The Role of Government in Dystopian Societies

A government has always been the center point of society, yet at times it is the main catalyst for a dystopian society.

Introduction

Imagine living in a world where independence is not an option, where freedom is stripped from you, and disobeying the government results in severe punishment. A society where personal thought is forbidden and social status is predetermined with no possibility of change epitomizes a dystopian reality.

Overpowering Government

These descriptions of a dystopian society have all been realities in novels such as "Tempest," "Brave New World," "1984," and "Anthem.

" Characters in these novels were systematically brainwashed to conform to their governments, as the populations were too afraid to confront their overpowering rulers. Furthermore, citizens in these narratives lived in societies where even minimal rights were nonexistent, characterized by homelessness, chaos, and racism. While many of these elements appear in other dystopian novels, numerous aspects remain unexplored.

In these novels, dystopian societies exist primarily due to an overpowering government. The regimes overuse their power by constantly surveilling their citizens and forcing them to conform. People are incessantly watched, listened to, traced, and investigated, making it nearly impossible to engage in any secretive activities. In George Orwell's "1984," the government's strength stems from its leverage over the population. The novel illustrates how telescreens installed in every home must remain on to monitor every conversation. The pervasive surveillance incites fear, as depicted in the book: "He thought of the telescreen with its never-sleeping ear. They could spy upon you night and day, but if you kept your head you could still outwit them" (Orwell 31). This demonstrates how the constant surveillance terrifies citizens into silence and compliance.

Manipulation and Control

Similarly, in the book "Stopping The Spies," it is stated, "Given the powerful forces at work in promoting the expansion of surveillance, citizens are going to have a tough fight on their hands" (Duncan 23). This highlights how governments misuse surveillance, making it challenging for anyone to halt such practices. In Ayn Rand's "Anthem," individuals are forced to believe that collectivism is the only way to survive. Solitary actions result in severe punishment or disappearance, as expressed in the novel: "The laws say that none among men may be alone, ever and at any time, this is the great transgression and the root of all evil" (Rand 20).

The government also controls information, fearing that knowledgeable citizens could threaten their authority. In "Brave New World," the government employs advanced techniques like stem cell manipulation to engineer compliance, effectively rendering people into obedient robots. This illustrates the government's primary objective of self-preservation, devoid of empathy for its citizens. By controlling thought, the government eradicates freedom, demonstrating absolute control. In "Tempest," Prospero symbolizes a central government with high surveillance, as Ariel, one of his slaves, observes everything on the island. Ariel represents constant surveillance, catching Antonio, Sebastian, and Alonso in betrayal, showcasing the omnipresent scrutiny on the island.

Totalitarianism and Collectivism

Having a government that constantly monitors and dictates citizens' actions are just a few qualities that define a dystopian society. Another common theme in these works is a totalitarian regime that stifles individuality and freedom. In "Brave New World," the motto "Community, Stability, and Identity" forms the governmental structure. Community, as a governmental pillar, promotes collectivism, ingrained since birth. An article, "The Dangers of Collectivism," asserts that "Collectivism is a poison. I have been appalled to see so many of my friends, both on the left and the right, indulging in it" (Hunter 5). This quote explains how individuals exposed to collectivism by oppressive governments struggle to escape, perpetuating dystopian societies.

Fear as Control

In "1984," Orwell emphasizes the impact of dominant control in totalitarian governments. The Party manipulates the populace with lies, claiming their indispensability. By instilling fear and declaring hidden spies, they force conformity, denying freedom. Similarly, in "Anthem," the absence of the word "I" and encouragement of "We" speech emphasize collective identity, with solitary individuals executed without trace. This underscores how overpowered governments misuse their capabilities, causing societal misery. In "Tempest," Prospero's control over Miranda stifles her life, despite his protective intentions. For example, when Miranda and the prince develop a romantic connection, Prospero intervenes, severing their bond.

Totalitarian governments and unjust rules contribute significantly to dystopian societies. The last characteristic of an overpowered government is how it instills fear in its populace, ensuring conformity and resulting in miserable lives. In "1984," the telescreen embodies fear, as citizens know the Party constantly watches. This technique guarantees unquestioned obedience. An article, "Fear and Social Control," explains, "While some fears are self-created, many arise from narratives crafted by those in power. Individuals seeking to manipulate others understand the power of fear" (Greene 20). This quote underscores how powerful entities exploit fears for personal gain.

"Brave New World" also uses fear, portraying individuality as dangerous. The World State enforces group work, threatening survival for noncompliance. Publicly announcing consequences for emotion or independent thought incites fear, perpetuating despair. In "Tempest," Prospero's power-hungry dominance over Caliban illustrates control through fear. Subjugation leaves Caliban no choice but compliance, as depicted in Paul Kenny's "The Meaning of Torture": "Torture is the systematic and deliberate infliction of severe pain or suffering on a person under the actor's control to induce a behavioral response" (Kenny 2). This quote elucidates Prospero's use of torture for conformity.

Lastly, in "Anthem," fear is the government's most prized possession. They understand that people fear harm, leading to societal dehumanization. As Equality states, "There is fear hanging in the air of the sleeping halls, and in the air of the streets. Fear walks through the City, fear without name, without shape. All men feel it and none dare to speak" (Rand 46). In conclusion, these works illustrate how fear, when wielded by the wrong hands, serves as a foundation for dystopian societies.

Did you like this example?

639

34