Year 12 IB Extended Essays 2018

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actions and condemns her as a “damned whore” and an “impudent strumpet” (Huxley, 2014, p. 170). The contrasting characterization of Lenina and John highlights the impact of an authoritarian government on citizens. There is no conditioning in the Reservation so the people there believe in the importance of marriage as an institution. The fact that this fundamental institution of modern civilization no longer exists in the World State reinforces how comprehensively totalitarian control can change societies. In 1984 , Orwell depicts marriage as an institution intended solely for reproduction. Marriage is not a union that is based on love. The government maintains control relationships and the ability to predict outcomes of its citizens by determining whom they marry. It only grants approval for couples who do not show any signs of being emotionally or physically attracted to each other. The relationship between the male protagonist, Winston, and his wife, Katharine, demonstrates the government’s control over its citizens. Winston’s observation that Katharine was “without exception the most stupid, vulgar, empty mind that he had ever encountered” (Orwell, 2008, p. 63) reveals that the objective of Oceania’s totalitarian government is to deliberately mismatch couples so there is little chance of develop loving relationships. Katharine believes that sexual intercourse with Winston is “[her] duty to the party” (Orwell, 2008, p. 64) and commands Winston to attempt this once a week, though she would “simultaneously push him away with all her strength” (Orwell, 2008, p. 64). Katharine’s rejection of Winston reinforces the lack of emotional connection in this marriage. After fifteen months, the couple separate because they cannot have a child. The Party “does not permit divorce, but rather encourage[s] separation” (Orwell, 2008, p. 63). So, Winston can never free himself from his much-disliked wife. Ideally, the Party wants babies to be produced by “artificial insemination… and [raised] in public institutions” (Orwell, 2008, p. 62) avoiding the need for marriage and families altogether. Both Huxley and Orwell use their respective