1984 Analysis

Orwell's 1984 (June 8th 1949)

Context of Orwell #1

Spanish Civil War: In December 1936, Orwell travelled to Spain, where he joined one of the groups fighting against general Francisco Franco in the Spanish Civil War (shaped his views against the communist regimes General Franco's right wing military took power in France, they overtook cities not controlled by civil guard. His army then defeated the Republican forces Atomic Bombs:The dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6th, 1945, this now meant the human species was capable of eradicating itself (innocent lives lost and fear created in community)

Joseph Stalin's Regime:Joseph Stalins regime (was the dictator of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics).  The Soviet Union was transformed from a peasant society into an industrial and military superpower. He ruled by terror, and millions of his own citizens died during his brutal reign. Period of Distrust During the Cold War: The Cold War created tension between the democracies of the Western World and the communist countries of Eastern Europe. The west was the United States and Eastern Europe was Soviet Union. (superpowers)  Although the two superpowers never officially declared war on each other, they fought indirectly 

Context of Orwell #2

Period of Distrust: Especially during the cold war, with the tensions between America and Russia, both superpowers were merely concerned with maintaining dominance over one another Growing communist spread throughout the world, installed fear within the general public, formation of the 'domino theory' and the slogan 'reds under the beds'. At this time, Russia was the biggest source of communism Hitlers Regime:Adolf Hitler, the leader of the Nazi Party. Hitler was involved in an extreme form of German nationalism, with ideologies revolving around anti-semitism, anti-communism, anti-parliamentarianism.

Pessimism in the Postmodern Era: No hope during this period of time of overcoming restrictive and biased regimes, such as the totalitarian regimes and those based on implementing fear in society Postmodernism: self-reflexive critique of society, culture, politics, and economics Propaganda and Journalistic Work in the BBC: Orwell worked for the BBC, and was involved in means of propaganda. This allowed him to have first hand experiences of the effects of propaganda, and how it can be used to subvert the expectations of individuals Heavy propaganda during the war period - created distrust between cultures, slogans such as 'reds under the beds'

Orwell's Concerns Based On Context

The telescreens in 1984 reflect the use of technology and increased technology at the time and how it was used to spy and also sculpt the ideologies of an individual The power and authority created by the extremist regimes and the superpower having the ability to annihilate the human race relates to Big Brother and the Party itself Orwell's concerns of continued extremist regimes, increase in technology are implemented in the ending of the novel (creating an awareness of self-destruction) The superpowers themselves relate to Oceania and the superstates within the novel, who hold onto power in order to display dominance against surrounding powers (become engrossed in the struggle for power, go to extreme measures in order to reach this goal)

Big Brother and the Party reflect Orwell's concerns of extremist totalitarianism and dictatorships in the world and the ramifications they have on the individual and society itself Stalin's regime displayed through the constant "war" between the superstates of the novel, where military action is used to display dominance (can be manipulated easily through means of propaganda as seen through the '2 minutes of hate') Stalins regime also relates to Big Brother in the way in which fear is instilled within the public through 'room 101', similar to Stalin, the implementation of fear is used to prevent any individuals from detracting from the obtainment of his power, similar to Big Brother Similar to the atomic bombs creating status for the superpowers, technology is 1984 is used to reinforce the significance of Big Brother and his 'godly' image, and is used to make sure this ideology stays constant through surveillance

Orwells Concerns Based On Context

Distrust during the cold war between America and Russia seen within 1984, the way in which Orwells characterises Winston and the way in which he lives in fear, his relationships are fearful and there is always a constant worry of being 'caught' by the Thought Police 1984 is a bastardised version of socialism Socialism: a political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole.

