What is the message conveyed by the book, 1984?

I think
that one of the most profound messages of 's work lies in the basic relationship between human
beings and their government.  It seems that Orwell is advocating that individuals possess a much
more skeptical and vigilant view of their government.  Orwell is not one to claim passivity here
and suggest that individuals "trust" their government.  Rather, the narrative
presented inis one where individuals have to be mindful of what government can do in order to
consolidate their own power and control individuals.  In this message, Orwell is demanding that
individuals be more aware of the motivations of their government and speak out more in a public
and demonstrative manner.

Nothing seems to be gained from silence, other than
that government benefits when people say nothing.  It is one of the critical points made in the
novel that any government might be predisposed to wanting to consolidate their own power at the
expense of the people and their need for a transparent government. The use of intelligence and
technology against its own people is a part of this process and there is little surprise that
government can and has utilized these ends in order to substantiate their own control.  
Orwell's message is to this point and that individuals must be aware of this risk and the
potential for its reality in the modern setting.