George Orwell's 1984, "was identified by Geoffrey Stokes as the first major twentieth-century dystopian novel, which is a modern variation of the traditional utopian novel"(qt'd in World Literature Criticism 2574). The word "utopia" originates from the Greek language; "outopia, meaning 'no place,' or else 'eutopia,' meaning 'good place,' pointing to the idea that a utopia is a non-existent land of social perfection" (Frye 478). It therefore follows that an anti-utopia is the exact opposite of this, a place in which the condition of life is extremely bad. Orwell's 1984 is anti-utopian in that it depicts a nightmare world where people have no rights; they are controlled by a totalitarian government which seeks power for its own sake and eliminates individual freedom. Through his portrayal of governmental surveillance, the prevention of relationships and the principles of a manipulative government system, Orwell reveals a true anti-utopian society.
             To begin, the government in 1984 controls the thoughts and action of its citizens through surveillance. Whatever one does is monitored day and night by telescreens that can simultaneously send and receive video and voice. The telescreens are placed inside each room of every establishment and can detect any sound one makes "above the level of a very low whisper" (4). These devices are used to expose citizens who think or act against the Inner Party that governs the state. Since even thoughts against the party are considered serious crimes, "it was terribly dangerous to let your thoughts wander in any public place or within range of a telescreen. The smallest thing could give you away. A nervous tic, an unconscious look of anxiety..."(65). Evidently, the people have to be extremely cautious or they will be caught and punished by members of the Party. As the main character Winston sta...