Orwells concerns of the ability of extreme regimes on the identity of the individual and their ability to express human qualities and emotions is displayed Orwell suggests that a constant input of such ideologies can detract from the ability of the human to think for themselves, and instead be controlled by a political figure of authority, concerned with power

Quote Analysis: Outlook for Humanity

“He examined the chess problem and set out the pieces. It was a tricky problem…” The motif of Winston’s chess game in the closing chapter is emblematic of the struggle of humanity in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds; he is the “everyman”, calculating the odds of the survival of humanity, and individual identity, in both tangible and metaphysical terms.“...it was all right, everything was all right, the struggle was finished. He had won the victory over himself. He loved Big Brother.”  The final lines of the text represent the essential victory of Big Brother; the obliteration of the sense of self of the “everyman”, and therefore, the death of hope. The irony of the fact that the “...struggle was finished…” alludes to the struggle between our individual self interest and the greater good, the irony being conjured by the fact that Winston’s surrender, for his individual benefit, represents a paradoxical loss for the greater good. The individual has been vanquished and hope for humanity is lost.

Related Context: Nihilistic point of view shaped by post WWI Milieu We now had the ability to annihilate our own race What would be the end result of the emerging superpowers and the constant wars? The lasting impact of concentrated political power such as totalitarian Stalin

Quote Analysis: Outlook for Humanity #2

“‘If there is hope,’ wrote Winston, ‘it lies in the proles...because only there in those swarming disregarded masses, 85 percent of the population of Oceania, could the force to destroy the Party ever be generated.” In this invocation of Marxist theory, coupled with his own patronising representation of the proletariat, Orwell crystallises his bleak outlook for humanity. He professes only a qualified confidence in the proletariat, one fettered by the all-powerful manipulation of the ruling party and their control of the Arts and history, positioning the responder to understand his nihilistic conclusion.

Quote Analysis: Societal Structures

“War Is Peace, Freedom is slavery, Ignorance is strength”: a recurring phrase seen throughout the novel, exploring the societal structures of 1984. Those governed by war, slavery and ignorance. All these three terms are the true aim of the Party to implant within its citizens. Ability for manipulation of truth to be obtained from such societal structures“Society re-grouped itself, as always, into high middle and low.”: Orwells effective use of simplistic language indicates the division within the society of 1984, the "class division", that is seen to exist.“No change in doctrine or in political alignment can ever be admitted. For to change one’s mind or even one's policy is a confession of weakness.": This emphasises the way in which the society of 1984 is run through the structures of Big Brother and the thought police in order to maintain 'status', and to prevent the 'confession of weakness'. As such, this phrase is emblematic of foreshadowing the dangers of a society build around the maintenance of power and authority not only over its citizens, but in reflection of other countries or states.

Related Context: Bastardised version of socialism Joseph Stalins regime - fear to maintain power Hitlers manipulation of young mens views to believe his own 'truth' - we know this isn't morally right Superpowers wanting to show dominance and not look weak over each other (same want from extremist individuals such as Hitler and Stalin, implementation of totalitarian regimes upheld these wishes)

Quote Analysis: Societal Structures #2

"Below the Inner Party comes the Outer party, which, if the Inner Party is described as the brain of the State, may be justly likened to the hands.Emblematic of the authority held within the divisions of the Inner and Outer Party, both of which work together to control how citizens act and the information that is passed around. Similar to the brain, these two Parties control what we are able to recognise, feel and think. in a sense this phrase becomes metaphoric, the 'brain', in connection to emotions, and feelings restricted by the Party.

Quote Analysis: Leadership

Oligarchy: a small group of people having control of a country or organization.Tyranny: cruel and oppressive government ruleRelated Context: Fight for power between the superstates Implementation of tyranny within regimes such as Hitler and Stalin

“The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others, we are interested solely in ourselves.”: clearly reflects the way in which leadership and the need for tyranny is existant within 1984. Ultimately the party seeks power for it's own benefit, a way to look 'powerful' in comparison to other superstates and therefore continue dominance"The Party is not concerned with perpetuating its blood, but perpetuating itself": Demonstrates the way in which the party is wanting to have continued leadership, and in order to do so, it has disregarded the continuity of the past, and instead focused on upholding its current power and status. This is seen through the eradication of all history and the manipulation of newspapers that the Party does in order to maintain its current status

