TELESCREEN Meaning and
Definition
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A telescreen refers to a fictional device that combines a television and surveillance camera, usually found in dystopian societies depicted in literature, particularly exemplified in George Orwell's novel, "1984." The telescreen functions as both a receiver and transmitter, enabling it to broadcast propaganda and monitor citizens simultaneously. It possesses a two-way communication capability, through which the government maintains total control over its constituents, primarily for surveillance and thought policing purposes.
The telescreen is an omnipresent instrument through which the ruling regime exercises its authoritarian dominance, exerting constant scrutiny and manipulation over individual thoughts and actions. It functions as a propaganda tool, as citizens are consistently bombarded with State-sanctioned messages that shape their perceptions and promote loyalty to the regime. Additionally, citizens are under constant surveillance, as telescreens are strategically placed in every public and private space, capturing their behavior and potentially exposing dissidents.
The telescreen represents the embodiment of a repressive and controlling government, exemplifying the surveillance state prevalent in a dystopian society. Its chilling impact derives from its capability to strip away a person's privacy and individuality, leaving them susceptible to manipulation and control. In its essence, the telescreen is a symbol of the loss of freedom and autonomy, highlighting the dangers of unchecked governmental power and the erosion of personal liberties.
Common Misspellings for TELESCREEN
Etymology of TELESCREEN
The word "telescreen" was coined by George Orwell in his novel "Nineteen Eighty-Four" published in 1949. It is a blend of two words: "tele-" meaning "distance" or "at a distance" derived from the Greek word "tele" (far off) and "-screen" referring to a display or surface on which images or information are projected or displayed. The concept of the telescreen in Orwell's dystopian world was a device capable of transmitting and receiving visual and audio information, serving as a surveillance tool used by the party to monitor and control the citizens of Oceania.
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