Theme: Control

Control is the most evident theme throughout the entire book, both mentally and physically. The party successfully controls the minds of every one of its citizens through various approaches. the most obvious one is the telescreens-- everyone has one telescreen in the dead-center of their homes that constantly expresses a running stream of mindless propaganda, brainwashing the average man to be unable to recognize the evil nature of the totalitarian party. The telescreen also acts as a window for the government to literally watch everyone, individually, and how they act at home. It eliminates any chance of having privacy. Another approach the party takes to brainwash the minds of the citizens is persuading the youngest generation, the children, to join an organization called "The Junior Spies". Their mission as a part of this organization is to spy on their families and report suspicious behavior.
Physical control is also apparent in the story. Winston can not even face the telescreen in his home without putting on a fake optimistic facial expression. Any physical evidence of mischievousness or disagreement could result in torture or death. Sexual desires have been suppressed to such a degree that participating in any sexual act is simply for the reason to reproduce more children, to make the party thrive and exist for more generations to come. The book concludes with the idea that there is no pain worse than physical pain. Winston gave up all of his emotional commitments to Julia just to resist physical pain, and ultimately, conform.