Distortion of reality in Orwell’s 1984 and O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried”

Abstract

O’Brien’s short story “The Things They Carried” and Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984 suggest that the ruling imperial government attempts to cover up the truth behind society’s dismal reality by exploiting an individual through dominance and control. This is analyzed through escapism, propaganda, the manipulation of fear and perspective, and, finally, a distorted portrayal of freedom.