Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Exposed in the Novel 1984,...

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental condition that ails soldiers and civilians alike who have been unfortunate enough to endure terrifying life harrowing experiences. Those who experience this disorder are prone to pejorative flashbacks to the time of the incident that triggered the neurological disorder. Most soldiers are capable of withstanding the withering physiological strain of combat, however a growing portion of people exposed to the graphic belligerence of war are prone to PTSD. In the novel 1984, George Orwell writes on multiple occasions of graphic war depictions and human pain. Having served in the Spanish Civil War, Orwell was exposed to violent reactions long before PTSD was officially diagnosed or†¦show more content†¦The symptom that most acutely describes the mental condition is recurring flashbacks of the event that triggered the PTSD originally. In 1984, George Orwell depicts a totalitarianism society where violence is common place. Early in the boo k Orwell renders a depiction of graphic film, wherein â€Å"a ship full of refugees [is] being bombed,† as well as the crowds of the theater roaring with laughter at the sight of a lifeboat full of children being annihilated (Orwell 11). This graphic description can be traced to Orwell’s own history in the Spanish Civil war, where he saw combat and fought against Franco’s party. Those who suffer from PTSD are forced to search for means of releasing the stress of their memories and consistent flashbacks. Modern patients, who are able to take advantage of advanced medicine, still find it essential to leading a normal human life to discover medians of release. Orwell found his in 1984. On May twentieth, 1937, George Orwell was shot in the neck by a sniper while serving on the front lines of duty. He described it directly as being â€Å"a tremendous shock†¦ a violent shock† (Orwell). Despite accurately depicting the event in Shot by a Fascist Sniper, It is evident in 1984 that the shooting was the origin of his PTSD. Winston, the protagonist of 1984, can be quoted saying â€Å"they’ll shoot me†¦ they’ll shoot me in the back of the neck,† referring to the absolute government under whose rule he was subject (Orwell 20). This is simple testimony to the face