Quote Analysis: Compulsion to Rebel

“Winston’s hatred was not turned against Goldstein at all, but, on the contrary, against Big Brother, the Party, and the Thought Police” : Clearly depicts the way in which Winston's characterisation becomes important within the novel. As such, Winstons rebellious thoughts, and his nature of the "everyman", allow the reader to understand the true flawed nature of the society“Neither the Brotherhood nor THE BOOK was a subject that any ordinary Party member would mention if there was a way of avoiding it.”: This demonstrates that there has been constant conflict within society for a long period of time, and the reason why a rebellion hasn't occurred is due to 'fear', it is up to someone to move past this fear that a rebellion could occur“...and Big Brother seemed to tower up, an invincible, fearless protector… and Goldstein, in spite of his isolation … seemed like some sinister enchanter...” We are first presented with a possible rebellion when we see Winstons views of Big Brother. We gain further understanding of Winstons important role in rebellion and the unique nature of his willpower

Related Context: Inexistance in some cases, due to oppressive and manipulative nature of the time Individuals begin to form opinion of a certain aspect, display this through means of propaganda, and through influence, other individuals follow by As such, the compulsion to rebel would have existed at the time, but not to a large extent ("...no tendency whatever to rebel against the discipline of the Party")

Quote Analysis: Power of Individual

"their embrace had been a battle, the climax a victory.  It was a blow struck against the Party.  It was a political act."Emblematic of the ability of the individual to push back against the party. Winston is seen doing this through means of his relationships with Julia"Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.”Demonstrates Winstons ability to recognise the manipulation of truth occurring around him. He is able to recognise that the truth is the limiting factor stopping freedom from occurring.“He had won the victory over himself. He loved Big Brother."Emblematic of the existence of the power of the individual, highlighting Orwell's true concerns, and the way in which the endpoint of individual power in such a society will always be submission

Relevant Context: Orwells ability to use his experiences in the Spanish war as a means to sculpt his views on totalitarian regimes and extremist regimes portrays Winstons initial individual power against the Party Continued exposure to the faults of humanity through war, Stalin, Hitler, etc, washed away the ability for Orwell to see the power of the individual from lasting General pessimism during and post-war period of the capability of the individual (power of the individual apart of superpowers or major grouping which held status, although of the power of the everyday individual human, such as Winston is faded)

Quote Analysis: Political Power

"Collectively, the Party owns everything in Oceania, because it controls everything, and disposes of the products as it thinks fit"Emblematic of the true power of the Party. References the Party and its ability to void its citizens of any form of independence or identity, as if everything is owned by the Party, even individual emotion or individual interests are owned by the party. Furthermore, the Party can 'dispose' products as it see's fit, relating to both the information they put out to the public, in conjunction with their ability to dispose of human abilities through Room 101.

Quote Analysis: Political Power #2

"And what way of knowing that the dominion of the Party would not endure FOR EVER? Like an answer, the three slogans on the white face of the Ministry of Truth came back to him"This phrase is emblematic of the power of the Party. The capitalisation on 'forever', emphasises the true uncertainty of Orwell about the future of extremist regimes, and in Winstons world, the possibility of the control of Party continuing forever is quite possibleOrwell then immediately makes reference to the political slogans of the Party to reinforce how political control is able to manipulate the truths and reinforce this through slogans

Relevant Context: Power of Stalin and Hitlers Regime Spanish War and the political power seen by Orwell himself Political power in terms of technology, power due to having atomic bobs Political power being able to manipulate the views of individuals - Hitlers regime

Quote Analysis: Manipulation - Literature

“If the party could thrust its hand into the past and say of this or that event, IT NEVER HAPPENED” The use of a metaphor (hyperbole) and capitalisation here makes it clear of the social manipulation of history that the Party is able to achieved. It is able to manipulate the current society through voiding and disregarding previous societies, in a way which allows their ideologies to be the only known information"The stuff that was coming out of him consisted of words, but it was not speech in the true sense: it was a noise uttered in unconsciousness.” This relates to the previous quote, emblematic of the true impact on the individual that the manipulation of past literature and truth can have. Winston here is describing the words of Syme as almost being sculpted through the Party, rather than by individual means."In the end the Party would announce that two and two made five, and you would have to believe it." The true horror of the social manipulation is that possibly the proven facts of the past will be eradicated and replaced with false realities, exemplifying the power struggle of the Party in comparison to the other superstates

