Author(s): Komal Kamini, Dr. Shveta Singh Komal

Abstract: This study examines the mechanisms of thought control in dystopian societies as portrayed in George Orwell’s 1984, Animal Farm and Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, focusing on the use of language, surveillance, propaganda and indoctrination. It explores how totalitarian regimes suppress individuality, manipulate ideology and enforce conformity through tools such as Orwell’s Newspeak and Thought Police and Atwood’s depiction of religious dogma and patriarchal dominance. By analyzing the psychological impact of such control on characters like Winston Smith and Offred, the research reveals how fear, isolation and repression erode personal autonomy and identity. The study also draws connections between these fictional narratives and real-world issues, including digital surveillance, misinformation and gender inequality. Through comparative analysis, it underscores the enduring relevance of Orwell’s and Atwood’s critiques, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of power, control and resistance and serving as a cautionary reflection on the fragility of intellectual freedom and democratic values in contemporary society.

Keywords: Dystopian Literature, Thought Control, George Orwell, Margaret Atwood, Surveillance and Ideology.

Article Info: Received: 03 May 2025; Received in revised form: 26 May 2025; Accepted: 30 May 2025; Available online: 05 Jun 2025

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.103.71