A Reflection on Power and Technology
The famous phrase ‘BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU’ that appears in George Orwell’s novel 1984 is an expression that makes us think about surveillance and control in modern society. Orwell, with his capacity for anticipation, presents us with a world in which surveillance is omnipresent and power is in the hands of the State. Although the book was published seventy-five years ago, its subject remains relevant today.
A Pessimistic View of Power
1984 is a novel that embodies a pessimistic view of power, representing it as an oppressive fable. Orwell, who lived through the Civil War and knew about the fragmentation of the left, used this experience to create a work that reflects on total control by the States. Its prophetic nature has been the subject of debate, but it is undeniable that Orwell identified worrying trends in the society of his time.
The Role of Technology and the Media
One of the highlights of 1984 is the role of technology in surveillance and control. Orwell, who was a journalist, was aware of the potential of television to manipulate reality and influence the masses. He envisioned a future in which the media could be used as a tool of power to persuade the population. This reflection remains relevant in today’s digital age.
A Prophetic Author
Orwell is recognized as a prophetic author who anticipated worrying trends in society. Although 1984 was written in a specific context, its subject matter has transcended its time and has been interpreted in different ways in different eras. It is interesting how Eastern European writers have found in Orwell a voice that reflects their own reality. Additionally, its influence can be seen in contemporary works such as Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale.
A Novel that Loses the Threat
Despite its historical importance, 1984 is no longer a menacing book. It has become part of the collective imagination and the concept of ‘big brother’ has been redefined in favor of protection and security in our lives. Nevertheless, the novel remains a work that invites us to reflect on the limits of power and the importance of individual freedom in an increasingly surveilled society.