Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale. pages 200-277
One connection that exists between the three novels is the abolishment of individualistic freedom. That is because in these societies, individual freedom is non-existent, and the citizens are usually brought up to believe that individualistic freedom is unimportant, and that it is the freedom of being protected from other things that truly matters.
For example, during one passage in "The Handmaid's Tale," Aunt Lydia tells Offred that now that the Republic of Gilead exists, the Handmaid's are being given "freedom from" other things.This means that they are being "protected" from certain dangers. She accentuates this freedom in such a way, that it makes the other freedom unimportant, and it makes it seem like there are too many risks associated with the "freedom to" choose. Individualistic freedom is non-existent in the Republic of Gilead, and it includes the inability to: keep one's name, the dress differently, choose one's job, and to speak against the Republic's beliefs.
Similarly to the way that the "freedom to" capture one's needs is being abolished in "The Handmaid's Tale", it's also being abolished in "1984." That is because, one of the Party's main slogans is "Freedom is Slavery." This means, that in order for one to be free they must submit themselves to a larger group, and thus, become "slaves." This slogan, is being used as means of making the masses believe that individualistic freedom is unimportant, and that it is only by working together, that a nation will succed, and its people will be truly "free."
In "Fahrneheit 451", there is only one large aspect that takes the individualistic freedom away- the banning of books. Without the freedom to read books, and with only being capable of watching tv, personal growth is put and end to, and soon everyone begins to think in a similar way. Everyone except those who have been exposed to books at one point or another.
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4 comments:
Ah, the paradox of freedom and slavery.
I cannot imagine living under this conditions : "it includes the inability to: keep one's name, the dress differently, choose one's job, and to speak against the Republic's beliefs."
But when I read: "This means, that in order for one to be free they must submit themselves to a larger group, and thus, become "slaves." This slogan, is being used as means of making the masses believe that individualistic freedom is unimportant, and that it is only by working together, that a nation will succed, and its people will be truly "free."
I can see why 'freedom is slavery'.
Nice and smooth connections, Eliza!
This is a really great post about connections. The tone of it is really interesting. As well as the connections.
I like how you explain the slogan "Freedom is Slavery".
Keep up the good work!
I really liked the quote "Freedom is Slavery" it really makes you think. Great connections between the three novels. They sound very interesting.
1984 - "They must submit themselves to a larger group"? But didn't Winston say the proles take up something like 82% of the population? So are they not the larger group?
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