George Orwell focuses his novel on a dystopia set in his future. Because this was his vision of 1984 and it is now 2011, the book has little validity with respect to time, but still holds some of the strongest concepts in any dystopia which could break at any point in our modern society. Orwell focuses on governmental paranoia, which exists in our society today but in such a minor light that it is rarely noticed. Those in power always try to remain in power; that is a timeless concept human civilization has exhibited since its founding. Orwell amplifies this in his novel to the point where those in power destroy what gives them their power, people. Orwell demonstrates that leaders live under the same conditions as their people regardless of how high they try and push themselves. If the people live in paranoia, then the leader himself must also live in paranoia because he would not shroud his people in fear if he was not afraid of them. If people have rights and are satisfied with their role in society, then typically the leader shares that joy.
Orwell's vision is a terribly realistic one, which is what makes is dystopia timeless. Orwell recognizes that if societal trends continue, we as a race will inevitably hit a breaking point in which fear and chaos are used as manipulation tools. As a result, men like Hitler rise to power in the desperation of the people, creating an even worse society.
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