The State Villainy in Orwellâs 1984
In: Global Perspectives on Villains and Villainy TodaySearch for other papers by Cumhur Yılmaz Madran in
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This chapter intends to elucidate George Orwellâs vision of totalitarian villainy in his dystopic novel 1984, which shows socio-political oppression. Orwellâs novel reflects the villainy, which is created by the totalitarian regimes, which employ insidious mechanisms and power to exert domination and oppression over population. Accordingly, George Orwellâs novel provides a multidimensional theoretical and political perspective on the villainy in contemporary totalitarian societies. This totalitarian society demonstrates its villainy by employing terror, surveillance to exert its power over the public. Every aspect of life from everyday life to sexuality is controlled by the villainy of the state. Through the intricate techniques of political villainy and repression, the state controls public and private spheres of the individuals. In order to reflect the villainy, which is used by the state power and terror, Orwell tries to prove the dichotomy concerning instrumental rationality in that it can be used in a positive and negative way for social progress or oppression. Orwellâs novel provides critical perspectives on the villainy of the totalitarian regimes. This chapter aims to shed light on the state villainy in totalitarian regimes in the light of Hannah Arendtâs The Origins of Totalitarianism.