Deol 1

Kabir Deol

Ms.Baditoi

(H) English Nine

4 May 2017

1984 Analysis

For my book 1984, I created a symbolic poster that portrays the disturbing and

totalitarian world that George Orwell created. The poster contains a single eye with a black pupil

and red iris. This eye represents the constant surveillance enacted by Big Brother on the citizens

of Oceania through the novel. In addition, the iris of the eyes was intentionally colored red,

symbolizing the recording of a camera. Typically, cameras have a red dot on the device, which

would indicate that the device is recording. The topic of surveillance serves as a major point

throughout the novel. With heavy surveillance, Big Brother has the capability to brainwash

citizens into believing propaganda and maintain a hold on society by lulling any insurgent

discontent. Throughout the novel, the main protagonist, Winston Smith, experiences numerous

instances of surveillance utilized to control civilians: It was one of those pictures which are so

contrived that the eyes follow you about when you move. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING

YOU, the caption beneath it ran (Orwell 2). Through the capitalization and bolding of Big

Brother as well as watching, Orwell allows readers to feel the constant observation by a cold

and unforgiving government, willing to erase a persons existence to preserve its secrets. In

addition, Winstons acknowledgement that the eyes seem to follow you subtly emphasizes the

constant overwatch of the government. Therefore, someone or something watches over citizens,

perpetually reinforcing the norm and lulling any inquisitions. Along with the eye on my poster, I

added the text Big Brother is watching you, war is peace, freedom is slavery, and ignorance is
 Deol 2

strength. This text on the poster illustrates another major theme in 1984: censorship and

propaganda. Throughout the novel, Big Brother changes and manipulates all books, magazines,

and novels that are introduced to the general population to maintain control of society. When

Winston first sees this, he writes Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls

present controls the past (Orwell 32). Through the medium of the falsified books, magazines,

and novels, Big Brother gets to create whatever ideas that they want to the people to believe.

Due to the heavy censorship and surveillance, the citizens would be forced to believe the

propaganda circulated by Big Brother. Essentially, Big Brother brainwashes the citizens,

effectively altering their perception of the past. Thus, Big Brothers control of the present allows

them control of the past. This control of the past directly provides Big Brother with the

capability to shape the future of Oceania. Hence, through the use of symbolism, my poster

demonstrates the major themes of surveillance, censorship, and propaganda present in George

Orwells 1984.
 Deol 3

Works Cited

Orwell, George. 1984. New York: New American Library, 1961. Print.