by exemplifying the fundamental human qualities of communion, morality,...

  • Imagery in Literature

Presentation Of Authoritarian Control In George Orwell's 1984 And Brave New World

In the two novels ’Brave New World’ by Aldous Huxley and ‘1984’ by George Orwell, authoritarian control is a recurring theme throughout both plots. The two authors, who were influenced by their experiences of war on a large scale during the twentieth century were saddened...

Literary Devices Used In George Orwell's 1984

Most of the authors in the literary devices intend to pass certain and specific messages to their audience. Majority of them evaluate the happenings in the society. As such, the messages aim at changing the society towards the ability by the people to maintain the...

The Use Of Literary Devices And Other Techniques In Orwell's "1984"

The horrendousness of the truth is often masked by the distortion of the reality that is present in truth. The purpose behind George Orwell’s 1984 was to expose this truth of the world in a manner that would not take away from what was plainly...

The Comparison Of Dystopian Worlds In 1984 And Brave New World

Huxley's Brave New World and Orwell's 1984 are both Dystopian novels written ahead of their time that, in their own way, frighteningly predicted the western world of today. 21st Century western society has turned out to be a combination of both Huxley and Orwell’s visions...

Theme Of Double-thinking In Orwellian Writing: Analysis Of Thematic Similarities In A Hanging And 1984

“We walked out of the gallows yard, past the condemned cells with their waiting prisoners, into the big central yard of the prison… it seemed quite a homely, jolly scene, after the hanging. An enormous relief had come upon us now that the job was...

The Empowerment of Language in Understanding and Changing the World

Human nature relies on the ability to formulate thought - to generate the id, ego, and super ego’s into one’s needs, however, to communicate these needs depends on an underlying principle. Without language as an underlying mechanism, the human needs would not be able to...

  • Frankenstein

Panopticism and Loss of Individuality in the Novel 1984 and movie Equilibrium

Through the readings of Michel Foucault’s Discipline And Punish, we discover that there are many new strategies that leaders began employing which allowed for more psychological control over the public. Some of these new themes can be observed in various films and texts such as...

  • Michel Foucault
  • Panopticism

Justification of Violence for Reforms in 1984 and V for Vendetta

Both in '1984' and in 'V for Vendetta', vivid symbolism allows the reader to catch the meaningful message hidden behind the words. They include a message addressing society today to think about the dangers of totalitarian societies. 1984 is a novel written by George Orwell...

V for Vendetta and 1984: The Revolt Againsts the Authority

The movie V for Vendetta, based on the same title novel, can be seen as George Orwell's sequel to the 1984 script. This depicts a world in V for Vendetta, close to ours, though in the future, where it is governed by an autocratic dictator....

Depiction of Dystopian Worlds in The Handmaid's Tale and 1984

Dystopian literature questions the power of language, both Atwood’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and Orwell’s ‘Nineteen Eighty - four’ showcases a variety of qualities necessary to advocate one’s freedom. Whilst both novelists share the common theme of language limiting both freedom and knowledge the two texts...

  • The Handmaid's Tale

Parallels in Authority System in 1984 and North Korea

North Korea, officially recognized as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or DPRK is a country situated in East Asia that is home to approximately 25 million people. It constitutes the northern part of the Korean Peninsula and was established in 1948 in the aftermath...

  • North Korea

The Representation of Oppresion in "1984" and "Never Let Me Go"

Both texts present a protagonist who is oppressed by a group which are higher than themselves as these groups have full control over the characters and their respective societies, the characters arc are displayed to the reader through a first person narrator within “Never Let...

  • Never Let Me Go

George Orwell's Achievements and Impact as an Author

George had an eventful early life, traveling to different places such as Paris and London, then later Spain. For example, Orwell moved to Paris and then later London with no money and worked as a factory worker to understand life as a commoner (Bloom 7)....

George Orwell and His Unique Perception of Language

George Orwell has earned the right to be called one of the finer writers in the English language through such novels as 1984, Animal Farm, and Down and Out in Paris and London. Orwell heavily criticized totalitarian governments in his writing and carried that same...

  • English Language

Examining the Impact of George Orwell on American Society

George Orwell was born in 1903 in Motihari, India, under the name Eric Arthur Blair. In his web article about Orwell, George Woodcock explains Orwell grew up in an atmosphere of “impoverished snobbery” (2018). At an early age his parents sent him to a preparatory...

