Why is the setting of 1984 essential to the story?

The setting of George Orwell's "1984" is crucial as it establishes a dystopian world characterized by totalitarian control, pervasive surveillance, and the manipulation of truth. The oppressive atmosphere of Airstrip One, with its constant monitoring by Big Brother, highlights the extreme measures taken to suppress individuality and free thought. This bleak environment serves to amplify the protagonist Winston Smith's struggles against an oppressive regime, emphasizing themes of power, resistance, and the fragility of personal freedom. Ultimately, the setting shapes the narrative's exploration of the consequences of unchecked authority and the loss of reality.