In George Orwell's novel "1984," freedom is portrayed as a misnomer because the ruling Party has created a society where citizens have no real freedom or control over their lives. The novel demonstrates that the pursuit of freedom can be used as a tool for oppression, and that a society that values total freedom can ultimately lead to slavery.
In the novel, the ruling Party controls all aspects of life in Oceania, including information, language, and even individual thoughts. Citizens are constantly monitored by telescreens and are subject to arbitrary arrest and punishment for any perceived disloyalty to the Party. The Party has even created a new language, Newspeak, which is designed to limit the range of thought and expression.
Through the character of Winston Smith, the novel explores the idea that the pursuit of freedom can be dangerous, and that the desire for personal freedom can ultimately lead to enslavement. Winston's attempts to resist the Party's control and find personal freedom are ultimately futile, and he is ultimately broken by the Party's torture and brainwashing.
Furthermore, the novel suggests that the concept of freedom is relative and can be defined and manipulated by those in power. In Oceania, the Party claims that it is the only entity capable of providing true freedom, despite its oppressive and totalitarian nature. This illustrates how those in power can use language and ideology to manipulate and control people's perceptions of freedom and enslavement.
Overall, "1984" shows that freedom can be a misnomer when it is used as a tool for oppression, and that the pursuit of total freedom can ultimately lead to slavery.