What is the central theme of George Orwell's "1984"?

The central theme of George Orwell's "1984" is indeed totalitarianism and the loss of individuality. In the novel, Orwell presents a dystopian society characterized by oppressive government control, pervasive surveillance, and propaganda, which collectively aim to eliminate any sense of personal freedom and individual thought. The Party, which governs the society, seeks to maintain power by obliterating personal identity and enforcing conformity.

The experiences of the protagonist, Winston Smith, highlight the struggle against such totalitarian oppression. His attempts to assert his individuality—in his thoughts, desires, and actions—demonstrate the devastating effects of a regime that prioritizes state control over personal autonomy. Through concepts like the manipulation of language and history, Orwell emphasizes how totalitarianism can systematically crush the human spirit.

In contrast, the other themes presented do not encapsulate the primary focus of "1984." The triumph of individualism is fundamentally at odds with the novel's portrayal of authoritarianism. Romantic love and loss are present but serve more as a backdrop to the larger themes of oppression, rather than the central focus. While nature and its beauty may appear in literature as an escape or symbol of freedom, in "1984," nature is largely absent or overshadowed by the oppressive urban