How does Orwell use the representation of the human experience of
loneliness in Part 1 of Nineteen Eighty - Four to highlight the dangers of
totalitarianism?
Throughout 1984 loneliness is an underlying human experience portrayed through
the perspective of Winston Smith through the relationships that he experiences and
the emotional reactions these foster. Not only are people and groups separated from
one another but loneliness is a social norm and collective experience amongst the
citizens. The party overrides these emotions with forms of emotional as well as
psychological manipulation, redirecting these emotions and forcing a love of the
party.
Big brother instils distrust into its citizens to discourage them from developing true
relationships and connections with one another. This betrayal and advertised
exposure of traitors, results in loneliness of the citizens as they don’t know who to
express their thoughts and feelings towards. The party utilises a gratification system
to expose any form of rebels, even the children want the gratification of the party as
they have been forced into loving the party. “On the contrary, they adored the Party
and everything connected with it … All their ferocity was turned outwards, against
the enemies of the State, against foreigners, traitors, saboteurs, thought-criminals.”
The party utilises manipulation by turning the poverty the children face against
traitors, possibly including their own parents. These programs build generations in
which are ultimately loyal to the party and creates a disconnect and distrust of the
parent to child relationship preventing deep and meaningful connections from
occurring. This results in loneliness in the family environment as although each
individual spends everyday with the members of their family, they do not feel free
and connected to share with one another and rather fear each other.
The censorship of the totalitarian government prevents genuine human interaction
occurring and without these essential social experiences, individuals experience a
sense of loneliness and isolation. The two minute hate speech presents a
paradoxical portrayal of loneliness; although they are in loud crowds of people and
they collectively direct anger towards a common enemy, it is also an event that
portrays the widespread disconnection and loneliness. “The horrible thing about the
Two Minutes Hate was not that one was obliged to act a part, but that it was
impossible to avoid joining in.” The citizens who participate in the hate speech
conform to the crowds that surround them although individually they internalise
thoughts and emotions that are framed as abnormal and wrong by the party. Due to
this internalisation, many experience feelings of loneliness. For those within the party
this often is further affected by their understanding of the injustice of their society.
The widespread representation of loneliness, encapsulates Orwell’s representation
of a dystopian world by highlighting negative emotions. Throughout 1984 this is often
portrayed through mass crowds and public situations as the society is constantly
under surveillance and this represents the internalisation of true humanity.