Relevant Context: The regimes of Hitler, manipulating the general social stance toward the 'Aryan race', disregarding the Jewish race as inferior Relates to propaganda and how this shifted the way in which people reflected upon issues

Quote Analysis: Manipulation - Behaviour

"To dissemble your feelings, to control your face, to do what everyone else was doing, was an instinctive reaction." In reference to the 2 Minutes of Hate, Winston makes clear that 'he could not help sharing in the general delirium', further mentioning the 'sub-human chant'. As such, we are able to see the manipulation of Behaviour that the Party is able to achieve, the emotions, facial expressions, etc, all in a sense of conformity and through propaganda."The aim of the Party was...to prevent men and women from forming loyalties that it might not be able to control"Shows the direct nature at which the party aims to prevent 'behaviour' in means of relationships, all to do with the power struggle of the Party"If both the past and the external world exist in the mind, and if the mind itself is controllable what then?" Highlights the true horrors of the manipulation of literature in combination with behaviour 'mind' or the brain which controls behaviour. Winston is able to see the detrimental affects that manipulation can have in the long term

Relevant Context: Hitlers Regime Propaganda Struggle for power between superstates often influenced behaviour of its individuals and higher power figures of the army to exert power over other superstates

Quote Analysis: Manipulation - Technology

"The picture had fallen to the floor uncovering the tele screen behind it." This epitomises the great lengths at which the party in willing to go in order to use surveillance on its citizens, especially those in which they believe are a threat to the Party. Technology preventing relationships "There was of course no way of knowing whether you were being watched at any given moment. How often, or on what system..." Epitomises the true horror of technology within 1984, and its use in order for surveillance to occur on the citizens. Also the implementation of fear is a clear use of manipulation of the party in order to ensure their surveillance work continues."...You could not control the beating of your heat, and the telescreen was quite delicate enough to pick it up"Emblematic of the use of technology to void the individual of any sense of expression of individual thoughts or passions. Considering the heart is central to survival and our ability to perform actions and 'live', if our 'heart' is controlled, then what we believe is also controlled, as well as our ability to express what we believe (and our general living, cant live without fear of telescreen)

Relevant Context: Dropping of the Atomic Bomb (instalment of fear associated with this) Development of war related technology and its increase Being governed by the telescreens, could refer closely to the superstates, being governed by their nature

Quote Analysis: Manipulation - Warfare

“WAR IS PEACE, FREEDOM IS SLAVERY, IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH" These slogans of the party become emblematic of the manipulation the Party uses through warfare to achieve power. Ultimately through using 'war is peace', a contradiction is created, showing the manipulation to truth and thus when citizens are forced to believe this, the Party has gained power“Last night to the flicks. All war films." Considering technology is majorly used, the fact that the Party is only displaying war films says a lot. The party wants to display the threat of war to its citizens to make them want to depend on the Party for protection and support, and in doing so the Party uses the threat of warfare to create a manipulation of its citizens and to exemplify its 'power' and 'greatness' to its citizens"The Party said that Oceania had never been in alliance with Eurasia. He, Winston Smith, knew that Oceania had been in alliance with Eurasia.." Emblematic of the way in which the Party manipulates the truth in terms of warfare in order to create the false truths, similar to 'ten minutes of hate' and the slogans. Although smart individuals will always know better.

Relevant Context: Post WWII milieu saw many individuals in fear of the possibility of another war Indicative of the war periods themselves, and broadcasting channels which mostly displayed war relates themes during the major wars (WWII, Cold War, Spanish War) Around the time of war, propaganda was heavy bias toward war situations, aiming to influence the individual for or against a country or political system

Quote Analysis: Erosion Of Family

“The children were...turned against their parents...taught to spy of them” A loving family relationships is not seen within this phrase, and instead the innocence of children is taken advantage of for the overall benefit of the Party.“She listened at the keyhole...heard what I was saying...and nipped off to the patrols…” Show the true deceitful actions of Children during 1984, and the way in which the Party has ultimately manipulated them to be used as mechanism to degrade a family relationship, and thus prevent individuals from forming strong bonds and working against the Party"...For hardly a week passed in which the Times did not carry a paragraph… overheard some compromising remark and denounced his parents to the thought police.”  This phrase is emblematic of the way in which the Party uses the erosion of family as a source of manipulation. By demonstrating it quite often, individuals are warned of their actions against Big Brother, whilst this further emphasises the erosion of family

