Lack of privacy in George Orwell's 1984

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Lack of Privacy in George Orwell’s “1984”
Eric Arthur Blair, an English novelist born in India in 1903, wrote the novel ‘1984’ under the assumed name ‘George Orwell’. In fact, the novel was initially titled “The Last man in Europe” but was later changed to ‘1984’ for unclear reasons. From one perspective, the literary work can be seen to constitute themes of brainwashing of people by their own social and administration institutions. As such, 1984 was received with much acclaim and criticism.
In modern-day society, shifts and compromises are highly prevalent when it comes to matters of individualism and personal privacy. In reality, “big brother is always watching” (Orwell, 3). Orwell keenly discourses this concept throughout his novel “1984”. He maintains that the societal environment subjects people to constant observation; in particular, the government is always on the lookout over people’s lives and day-to-day affairs. As a result, absolute individualism or privacy rather is undoubtedly impossible to achieve even though people always attempt to subvert the reality that influences their lives in more or less every aspect of human existence.
To emphasize this notion further, Orwell adeptly employs rhetoric and competent phrases in his writing. For instance, he states, “war is peace, freedom is slavery and ignorance is strength” (Orwell, 4). This uniquely placed slogan indicates an oppressive approach of the government to induce into the citizens the ideology that there is no need to desire that which they have already been provided. It is also a form of irony that war can result into peace and harmony; and that for those who feel they are enslaved by the system; they should feel as free people. Lastly, Orwell seems to imply sardonically that one can strengthen himself or herself by being ignorant. These very ideologies form the urge to rebel against the government by protagonists Winston and Julia, as well as Mr. Parsons (Winston’s neighbor). As such, one cannot decline to note the fact that the above-mentioned catch phrase is an alteration of the truth. Indeed, for citizens to think that anything they could want other than that which the government intends for them would make them unhappy is nothing short of a sheer lie (Aubrey & Chilton, 24). The idea behind this (on the part of the government or party) is that the people will not consider rebelling since they will believe their interests are being catered for.
In a unique manner, the author expresses the reality of the society we live in in terms of potent social forces involved in human interaction. In addition, the novel- even though it was written in 1949, draws from current events, the concepts of totalitarianism and fascism; and how they affect personal privacy and individualism. Indeed, the government and social institutions existent in modern society have become twisted and awry in terms of upholding respect for privacy of persons. All the same, one cannot deny the fact that Orwell line of thought is somewhat influenced by actions of the governments in Europe towards unifying and building their nations afte...