1984: Frightening Resemblance to America's Reality

George Orwell's dystopian vision of an authoritarianism society, in his novel 1984, was not as far-fetched as those during his time once believed. There are numerous parallels between 1984 and present day governments around the world, including the United States government. The connections are sometimes...

1984: Parallels Between Reality and Dystopian Fiction

“The best books... are those that tell you what you know already.” In the weeks following the ‘inauguration’ of Donald J. Trump, the sales of George Orwell’s most distinguished novel skyrocketed. 1984 flew off the virtual shelves as it hit Amazon’s best-selling book in January...

George Orwell’s “1984” Reflecting the Realities of Life in 21st Century

”Are living in 1984?” - this question can be asked by the readers of the 1984 book by George Orwell. To be more accurate, we should ask, if we live in totalitarian system. Unfortunately, the answer might be really concerned for many people. Despite of...

  • Literature Review

Portrait Of Totalitarian Government In Book "1984"

Being a man born into the first half of the twentieth century, George Orwell was forced to endure both World Wars, as well as the start of the Cold War. His experience with national relations and the lessons that war brings allowed him to pen...

Best topics on 1984

1. Comparison of “V for Vendetta” and “1984”

2. Surveillance in George Orwell’s “1984”: The Perils of Totalitarian Control

3. The Dynamics of Power in George Orwell’s “1984”

4. Government Surveillance in George Orwell’s “1984”: The Illusion of Security

5. The Viability of a Society Based on Hate in George Orwell’s “1984”

6. Propaganda and Manipulation in George Orwell’s “1984”

7. The Human Experience in George Orwell’s “1984”

8. “Brave New World” and “1984”: Comparison of the Depiction of Power and Control

9. “Animal Farm” and “1984”: Comparison of George Orwell’s Notable Novels

10. 1984′ Book Review: Anomalies and Paradoxes of Human Behaviour

11. Theme, Setting and Symbolism in 1984: an Overview of Orwell’s Novel

12. 1984 Compared to Today: George Orwell’s Use of Themes in the Novel

13. 1984 Compared to Today: Comparison of Technology in the Book and Today

14. The Characterization And Orwell’s Mood In 1984

15. Allegory Elements In George Orwell’s 1984

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1984 by George Orwell Essay Topics & Ideas

Use our topics suggestions to impress your reader.

  • Argumentative 1984 Essay Topics
  • 1984 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

1984 Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Essay examples on this topic.

Written in the mid-nineteenth century, this story has not lost its popularity to this day. It conquers more and more hearts, captivates readers, and encourages them to look into the mystery of love. Jane Eyre is an orphan who was renounced by her aunt when she was raised in an orphanage. Edward Rochester is a wealthy English aristocrat who owned two large, albeit gloomy-looking estates, Thornfield Hall and Ferndin.

george orwell

The pseudonym George Orwell appeared when he published his first book, Down and Out in Paris and London, in 1934.

Both Jane and Edward are looking for their happiness. She is in a small world, which seems to her infinitely wide, and he – in a wide, but, in his opinion, infinitely small. One day, the characters meet, and then a sincere, passionate feeling flares up between them, which changes their destinies and makes both the gloomy Thornfield Hall and the even gloomier Ferndin startle.

How to Choose Essay Topic on 1984?

First of all, you need to read the book carefully and find out what the author’s main idea is. Then you can divide it into several parts and make a list of them.

You can also do some research and find out more about the subject that interests you. If you have already chosen a topic, then write down all the information about it in one place so that you don’t forget anything important.

Once you’ve found out everything about your topic, start writing an outline for your essay. This will help you stay focused on what you should write about in each paragraph as well as how many paragraphs there should be in total (usually 3-4).

Tips on How to Write 1984 Essay

1984 is a novel that was written by George Orwell in 1949. It is a dystopian novel, meaning that it describes a society that has become very bad. In this essay, we will discuss 5 tips on how to write 1984 essay.

