In both '1984' and 'Brave New World' the societies represent a totalitarian regime, with one leader, one idea and one-way of life. Both display the nonsensical idea of there being only one permitted way of thinking.
From the opening paragraph of '1984' the reader becomes aware of the unsanitary environment. Its surrounding world is grey and unwelcoming, "a swirl of gritty dust". The main character in the novel, Winston Smith seems not to benefit from the benefits provided by society. Being only thirty-nine and already the victim of "a varicose ulcer above his right ankle," his life expectancy is evidently low as a result the everyday life he must endure within, "the age of Big Brother". The lift out of order due to power shortages, the general cleanliness of the area diabolical and the Victory Gin and Cigarettes cheap and repulsive.
'Brave New World' on the other hand is a contrasting opposite, Huxley portrays a clean and sterilised world, glowing with the essence of health and life, "the overall of the workers were white, their hands gloved."
Brave New World Start
1st UK edition
First edition coverExistence for the people of this "Brave New World," is rich and sumptuous, only the best is provided.
"a blast of warmed air dusted her with the finest talcum powder."
The worlds created in each of the texts have ensured methods of controlling its citizens in order that they believe in and follow religiously its prominent and tyrannical leaders. In '1984' social control is carried out from an early age, training children to follow commands, which is evidently similar to the Hitler Youth association set up during the Second World War. By controlling all children they have yet to develop prominent memories, a close link between parent and child can be severed and are easily taught to believe what is right.
"Both of...