If you think in Totalitarianism in our Chilean context, you might first think of Pinochet in 1973 or Hitler and The Holocaust due to their major consequences in our country and around the world, respectively. Naturally, it is tended to be remembered the processes carried out and its subsequent effects. But, these effects might tend to be considered as social processes instead of personal processes. I am not specifying that the psychological consequences of the survivors are not taken in consideration but I do believe these effects, for example of a military regime, are always considered socially. For example, forced disappearances and collective fear (In groups of people). So, is there any other effect that could affect people in a personal manner? Is it always a major social process responsible for these possible changes? Which are these changes that a person could experiment being immersed in a society or in an ongoing process (For example, a romantic break-up or a Coup d'état?).
Two works written in different contexts might come up with answers. The first one George Orwell’s 1984 and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Wakefield, both settled in London but in different years. The former illustrates a dystopian future where concepts such as massive vigilance, political repression and torture are included. The protagonist in this story is Winston Smith a man who finds out love with a female co-worker in this extremely repressive world but ends up betraying her because of an extensive session of torture, succumbing into the chaos of this world.
On the other side, we have Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Wakefield a six-page short story focused in explore psychologically a man’s profile who imagines a future without his wife -- because he can not foresee her without his presence -- in order to discover her own identity and place in the society.
In George Orwell’s 1984, the author is able to create a world influenced by the events occurred during the WWII; and, the fascism and nazism. In this world, people in society can not freely express themselves because it exists repression in every little thing; for example, televisions with propaganda can not be turned off. Furthermore, any kind of rebellion is severally punished. However, in this chaos, a romantic relationship flourishes: Julia and Winston. Subsequently, as the story progresses, the couple is tortured because of their plans of rebellion. They are punished physically as much as mentally because the plans of Inner Party are clear, stricted and determined:
“We shall abolish the orgasm. Our neurologists are at work upon it now. There will be no loyalty, except loyalty towards the Party. There will be no love, except the love of Big Brother. There will be no laughter, except the laugh of triumph over a defeated enemy. There will be no art, no literature, no science.” (pp 183)
In this context, Winston is shattered as well as his love for Julia; later, he confesses every detail that he knows related with Julia, committing an act of betrayal. It is inferred at this point of the story that “love is not stronger than anything”. Finally, love, a concept very intimate, accurate and proper for human beings is destroyed by power. Orwell’s point at the end of this novel is clear: the psychological structure of a human being can be reorganized or change totally but with difficulty.
In George Orwell’s 1984, the reader can spot that the negative behaviors are completely influenced by the environment: fear, rage and betrayal. However, “love” flourished as something innate in spite of being introduced as only unique to the Big Brother. Therefore, love expressed by Winston to Julia is mutual (She handwrites a note with an “I love you”.) Hence, it is different from the Big Brother love.
On the other side, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Wakefield introduces us a sort of psychological profile of our main character here: Wakefield, an upper-class man with a routinary life which lead him to leave her wife. Hawthorne roams through his conscience, being able to illustrate how he carries through his modus operandi (For example, he hides in a house near her wife’s house). Hawthorne explains partially the reason of his distancing.
At this point of this short story, an alteration of Wakefield’s identity is produced. This means that Hawthorne explains the reason of his distance as freedom when he tries to find out the meaning of his role in society. Therefore, his motives are personal but are also motivated by society, at least, indirectly. That is why, he decides at the end, to look for her wife after 20 years.
But there is not repression in this short story but society does have an important role in the development of the plot but not as important as in George Orwell’s 1984. Another concept remains intact: betrayal, represented consciously not influenced by anyone. That is why, Wakefield’s motive remains inner. He is, indeed, influenced by society but not as radically like Winston.
According to Chanel:
“Hawthorne states that Wakefield has a cold but not depraved heart, suggesting that family life provides a level of comfort he needs (social comfort) and another which he has not discovered (individual comfort.)” (What Is The Meaning Behind Nathaniel Hawthorne's Wakefield)
This means that he is not looking for a connection with other human being but his own. He wants to find answers for himself, even though, he remains near his wife.
There are other aspects to compare between these novels. Love has been stated as important in George Orwell’s 1984 and the lack of it in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Wakefield. Interesting is how the nature of it moves and causes major decisions. At the end of both novels, it is stated the role that society has accomplished in both contexts. We have to remember the extreme situation of Totalitarianism for Julia and Winston and the unspecified context for Wakefield. Although, we do know that the role of the structures or organizations is “killing him”. It could be considered that altering his own identity could be seen just as dangerous as committing suicide. That is the real power and influence of the role of society shown.
In conclusion, several changes are caused by different influences in both novels. Julia and Winston are both manipulated directly by society and Wakefield just indirectly, in my opinion. Both, George Orwell and Nathaniel Hawthorne, are recognized for influencing popular culture. Perhaps, Orwell more than Hawthorne. George Orwell’s 1984 world has been referenced in TV series, movies, songs and music videos as well.
“Hurts like Heaven” by Coldplay it is a song which correctly represents the “1984 model” if I can put it a name. This means: Repressive society, rebel people, love and pessimistic/realistic ending. However, the ending in this music video is very optimistic. In addition, the lyrics of the song can be interpreted by more personal view of Hawthorne:
“Written up in marker on a factory sign, I struggle with the feeling that my life isn’t mine"
This could mean, the “struggle” with the identity, feeling completely isolated even in a society.
References.
Hawthorne, Nathaniel, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Wakefield.1996.
Orwell, George, 1984. Barcelona: Debolsillo, 2013.
M. Silva Echeto, Víctor, and José Gutierrez. La Compleja Relación Entre Identidad Y La Alteridad En Borges Y En Hawthorne (IV. 4th ed. Web. 11 Dec. 2015.
What Is The Meaning Behind Nathaniel Hawthorne's Wakefield. 1st ed. Web. 11 Dec. 2015.
Coldplay. Mylo Xyloto. Capitol, 2011. Web. 11 Dec. 2015.
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