Ignorance In 1984

Advancements in technology have revolutionized the way we communicate, as information can now be distributed more efficiently as a result of innovations such as the internet and social media. Dystopian works often warn of futures in which the means of communication are regulated by government bodies, effectively allowing them to control the exchange of information and create any narrative they please. In George Orwell’s novel 1984, a totalitarian state is able to take control of all the means of communication through the Ministry of Truth and its control over the past. Similarly, in the Truman Show, the world Truman lives in is controlled by a few individuals who work to keep Truman from learning about the world around him by controlling what

In 1984, the restriction of information makes the population ignorant and easy to manipulate, allowing the government to stay in control by making society conform to whatever they desire. Winston states that if there is any hope that the Party would get overthrown, “it lies in the proles” (Orwell 208). However, Proles are unable to revolt against their government because they are too ignorant to question the Party’s authority. The Party uses “prolefeed” (Orwell 201) to control the population with a constant supply of entertainment and spurious news, which fills their mental horizon. Along with a lack of knowledge that keeps them from organizing themselves or questioning the powers that oppress them, the Proles are unable to rise up and overthrow the authoritarian regime, demonstrating the party slogan, “Ignorance is Strength” (Orwell 3). Similarly, in the Truman Show, ignorance is used as a tool to keep Truman controlled. By accepting “the reality of the world with which [he’s] presented” (Weir), he makes himself an easily moldable character for the director to play with. His emotions, specifically his fear of “sailing off into [a] storm” (Weir), are strengthened by his ignorance and inability to question the world around him, keeping him from discovering nothing exists past the island he is on. This creates a vicious cycle in which staying on the island keeps him ignorant, further strengthening the fears which keep him from travelling off the island. In all, many dystopian works often contain authoritarian figures that are able to preserve and strengthen their power by keeping the population