The Handmaid's Tale, Fahrenheit 451, and 1984: Individualistic Freedom (Evaluation)

Another theme that the three novels have in common, is the lack of individualistic freedom.

Authenticity: Staying true to a vision for the sake of the vision, not for ulterior motives (propaganda, indoctrination, subversion, monetary gain)

The authors represent the theme in an authentic way, by showing the reader how the lack of individualistic freedom affects the characters. They do this by placing the characters in a society whose controlling government has a twisted vision of a perfect world. And in all three of these societies,the a lack of individuality is believed to make everyone more equal.

Furthermore, they also represent the theme in an authentic way, by using their protagonists as vessels, in order to portray the consequences that one suffers when individualistic freedom is not present. The way that they do this, is by showing that when one is unable to do the simple things that they desire, or to accomplish a goal, this results in unhappiness. And as a results of that unhappiness, the protagonists look for a way to invigorate their dull lifestyle. In the case of "1984", and "The Handmaid's Tale" this meant turning to love, while in "Fahrenheit 451", it meant turning to books.

Originality: Creating a story and characters from a unique perspective and not adhering to a preset formula or concept (cliched or one dimensional characters, predictable plot, overused style and stale imagery

The authors represent the theme from an interesting, and original perspective. In the case of "The Handmaid's Tale", Margret Atwood takes a more personal approach by writing in first person. This makes the reader step into the character's shoes and really see the world exactly as she sees it. Her use of a first person point of view is a great way to make the reader empathize with the protagonist and to feel her frustration in regards to the lack of individualistic freedom and the barbaric lifestyle that she must lead as a result of that.

At the beginning of "Fahrenheit 451", Ray Bradbury portrays Montag as somewhat of an ignorant character, whose life is an illusion of happiness. But as the novel progresses, Montag's character proves that people do have the ability to change. Through Montag's character, Bradbury shows that knowledge is enlightenment. He also shows that it is only by not living in the ignorant world, and by breaking away from the rest of the "lifeless" characters that he truly becomes happy.

Similarly, in "1984", Orwell, shows through Winston, that a human can only be happy when he breaks away from the monotonus life that the government wants him to lead. Orwell also provides an interesting perspective on the theme, by showing that when the most basic individualistic rights are taken away they are bound to be broken because it is in a human's nature to do certain things, such as: thinking, looking for love, and seeking privacy.

Consistency: The story, characters and message stay true to the context of the novel and to each other. This would include believability within the context of the story.

The theme is represented in a consistent manner, by showing how individualistic freedom is not something that is immediately snatched away. It is something that an individual ceases to possess when a gradual change occurs in their society. The authors do this in order to show to the reader how the loss of individualistic freedom doesn't occur all of a sudden, which is why the majority of the characters in the novel do not feel trapped, or limited. For those types of characters, their lifestyle feels "normal," since they have no recollection of the world ever being different.

Subliminal Messages: Closely related to authenticity, subliminal messages are hidden messages that contradict the apparent theme of the novel. For example the novel is about independence, yet the female protagonist is waiting for a man to make her life complete.

In each of the three novels there is one powerful figure that is a hypocrite, because of not adhering to the rules, that they are promoting in some way. This simply shows how those in power always have the capability of getting away with things that others cannot. And in the case of the three novels, the things that such people seem to be getting away with is freedom. The type of individualistic freedom that others are not subjected to.