In both the novel Nineteen Eight - Four written by George Orwell and The Lives of Others created by Florian vonDonnersmarck, there are many hidden and significant symbols that reveal many reoccurring patterns

Likewise in vonDonnersmarck film The Lives of Others the typewriter shares many of the same motifs as the diary did. The typewriter is a smuggled typewriter and is also illegal which shows the rebellious side of Georg. He knows he not supposed to have this typewriter and if caught with the typewriter will pay a significant price. This element of risk and rebellion draws parallels to Winston`s diary. They both know the penalty that would have to be paid if caught, however their hate for the government is so strong that it is worth taking that risk. In addition the typewriter also symbolizes the freedom to voice an opinion. In the totalitarian state of East Germany the government wants the citizens to abide the law and not ask any questions. However, Georg decides to write a book that will try to disrupt the government. This shows both his rebellion and first person view to what it is like to live in that type of society, similar to Winston does by writing in his diary about his true feelings on Big Brother and Oceania. In addition, because he can write what he wants with no limitations he is able to talk the truth like Winston in his diary. Both Winston`s diary and Georg`s typewriter is similar to the “Swing Kids”. This was a group of people who during the ruthless Nazi Germany reign would sneak into private rooms to dance and sing to foreign radio stations. This is similar due to the parallels it draws to risk and rebellion. Back in Nazi Germany listening to foreign radio station was strongly forbidden and if caught the group would have to pay fatal price. However, due their hate towards their oppressive government they would keep on running these secret affairs. Therefore, due to the many similar motifs that the typewriter has to the diary it is a very significant symbol.

        In addition another important motif that is prevalent during a powerful totalitarian state is power and fear. In Nineteen Eight Four Big Brother is the supreme leader of Oceania. The main reason why he has so much control is because he rules through fear.  One of the many ways they control people is by using Room 101. Winston doesn’t know for sure what Room 101 is and he asks O’Brien what it is and he replies “I told you that you knew the answer already. Everyone knows it. The thing that is in Room 101 is the worst thing in the world.” (Orwell 296). This is very significant because it shows the motif of fear. In this room it is where the government officials will torture bad citizens with their worst nightmare. This also shows the popular motif of control in a totalitarian regime. In order for the government to have control its citizens they try to make scare them as much as possible. The intensity of Room 101 is amplified when Winston states “You don’t have to take me to that place! Haven’t I told you everything already? What else is it you want to know? There’s nothing I wouldn’t confess, nothing!” (Orwell 248). This shows to be very significant later on when he actually does confess about his intimate relationship with Julia showing the motif of betrayal. The thought of even entering the room makes Winston want to give up. This shows the magnitude of the room and how it symbolizes both fear and betrayal.  

        Similarly in the film The Lives of Others there is an interrogation room which is similar to Room 101. In this film the interrogation room is used by Weisler to interrogate Christa Marie. This room becomes very significant because it too is also a place of betrayal. During the interrogation process Christa confesses about Georg’s typewriter. This is similar to when Winston reveals to O’Brien about his and Julia relationship. This betrayal seems very surprising due to the fact it seemed like the love in both relationship looks unbreakable. However, due to the fear tactics that the government applies like the interrogation room makes it seems easier to confess. The interrogation room is not as quite physical tormenting as Room 101, but is still emotionally and mentally terrifying. Therefore, because these rooms show the reoccurring pattern of fear and betrayal they are very significant in showing the connection between symbols and themes/motifs.

        Lastly, the other symbol that shows a reoccurring image of rebellion is the Anti-Sex league sash that Julia possesses. Julia first tells Winston about the organization when she says “I do voluntary work three evenings a week for the Junior Anti- Sex League.” (Orwell 128). Later on Winston asked if she has done things like this before she responses “Of course. Hundreds of times- well, scores of times, anyway’ ‘With party members?’ ‘Yes, always with party members’” (Orwell 131). This shows the rebellious side of Julia because she is supposed to be virgin, but has many sexual encounters with party officials. This also shows the motif of citizens to try to show their devotion to the country. In addition this is rebellious because if caught she would pay a significant price. It is obviously that Julia wears the sash as a disguise to cover up who she real is. She appears to be this devout patriotic citizen, but she actually is a rebellious woman looking to do whatever she wants.  Therefore because the Anti- Sex sash shows many different motifs such as rebellion it is a very significant symbol throughout the book.

        As well in The Lives of Others created by Florian vonDonnersmarck there is a similar group who disguise who they really are the three directors. Georg and his friends seem to be the average and normal citizen residing in East Germany, however undercover they have a master plant to publish a book that the government would not approve. This shows the groups rebellious side and their sneakiness. The reason why it is rebellious is because they are willing to put their lives in jeopardy to write this book. Also, the reason why this is sneaky is because they go to great length to cover up their deed by hiding it in the floor. This is similar to Julia sash due to the fact they are both very rebellious. That is why the three directors are very symbolic of rebellion and also craftiness.

        That is why it is important to uncover various symbols because they can be linked to many significant themes and motifs. Therefore, if you examine symbols carefully you can extract and see many diverse motifs and themes such as rebellion, power and freedom. In a totalitarian state government like in both the novel Nineteen Eight Four written by George Orwell and The Lives of Others created by Florian vonDonnersmarck, there are many hidden and significant symbols that reveal many reoccurring patterns and show many important themes as well. That is why it is important in life to recognize and acknowledge the symbols because they can help create a link to many reoccurring images that appear every day in people’s lives.