  • First, an introduction should be written in order to give an overview of what the essay will be about and why it is important. The introduction should make the reader interested in reading more about the topic.
  • Second, use specific examples from the book to support your points about what you think happens in the book and why it happens.
  • Third, describe any historical context that helps explain events or characters’ motivations or actions in the book; this will help readers understand them better because they’ll learn something new about history or culture while reading 1984.
  • Fourthly, draw comparisons between 1984 and other works (such as other novels or films) that are similar in theme or structure so readers can see how 1984 compares with them; this will also help readers understand what makes 1984 unique among these works so they can appreciate its greatness even more!
  • Fifthly (and lastly), end with a conclusion summarizing what you’ve written about so far and adding any final thoughts/reflections on your topic before closing out with your

✒️ Argumentative 1984 Essay Topics

  • 1984 A Bleak Prediction Of the Future
  • Propaganda and Surveillance In 1984
  • 1984 Human Drives Desire For Power
  • An anti-Hero in George Orwell’s 1984
  • Looking to the Future 1984
  • Examples Of Marxism In 1984
  • The vision of Society In 1984
  • Winston’S Transformation From “1984” By George Orwell
  • Does the Technology of Orwell’s 1984 Really Exist
  • 1984 and the Power of Technology
  • “Totalitarianism” in 1984
  • Utopia, Dystopia, and the Middle Class in  George Orwell’s 1984
  • “Big Brother” Can Watch Us
  • So Are We Living in 1984?
  • Creating Society in Orwell’s 1984
  • What Orwell says to us about America today
  • Justice in George Orwell’s 1984

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✨ Best 1984 Topic Ideas & Essay Examples

  • Orwell’s Literary Technique in 1984 Orwell’s Literary Technique in 1984 Often, people and groups, in an attempt to create a better, more perfect, society, end up creating just the opposite. This opposite is termed a dystopian society and is the subject of George Orwell’s novel 1984. ….
  • Writing assignment 1984 Over the past couple of years organizations have been identifying the link of HARM with organizational treated in order to develop a strategic approach to HARM and to also offer an understanding of how single country or domestic human resource ….
  • Vision of Society in 1984 The empirical method of thought, on which all the scientific achievements of the past were founded, is opposed to the most fundamental principles of Ingsoc. (Emmanuel Goldstein in The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism, ch.3). Discuss ….
  • Portrayal of a Bleak Future in 1984 and IQ84 To what extent is this true of your prescribed text and one other related text of your choosing? In many variations of futuristic texts, a common portrayal of the future is a bleak one. This is an expression of concert for current issues that may ….
  • Harrison Bergeron vs 1984 Harrison Bergeron and 1984 were both based on a similar concept. This concept is creating peace by limiting and controlling the population. In George Orwell s 1984, it was done through brainwashing and doublethink. In Kurt Vonnegut s Harrison ….
  • Analysis of 1984 and Big Brother 1984 shows how our lives will not be as secret as they are now. Oceania has noprivacy and America is turning into that. In some ways America already is likeOceania. There are many elements in the book to compare with aspects in Americansociety today…..
  • Alienation in 1984 In 1984 In the novel 1984 by George Orwell there are many causes which lead to Winston Smith’s alienation. Winston lives in the dystopian society known as Oceania, which is controlled by the “Party” and a dictator named “Big Brother. ” “Big Brother” ….
  • Orwell’s 1984 as an Anti-Utopian Novel 1984 as an Anti-Utopian Novel A utopia is an ideal or perfect community. While some writers have created fictional places that embody their idealssocieties, other writers have written satires that ridicule existing conditions ofsociety, or anti-….
  • 1984 Is a Dystopian Novel Written by George Orwell 1984 is a dystopian novel written by George Orwell that depicts a world divided into three massive countries, Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia. One of these countries, Oceania is ruled by an oppressive character called, Big Brother. Big Brother is the ….
  • 1984 George Orwell Book Summary Jacky Zou Book Summary and Analysis 1984 George Orwell In 1984 by George Orwell, Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the Party in London located in the nation of Oceania, faces a life of oppression and control. The Party watches Winston and ….
  • Semiotic Analysis of Mac 1984 Tvc They are marching through a long corridor and are wearing almost prison-style uniforms. The corridor has TV’s installed after every few steps and it seems the group is being taken to a large auditorium where they are addressed through a gigantic ….
  • Summary On a Cold Day in April of 1984 Summary On a cold day in April of 1984, a man named Winston Smith returns to his home, a dilapidated apartment building called Victory Mansions. Thin, frail, and thirty-nine years old, it is painful for him to trudge up the stairs because he has a ….
  • Gattaca and 1984 Comparitive Study How has the comparative study of 1984 and Gattaca offered insights into ideas of control and freedom. Control and freedom are both heavily universal aspects to the societies of the late 1900s. The ideas of control and freedom are presented in ….
  • George Orwell’s Political and Social Criticism in 1984 “There must be something in books, something we can’t imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there.” According to Ray Bradbury, “You don’t stay for nothing.” It is curious to think that a single work of art, a ….
  • Social Relationships in the Novel ‘1984’ The Relation of Certain Social Groups From the Novel ‘1984’ With Real Social Groups. The lower working class. In a totalitarian environment, they can be best described as the group of people without a voice, a group that has to live according to the ….

