The I Search Assignment is a where you choose a small detail in the first few chapters of the book and go into an in depth analysis of it. It shows how many detail in a book may seem insignificant but when further analyzed we see that they have a deeper meaning and a purpose in the book.

In 1984 by George Orwell, the story is told by the point of view of Winston Smith who is the main character. In the first chapter he describes what is in his surroundings on the way to his flat in the Victory Mansions. He describes a poster that had an enormous face on it as well as “It was one of those pictures which were so contrived that the eyes follow you about when you move. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU, the caption beneath it read.” Not only is the idea of someone always watching you terrifying but also, that the poster seems that it is watching you. Why is the phrase BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU repeated so many times?

 

The posters that are spread everywhere make sure the Big Brother is stuck in everyone’s heads. It reminds them that they are being watched everywhere they go and they can’t escape it. The posters are so repetitive because it is in a large scale, a process of manipulation. It forces citizens to be carful of everything they do, think, and say. They can’t think for themselves in case they think something controversy to the government because BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU. The posters not only scare people but what if Big Brother isn’t real? Perhaps it’s just a way for the government to put a name to spying.