George Orwells novel Essay Example for Free

George Orwells new EssayGeorge Orwells novel 1984, has been the center of much discussion since it was first produce in 1949. A novel round a dystopian society that is ruled by a g overnment with supreme power called monolithic Brother, 1984 raises a lot of curiosity about censorship and how unafraid exemption of speech really is for those who supposedly have it. Orwell uses the novels main character, Winston, as the vessel for carrying his message about censorship. Winston works for the Ministry of Truth, rewriting historical texts to suit the needs of a sect Big Brother called, the Party. news report in Oceania must be censored so that it appears Big Brother has been and will always be there to watch over the citizens. Winston believes Big Brothers ways to be unethical and illegal purchases a daybook to record his individual(prenominal) thoughts, even though he knows such actions be considered to be thoughtcrimes. If he is caught, he will be severely punished. Though W inston has the desire to rebel, he is able to stifle his individuality and personal desires quite well.His act, however, becomes more complicated after he meets a beautiful, dark-haired girl named, Julia. Because personal kinds are not appropriate, Julia gives Winston a note she has written in which she proclaims her love for him. Because love, like e trulything else in Oceania, is censored, Winston and Julia develop their relationship in secret. They eventually move into an apartment together and things seem to go smoothly. Both Winston and Julia feel that Big Brother has too much control over the lives of the citizens.Citizens are not allowed to think for themselves, fire up in love, nor are they allowed to experience natural freedom of usherion. The lovers are able to put aside their fears of being caught in order to experience the uttermost(prenominal) passion that often comes with falling in love. Things, however, eventually take a turn for the worse and the lovers are di scovered. The discovery, is in part, due to Winstons fatalistic nature. He becomes unnecessarily risky and carries with him intense paranoia that they will eventually be caught.Due to the novels grim ending that involves Big Brother prevailing over the hero, Winston, 1984s messages stay with the reader for hours, in part, because extreme forms of censorship have existed in earthly historical societies and in many societies today. Examples of past instances of harsh and extreme censorship include the Inquisition, and the Holocaust. During both of these horrific historical events, masses were denied some right of expression. During the Inquisition, people were denied the right to choose their religion. For many, that basic right is kindred to the right to love, which the citizens of Oceania were denied.The Catholic institution, like Big Brother, attempted to convert heretics or kill them for their disobedience. The Nazi party was also similar to Big Brother. Members of the party cou ld not imagine speaking out against Hitlers regime for fear of being killed or punished. The Nazi party, like Big Brother, made use of propaganda, and children who were easily influenced. Such propaganda is, in a way, a form of censorship because it promotes an idea that plays into the desires of a major organization, making it seem better than the alternative.When these historical illustrations are taken into consideration, it is easy to imagine why Orwells warning of extreme censorship is still valid in todays society regardless of its technological advancements. Making Orwells message even more appropriate, however sad and unfortunate, are examples of such censorship today. Because censorship is still an issue today, the novel resonates with readers. Everyone experiences censorship often, perhaps on a daily basis. People may feel the need to censor themselves at work, home in movement of children or parents, in class, etc for fear of being judged harshly or hurting anothers fee lings.Another common example of modern censorship is keeping ones sexual orientation a secret. Many feel the need to fall in love in the shadows like Winston and Julia because of what society may think of them. Sadly, todays society is also answerable for many hate crimes every year. Many also keep journals and diaries like Winston in order to express their most private thoughts, dreams, desires, and fears. Because Winston is like so many normal people in todays society, his character is very successful.Like Winston, the average person, when faced with something they feel is wrong or inappropriate, feels powerless to make a difference. I, for one, doctor to his secret note-taking, his hidden relationship, and the urge to overcome societys censorship because I still believe in the freedom of expression that supposedly exists in America. However, I, like Winston, am powerless to make any real change, so I succumb daily to desires that are not my own. The strength of Winstons charact er alone makes 1984 a novel to stand the test of time. Or, perhaps it will be a book to be burned if censorship in our society continues to prevail.