Love, Rebellion, and Relationships in Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four

Abstract

This study explores the systematic degradation of love and intimacy engineered by the ruling Party in George Orwell's dystopian masterwork, Nineteen Eighty-Four. People's natural ability to love is hampered by the Party's constant monitoring and forced measures, which instead make people obedient to the government. By using Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love, which categorizes love into intimacy, passion, and commitment, we analyze the complex psychological aspects of love and examine how the Party exploits these components to suppress personal relationships. Also, the research utilizes Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to uncover the Party's motive for repressing love. This thesis highlights the connection between the Party's primary goal of complete control and its exploitation of love and relationships. Additionally, it studies closely the Party's use of harsh methods to get rid of resistance, as shown in Winston's final betrayal of Julia. This research reveals the crucial significance of love and relationships in psychological well-being while also highlighting how the Party's control restricts emotions and cognitive processes. The article seeks to emphasize the inherent importance of human connection while illuminating the abuse of authority. It acts as a powerful reminder to challenge authoritative persons who try to control our basic human needs.