Examples Of Diction In 1984 By George Orwell

In George Orwell's dystopian novel, 1984, the author uses cacophonous and anaphora diction with rhetorical and imperative syntax to convey the fragility and selfish state of human nature; the author further portrays the immense suffering guided by abused power at the hands of a totalitarian government. An analytical and commentary writing on society, 1984 discusses topics such as the exploitation of and total control in the absolutist manner of tyrannic leadership. Written through the perspective of Winston Smith and his conflict between reality and illusion in a deceptive society, Orwell intentionally warns the future society of these topics.
While forcefully observing himself in a mirror, Winston notices that “a…skeleton-like thing was coming towards him…[with] a bald scalp, a crooked nose, and battered-looking cheekbones” and under the layer of dirt, “the red scars of wounds, and… the scraggy neck seemed to be bending double under the weight of the skull” (296-297). The cacophonous diction used here forms a harsh description of Winston’s deteriorating body, a contrast to his previous confident state. O’Brien has broken Winston to his bones with indifferent cruelty; the once rebellious mind has been made fragile and weak. The rebels and delinquents are stripped to the skeleton of

While O’Brien determinedly dehumanizes Winston, he orders him to “‘Look at the condition you are in!... Look at this filthy grime all over your body. Look at the dirt between your toes. Look at that disgusting running sore on your leg... Look at your emaciation. Do you see?... Look!’” (297-298). Demanded to notice his appearance, Winston is forced to observe his broken and fragile form as O’Brien scrutinizes every bodily offense with abhorrence. The repetition and demand emphasize O’Brien’s meaning and brings attention to the cruel suffering and breakable mind that Winston must