✍ 1984 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

1984 essay topics examples

  • 1984 Compared to Cults
  • A Comparison Between “V For Vendetta” and “1984”
  • Compare and Contrast Themes Of Brave New World and 1984
  • George Orwell’s Ideas in Political Novel “1984”
  • Comparison Of 1984 and The Handmaid’S Tale
  • Gattaca and 1984 Comparative Study
  • 1984 and Big Brother
  • Analysis on George Orwell’s 1984
  • 1984 and the Left Hand Of Darkness
  • The Role and Portrayal Of Women In the Novel 1984 (George Orwell) and the Play A View From the Bridge (Arthur Miller)
  • Theme Analysis Of Alienation In Books the Catcher In the Rye and 1984
  • Traits Of Winston and Julia From 1984
  • Compare 1984 and Kite Runner – what are the different themes?
  • Power and Control in Brave New World and 1984
  • “Children of Men” vs “1984”
  • 1984 and Shawshank
  • What Are the Similarities Between 1984 and Lord Of the Flies

George Orwell's 1984

Orwell’s life was transformed by the unexpected success of Animal Farm. The financial freedom allowed him to write 1984.

  • Analysis Of Major Characters In 1984
  • Analysis On George Orwell’S 1984
  • Apple’S “1984”: Greatest Commercial Ever Made
  • 1984: The Loss Of Humanity Sample
  • Controlling the Past in George Orwell’s Book 1984
  • Theme Of Alienation In 1984 By George Orwell
  • Book Report On 1984 By George
  • Orwell’  Literary Technique In 1984
  • Orwell’S Use Of Symbolism In “1984”
  • Important Quotes Of “1984” By George Orwell
  • Class Struggle Theme in 1984
  • The Importance Of Memory In 1984

1984 book

Orwell wrote the manuscript for 1984 over a span of about 18 months — June 1947 to December 1948 — on the island of Jura, in the Scottish Hebrides, between periods of hospitalization for tuberculosis.

  • Life And Works Of George Orwell
  • The Future in 1984 by George Orwell
  • The Spike By George Orwell
  • Winston’s transformation from “1984” by George Orwell
  • Top 10 Reasons Why 1984 is a Must Watch
  • In the novel 1984, George Orwell created a frightening depiction of what one-dimensional society might look like
  • Why George Orwell’s 1984 was one of the most important and influential novels of our time.
  • 1984 – George Orwell’s shocking novel set in a world of perpetual war, omnipresent government surveillance,
  • Why Orwell’s 1984 Should Not Be Taught In Schools
  • Propaganda… That’s the one word that best describes the world in Morris’s novel Nineteen E
  • Should We Still Read Books
  • Is Resisting the Government a Justifiable Act?
  • Being a communist may be more beneficial than being a capitalist.
  • Should we continue to lie to our children just so they can make friends and fit in?
  • Over the last 3 years, the credit card industry has seen a substantial and steady increase in mergers
  • Why Orwell’s 1984 is still relevant today.
  • This essay presents an argument for the concept that George Orwell’s novel, 1984, is a tragedy.
  • The Impact Of Technology On The Future of Communism
  • Orwells 1984 is a warning of what happens when media, or propaganda, takes over.
  • Why Orwell’s Social Drama 1984 Holds Up in the 21st Century
  • Nineteen Eighty-Four is a novel that I would definitely reccomend to a friend
  • This year, the author Winston Smith tries to escape from ‘Big Brother’ rule over Oceania
  • More than 25 million Americans suffer from some type of addiction. Alcohol, drugs and smoking are the most
  • I cant believe that GEICO continues to advertise low prices. I know for a fact that the insurance
  • Why Orwell’s George Orwell ‘s 1984 Essay 1984 is a must-read even today.
  • In George Orwell’s 1984, the government attempts to control the thoughts of its citizens by controlling their language
  • The book 1984 by George Orwell seems to be a bit more than just a book. Orwell used his
  • The novel 1984, by George Orwell, was written in 1948, a time when the world was greatly
  • Don’t Let The Government Spy on You
  • Should Chewing Gum Be Banned in Schools?
  • Equality is a mirage because it threatens you, as it threatens all of us.
  • 1984 Essay Topic by Stranger Than Fiction
  • How 1984 can reflect upon our society today
  • Finding and understanding the significance of quotes in George Orwell’s 1984 is crucial to understanding the novel’s underlying
  • Nineteen Eighty-Four is a novel about Winston Smith and his battle with the Party in O
  • How The Government Is Spying On You Right Now
  • Why We Need to Work for the Government
  • The Impact of Television on our Social Lives
  • The Internet has Changed Everything