Relevant Context: Stalins dictatorship - use of fear Hitlers youth league turned children into representatives of the state (implanting ideologies they will use as adults) War context split families apart, especially the dropping of the atomic bombs

Quote Analysis: Erosion Of Relationships

“Their embrace had been a battle, the climax a victory. It was a blow struck against the Party. It was a political act.”Emphasises how any form of relationship goes against the views of the party. The Party wants to restrict any relationships from occurring in order to keep its power."One was ‘making a baby’, and the other was ‘our duty to the party.” Degrades from the importance of a loving relationship with the product of children and instead reduced children to nothing more than mechanism to benefit the Party. As such relationships are controlled by the Party, which detracts from their overall meaning. "Not love so much as eroticism was the enemy, inside marriage as well as outside it" The Party makes its citizens believe that eroticism is the enemy, and thus a loving relationship is stripped from the citizens. Any form of love is not accepted, whether it be a marriage or simply a partner, or someone to care about (all of these are not accepted)

Relevant Context: Use of technology to prevent relationships (atomic bomb) Propaganda to influence individuals about what is right and wrong War contexts and increase effort of women in the workforce, shift in relationships as males were fighting

Quote Analysis: Erosion of Friendship

"Tragedy, he perceived, be- longed to the ancient time, to a time when there was still privacy, love, and friendship, and when the members of a family stood by one another without needing to know the reason." Highlights the degradation of love, privacy in terms of technology, family relationships and friendships. Outlines how these no longer exist, as it references to an "ancient time" and comes after Winston talks about a 'dream', which isn't reality."His friendships, his relaxations, his behaviour towards his wife and children... are all jealously scrutinised."Another phrase emblematic of the inability of individuals to foster a friendship, relationship or in general act, due to being constantly watched by the Party and Through Police

Relevant Context: The war period created tension - friendships broken up due to political matters Friendship could never occur fully with an overwhelming sense of distrust within the war periods, exemplified with propaganda influence

Quote Analysis: Sexual Morality

“As soon as he touched her she seemed to wince and stiffen. To embrace her was like embracing a jointed wooden image.” This phrase emphasises the way in which any actual of intimacy is restricted within 1984. Winstons description of his inability to be intimate with his wife emphasises the way in which sex is perceived within 1984. Use of a simile emphasises this"Its real, undeclared purpose was to remove all pleasure from the sexual act." The party aimed to remove all pleasure form the sexual act, to ensure that it wouldn't be performed within the intentions of the party. As such 1984 holds morals that reflect the act of sexual intercourse as  “looked on as a slightly disgusting operation..". Considering that the party is able to control what is presented to its citizens, continual presentation of such morals will become normal and as such is seen in Winstons wife and his description.

Relevant Context: Highly conservative nature of the war period, thought that intimacy should be left for marriage Although Orwells presentation of the restriction of sexual means in 1984 is more emblematic of the regimes of Stalin and Hitler and their ability to take control of the whole lifestyle of an individual

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Quote Analysis: Gender Roles

“the only recognised purpose of marriage was to beget children for the service of the Party” Stereotypical roles are employed for women in 1984, the role of women being viewed as tools for reproduction. This was seen as the Party only allowed sexual intercourse for married couples“He turned round, and for a second almost failed to recognise her… The transformation that had happened was much more surprising than that. She had painted her face.”Julia buying the black market item of makeup is a critique on women losing their femininity - the fact that it had become a black market item “The Party was trying to kill the sex instinct, or, if it could not be killed, then to distort it and dirty it…and as far as the women were concerned, the Party’s efforts were largely successful.”The enforcement of organisations such as the Junior Anti-Sex League, would influence the ideas associated with sex as citizens were manipulated from a young age to think a certain way about the act of reproduction. It was also a means of achieving power over the people as the governing power successfully manipulated the masses. 

Relevant Context:Women serving the party alludes to the women that served in the war and took on the roles of men when they were serving. Inferring second wave feminism (1960's)