In George Orwell's 1984, the thesis is that totalitarianism is destructive to society and the individual. Through the character of Winston Smith and the society he lives in, Orwell illustrates the dangers of a government that has complete control over its citizens and their thoughts and actions.
The government in 1984, led by Big Brother, uses propaganda, surveillance, and punishment to maintain its power and control over the population. News is constantly revised and rewritten to fit the party's narrative, and people are encouraged to inform on each other for any perceived deviation from party doctrine. The Thought Police monitor citizens' thoughts and feelings through telescreens, and those who are found to be disloyal are tortured and brainwashed until they conform.
In this society, the individual has no privacy and no freedom of thought. Winston, the main character, is constantly aware of the presence of the telescreens and the potential for his thoughts and actions to be monitored and punished. Despite this, he cannot help but rebel against the party and seek out the truth. His rebelliousness ultimately leads to his downfall, as he is captured and tortured until he fully conforms to the party's ideology.
Through Winston's experiences, Orwell demonstrates the destruction that totalitarianism can wreak on the individual. The party's attempt to control every aspect of its citizens' lives robs them of their humanity and their ability to think and feel for themselves. Winston's torture and brainwashing show the lengths to which the government will go to maintain its power, and the damage that this does to the individual.
In conclusion, the thesis of 1984 is that totalitarianism is destructive to both society and the individual. Through the portrayal society and the character of Winston, Orwell illustrates the dangers of a government with complete control over its citizens and the devastation that this can cause.