Comparing Thoreaus Civil Disobedience and Orwells 1984...

Civil Disobedience and 1984 In Orwell’s 1984, the government is all controlling, all manipulative, and all knowing. They maintain every aspect of their member’s lives and monitor them constantly. Conversely, in the context of Civil Disobedience, the government is a form of direct democracy. People have their right to vote and the right to openly express their opinions. The main character of 1984 lives in constant fear of his government while Thoreau argues with his and suggests a variety of ways to cause reformation, he has the freedom of expression much unlike Winston. This is an essential point when trying to suggest any of Thoreau’s ideas to reform 1984 socialistic government. There is also no hope of rebellion from actual party†¦show more content†¦Being a member of the Party, Winston must maintain constant loyalty to the government, or at the very least, sustain the appearance that he does. â€Å"A Party member lives from birth to death under the eye of the Thought Police. Even when he is alone he can be sure that he is alone.† (Orwell, p. 210) With the incorporation of spies along with Telescreens, Winston has no true privacy. He couldn’t decide to completely or even remotely remove himself from the government because he would immediately be caught by the Thought Police. Not only that, but he continues the unjust action of rewriting and reworking pieces of media to accommodate the need for Big Brother to always be right. This is his government job and with he that, he works for a cause he stands against. The idea of disassociating oneself from the Party is irrational, their government supplies food, clothing, housing, and a purpos e. Although the war is a huge faux to maintain all its members with poverty, they are still dependant of the Party to survive. To leave the Party is to openly admit Thought Crime—the same as committing suicide . When Winston and Julia are captured by the Thought Police and sent to the Ministry of Love, one assumes they shall soon endure ruthless torture before being killed, but that is not truly the case. The two