1984 and Brave New World Comparison

Introduction

As years pass by, human society has advanced in unpredictable ways due to the evolution of ideas and technologies. It is uncertain to foresee what new advancements may arrive in the future. In the 20th century, two dystopian writers, George Orwell and Aldous Huxley, predicted the fate of the world we live in today. Their novels, Nineteen Eighty-Four and Brave New World, respectively, envisioned how society might devolve into dystopia. While both authors presented elements that have become a reality, Huxley's vision of the future seems more likely than Orwell's.

This essay will explore why Huxley's predictions are more aligned with contemporary society, examining the use of control methods, propaganda, and consumerism as depicted in both works.

Control Methods in Dystopian Societies

In Nineteen Eighty-Four, Orwell presents a society where fear is the primary tool of control. The political party employs technology to maintain surveillance over the citizens of Oceania, creating an environment of constant paranoia. For instance, telescreens are omnipresent, capturing every sound and movement. Winston Smith, the protagonist, lives in fear, knowing that "any sound that [he] made, above the level of a very low whisper, would be picked up" (Orwell, 5). In contrast, Huxley's Brave New World employs pleasure as a method of control. The distribution of the drug soma keeps citizens content and docile, preventing rebellion by ensuring that people remain in a state of blissful ignorance. The novel illustrates how society is controlled through indulgence rather than intimidation, a method that resonates more with contemporary societal trends.

Surveillance in Modern Society

Orwell's vision of surveillance has materialized in modern society, albeit in a more advanced form. According to Pell and Soghoian, most surveillance is now "carrier-assisted" and involves tracking devices such as cameras and smartphones. This mirrors the functions of telescreens, where privacy is compromised, and personal data is at risk. Companies and governments can monitor individuals' activities, including locations, purchases, and communications, which echoes the invasive surveillance in Nineteen Eighty-Four. However, while Orwell's prediction of a surveillance state is accurate, Huxley's softer approach of control through pleasure is more prevalent and subtle in today's world.

The Role of Pleasure in Control

Huxley's prediction of using pleasure as a means of control is evident today through the widespread use of mood-enhancing medications. In his novel, soma is a tool to suppress negative emotions and maintain societal harmony. Similarly, in contemporary society, antidepressants and other medications are widely prescribed to help individuals cope with mental health issues. Hendricks notes that "one in eight Americans are on antidepressants," highlighting the normalization of chemical mood management. While these medications serve a legitimate purpose, they also reflect Huxley's foresight into a society that relies on pharmaceuticals for emotional regulation.

Propaganda and Mass Consumerism

Both Orwell and Huxley depict the use of propaganda as a tool for societal control. In Nineteen Eighty-Four, the Ministry of Truth manipulates historical records and disseminates false narratives to maintain the party's power. The pervasive slogan "Big Brother is watching you" embodies the oppressive use of propaganda. Conversely, Huxley envisions a society obsessed with consumerism, where advertising constantly encourages the acquisition of new products. The mantra "the more things we can buy, the happier we are" exemplifies the conditioning to consume. Modern society reflects Huxley's vision, as advertisements are ubiquitous, encouraging perpetual consumption and the belief that happiness is tied to material possessions.

The Impact of Advertising in Modern Society

In today's world, advertising is a powerful force influencing consumer behavior. As Louise Story observes, marketers aim to reach consumers "at literally every turn," leveraging the abundance of screens and platforms to entice potential buyers. The constant barrage of advertisements creates a culture of immediacy and disposability, where individuals are encouraged to replace old items with new ones frequently. This aligns with Huxley's depiction of a consumer-driven society, where the cycle of production and consumption is relentless and shapes societal values.

Conclusion

While both Orwell and Huxley provided insightful predictions about the future, Huxley's vision of a society controlled by pleasure and consumerism is more prevalent today. Orwell's foresight regarding surveillance is realized in modern technology, but Huxley's focus on mass consumerism and mood management through pharmaceuticals is increasingly evident. Society's reliance on technology, medication, and advertising reflects Huxley's dystopian vision. As we continue to evolve, it remains uncertain which elements of these dystopian futures will further manifest, but the ideas presented in both novels serve as cautionary tales that remind us of the potential pitfalls of technological and societal advancements.

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