In A Clockwork Orange, the Government seeks to suppress individuals and individual choice in favor of the stability of the State, largely to ensure its own survival. Towards this end, the Government is prepared to do anything necessary, including distributing propaganda and censorship, employing morally questionable scientific techniques to "reform" criminals, and employing criminals as state patrol to threaten other citizens (and potential political dissidents).
Questions About Power
- In what ways does the Government seek to control its citizens? Is it primarily physical, psychological, or emotional suppression?
- Why does the Government decrease the number of street patrol cars at night, when, arguably, the town most needs them? What ulterior motive must the Government have in choosing to do this?
- How does a majority culture of violent teens reflect upon its Government?
- Give specific examples of how the Government changes its policy against criminals from part one to part three of the book.
Chew on This
From its treatment of Alex, one can clearly gauge how the Government is willing to sacrifice the individual liberties of its constituents for the stability of the State.
The Government is the chief antagonistic force against Alex in A Clockwork Orange, because of the differing views it espouses on the subjects of morality, personal liberty, and freedom of choice.