It is clear that in this terrifying novel we are presented with
a surveillance society where every move of every citizen could be monitored and reported, with
tragic consequences for that citizen should it be deemed that they are involved in what is termed
"thought crime." Lack of rebellion is thus achieved by creating a society of absolute fear - if
you could be watched at any moment, you could be reported and then taken away and punished for
any deviant behaviour. Note how this claustrophobic atmosphere is established very early on in
the novel:
The black
mustachio'd face gazed down from every commanding corner. There was one on the house-front
immediately opposite. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU, the caption said, while the dark eyes looked
deep into Winston's own... In the far distance a helicopter skimmed down between the roofs,
hovered for an instant like a bluebottle, and darted away gain with a curving flight. It was the
police patrol, snooping into people's windows. The patrols did not matter, however. Only the
thought Police mattered.
With the
slogan of Big Brother, the citizens of Oceania are constantly reminded that there every move is
being watched and inspected for any form of rebellious behaviour. We are presented with a world
where every second is observed and there is always the tremendous fear of being taken away by the
Thought Police to the ironically named "Ministry of Love."
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