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Topic Details

Description: Nineteen Eighty-Four is a dystopian social science fiction novel and cautionary tale written by English writer George Orwell. It was published on 8 June 1949 by Secker & Warburg as Orwell's ninth and final book completed in his lifetime.
Originally published: June 8, 1949
Pages: 328
Genre: Dystopian, political fiction, social science fiction
Set in: London, Airstrip One, Oceania
Characters: Big Brother, Winston Smith, Julia, Emmanuel Goldstein, O'Brien, Syme
Famous quotes: 'Who controls the past' ran the Party slogan, 'controls the future: who controls the present controls the past. '”
Reading time: The average reader will spend 5 hours and 55 minutes reading this book at 250 WPM (words per minute).

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1984 Essay Examples

The power of manipulation and fear in george orwell 1984.

The power of manipulation and fear in George Orwell 1984 “When you give the government the power to control the money supply, it grows like a tumour until it extinguishes society itself”(Stephen Molyneux). In George Orwell’s novel 1984, it is evident Orwell is trying emphasize...

Orwell’s 1984 and Human Nature

There are serious political topics that Orwell touches on in ​1984​, and many overlook other themes. He was felt afflicted because of the possibility that future governments would shift toward totalitarianism. There is a sustainable lesson that comes from this literature, it is the lesson...

Analysis of the Main Themes in Orwell’s 1984

In Orwell’s 1984, the theme in the first quarter of the novel is false sense of identity. It begins with a society controlled the power of fascism and their leader, Big Brother. They controlled everything a person did. In every room, the government has telescreens...

The Importance of Language to Human Thought in Nineteen Eighty-four by George Orwell

What does unite the world? It is the ability to communicate on one level or another. Communication is the core need of any society. The basic mean of communication is language. A lot of authors wrote about the value of language and its beauty. But...

Mass Government Surveillance in Everyday Life in 1984

Many people have had suspicions about technology giving confidential information to the government. Surveillance has been a controversial issue for a long time and still to this day, many people have not been able to have the privacy of their own and are controlled. In...

Nineteen Eighty-four: Dystopia Story

“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” ― George Orwell, 1984 Nineteen eighty-four (1984 ) is a Dystopia story - what could be regarded as the worst possible life,a political satire novel written by George Orwell. The story is...

The Power of Language: Examples in Literature

Language is a potent tool, capable of shaping our thoughts, emotions, and actions. It has the remarkable ability to convey complex ideas, evoke powerful emotions, and inspire profound change. In literature, the power of language is on full display, as authors wield words to craft...

What is the Theme of Harrison Bergeron and 1984

As I was sitting in the Chestnut Tree Cafe, a divine thought straight from the mind of god struck me and I realised: ignoring isn’t the same as ignorance, you have to work at it. This thought was entirely true I thought, but I had...

Analysis of Irony in George Orwell’s 1984

Irony is a literary term that has three subcategories and is commonly used in writing. The three types of irony are dramatic irony, situational irony, and verbal irony. In ​1984 ​by George Orwell, all three subcategories of irony are used to highlight the injustice that...

The Role of Past and Present in Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf and 1984 by Geroge Orwell

We influence the past as much as the past influences us. The present influences our memories of the past as much as they remain alive in our present. Past and present are two different realities that interwine with each other and their relationship is often...

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George Orwell

United Kingdom

Dystopian, political fiction, social science fiction

8 June 1949

The main purpose is to warn readers of the dangers of totalitarianism and the central focus is to convey the extreme level of control and power possible under a truly totalitarian regime.

Big Brother, The Glass Paperweight and St. Clement's Church, The Place Where There Is No Darkness, The Telescreens, The Red-Armed Prole Woman.

Nationalism, Futurology, Censorship, Surveillance, Poverty and inequality

Winston Smith, O’Brien, Julia

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