Matthew L Goodwin

Outside Look at Goverments

 

     

     George Orwell's essay, "Shooting an Elephant," is about an event that changed his life forever.  While serving as a police officer, in Burma, the station phone rang.  Orwell was notified that a male elephant was on the hunt for a female because he was in “must.”  During this rampage, a townsman was trampled by the elephant.  As an authority figure, it was Orwell's duty to regain order in the small town.  For his protection, he asked for a rifle.  As he slowly approached the elephant, it was obvious that the elephant had calmed down and was eating his food; however, Orwell felt the pressure from the two thousand individuals following his every move.  It was up to Orwell to decide the fate of the elephant.  He was torn between looking foolish in front of the townspeople and making his countrymen proud.  For this reason, Orwell felt killing the elephant was his only option.  For the remainder of his time in Burma, Orwell continuously tried to convince himself that he made the right choice; however, Orwell knew he had shot the elephant for the wrong reason.  “I often wondered whether any of the others grasped that I had done it solely to avoid looking a fool" (Orwell).    

           

     In his essay, he describes how this particular event had changed his outlook on not only the British government, but government as a whole.  The British government sent him to Burma where he was stationed for five years as a police officer.  While there, Orwell noticed how the locals had a strong dislike for the British oppressors.  It was obvious to Orwell where this hatred had come from.  In Burma, he observed how his government treated outside territories with force. 

Orwell's book "Animal farm," was about how over turning one government is not always the best solution.  The animals thought if they took out the farmer that their lives would be better, however, once the animals took over the farm their lives were the same.  The hidden message behind this story was to not let one person or party have too much power while also showing that one person or party could destroy a society.  

     

     Orwell’s book, “Animal Farm,” was written during World War II where he reflects on events that occurred throughout World War I and the Russian Revolution.  Orwell used the name Mr. Jones to represent the leader of Russia during World War I: Tsar Nicholas II, while Karl Marx symbolized Major: the top prized pig of the farm.  Karl Marx, just like Major, focused on persuading individuals that Tsar Nicholas II should no longer be in power.  During this time, Stalin, also known as Napoleon in Orwell’s book, was focused on overthrowing Nicholas II, leader of Russia.  Orwell was trying to illustrate that not everything is always greener on the other side. He was scared that people were giving the government too much power to control their lives. (West)

     

     In Orwells book "1984" use the recourses from Spark notes.Orwell’s book, 1984, provides an in-depth explanation of these events.  The book 1984 was written in the late 1940’s, by Orwell, using his knowledge and understanding of both the Nazi and Soviet Union totalitarian governments.  Within both governments, individuals gave up their rights in order to receive protection from others; however, to be protected, the people were told that there were rules to be followed.  Because of this power, individuals in society were treated poorly.  Within a totalitarian government, the upper class had resources that were plentiful and individuals lived a rather luxurious lifestyle, however, the middle class had limited resources such as food, clothes, money, and housing, which the government attributed to war.  It was interesting however, because the people never knew who they were at war with.  The government was able give the appearance of war by shooting rockets that would hit buildings as well as individuals.  Not only did the government convince the people that they were at war, but the government also wanted to know what everyone was doing throughout their day. They had posters all over the city saying "Big Brother is watching you" which represented the government knowing each move of every individual.  This was achieved by placing video cameras and microphones in each television.   Because the government wanted full access to people’s homes, all televisions were to remain on.  Not only did the government have full access to each family, but if someone had a close friend, dated, or got married; the police would make an arrest.  In order to prevent individuals from breaking these rules the government would make the people attend seminars convincing them to stay loyal.  The government felt as if the formation of relationships would lead to rebellion. 

 

     In Orwell’s book, 1984, he creates a storyline that illustrates the life of individuals within a totalitarian government. Since Orwell was from England, he used his government as an example.  The main character of his book was Winston Heist; who works for the government.  Orwell portrayed Heist as being lonely and friendless.  Throughout life, Heist decided to keep a journal despite the consequences.  Within his journal, he wrote about his curiosity concerning other governments outside of England.  Because the English government rewrote all of the history books to their liking, Winston did not know of anything else.  Not only did Heist express his interest in other governments, but also his thoughts about forming relationships with other individuals.  The first individual that Heist wrote about went by the name of Julia.  Both Heist and Julia worked in the same building, but different departments.  While Heist was at work, he admired Julia’s beauty from afar due to government restrictions.  Heist was often curious about Julia, however, he hated that he was unable to personally introduce himself.  Heist had thought about breaking rules, by introducing himself, however, he was unsure if Julia would turn him in.  Later, Julia writes Heist a note saying “I Love You” despite the fact that they had never met.  Because of the cameras and microphones around the city, it was impossible for them to show affection.  Once outside the city, both Heist and Julia found that they shared similar beliefs about life outside their government.     

 

     Later, Heist not only became interested in Julia, but a man by the name of O’Bryan as well.  O’Bryan worked in the government, where he held a position higher than Heist.  Over time, Heist found that O’Bryan, just like Julia, believed their government was corrupt.  Because of this, the three of them together were trying overthrow the government.  Once allied, O’Bryan provided Heist with a book that gave him details concerning what happened before the current government came into power.  Not knowing he would be betrayed by O’Bryan, a government spy, Heist received shock treatment, was beaten, and starved until the government was told everything about the rebellion.  Because of the torture, Heist told the government everything they wanted to know about the rebellion as well as Julia.  It was not long after the government found out about Julia that they began to torture her as well.

     

     By torture, the government was successful at breaking up their relationship and had complete control over their thoughts.  Once they were let free Julia and Heist would never love each other again nor did the thoughts of rebellion ever cross their minds.  Later, O’Bryan informed Heist that the governments only focus was making sure his thoughts did not deviate from their beliefs.  In the last sentence of Orwell’s book Heist said " I love Big Brother" representing the government’s ability to make their people loyal (Spark notes).  Each of these works, “Shooting an Elephant,” “Animal Farm,” and “1984,” shows how the government can achieve complete control and achieve their goals.