A manipulação pela linguagem: uma análise comparativa da obra literária 1984, de George Orwell e a obra cinematográfica La antena, de Esteban Sapir

Abstract

This study conducted a comparative analysis of the dystopian works 1984 by George Orwell and La Antena by Esteban Sapir, focusing on elements such as plot, discourse, characters and the symbolic value of words and images. The study explores the use of language manipulation as an instrument of power in both works. To support the analysis, we used mainly discussions on literature and cinema, worked by authors such as Compagnon (2010), Martin (2013), and on the concepts of comparative literature worked by Nitrini (2021) and Carvalhal (2006). We found that the literary and cinematographic narratives of 1984 and La Antena are dystopias that share similarities in their plots, characters and symbolism. Both works explore themes of social control, manipulation of information and truth, as well as the use of propaganda, technology and language as tools to consolidate totalitarian power. However, each work addresses these themes in a unique way, reflecting their distinct contexts and narratives. With regard to language, 1984 and La Antena employ similar strategies to manipulate and control individuals. La Antena explores the reduction and suppression of language, while 1984 combines the reduction of language with the creation of a new one, resulting in the control of the characters’ thoughts and actions. This study contributes to the critical understanding of the role of language in society, demonstrating how it can be shaped to serve the interests of power, as well as function as a tool of resistance and social change. This work can also serve as inspiration for further research on the intertextuality between literature and film and on the manipulation of language as a tool of social control, promoting a broader academic dialogue