" The mutability of the past is the central tenet of Ingsoc. Past events, it is argued, have no objective existence, but survive only in written records and in human memories" (Orwell, 213).
Orwell is once again showing the reader that although the new government can take away physical evidence of past cultures and societies, they can not strip away peoples memories and feelings. It takes time for people to evolve (or devolve, as the case may be), and the government changed to quickly and drastically, making it imposable for them to completely change they way people live. Orwell has used other examples, such as the use of the words "London" and "pubs", in order to push the reader to believe that there is hope for Winston and the human race.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Victory
"Victory!" (Orwell, 296).
Although the Party hasn't been destroyed and they give no power to any outer party members or prole, they do use the word "victory" freely. They have named apartments "victory mansions", named food services after the word, and other such things. Interestingly, the word victory is defined as the "achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties". The irony is that no one will ever be able to have a victory over the very people that overuse the word.
Links:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victory
Although the Party hasn't been destroyed and they give no power to any outer party members or prole, they do use the word "victory" freely. They have named apartments "victory mansions", named food services after the word, and other such things. Interestingly, the word victory is defined as the "achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties". The irony is that no one will ever be able to have a victory over the very people that overuse the word.
Links:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victory
Chestnut Tree
" Under the spreading chestnut tree I sold you and you sold me-" (Orwell, 293).
Winston was betrayed throughout this entire story, and now he has been tortured into becoming the exact thing he was fighting against. Orwell is showing that even though there are minorities willing to stand up to what they believe is right, the party in power usually has absolute control and resistance will only end in disappointment.
Excuse Me
"' Excuse me, old man,' he said. 'I can't help it. It's the waiting.' He plumped his large posteriors onto the lavatory pan...'" (Orwell, 234).
This man has let his animistic instincts take precedence over his conditioned mind. Winston has just realised what he is actually going to be changed into, and unfortunately there is nothing he can do about it. Orwell is making a direct comment on our society. People have begun behaving more and more like animals because of the society we live in. In 1984, people act the same way, which only means our society is in danger to dissolve into a similar society.
This man has let his animistic instincts take precedence over his conditioned mind. Winston has just realised what he is actually going to be changed into, and unfortunately there is nothing he can do about it. Orwell is making a direct comment on our society. People have begun behaving more and more like animals because of the society we live in. In 1984, people act the same way, which only means our society is in danger to dissolve into a similar society.
Atomic War
"...and the ravages of the atomic war of the nineteen-fifties have never been fully repaired" (Orwell, 189).
Although our society and Winston's are very different, Orwell is trying to say that there are some fundamental similarities. Ever since the USA dropped the first atomic bomb, the world has been an entirely different place. In fact, the world has progressed based on atomic power. This appears to also be the case in Winston's world, showing that this book is based on some actual events.
Although our society and Winston's are very different, Orwell is trying to say that there are some fundamental similarities. Ever since the USA dropped the first atomic bomb, the world has been an entirely different place. In fact, the world has progressed based on atomic power. This appears to also be the case in Winston's world, showing that this book is based on some actual events.
Oranges and Lemons
"Oranges and Lemons, say the bells of St. Clement's, You owe me three farthings, say the bells of St. Martin's, When will you pay me? say the bells of Old Bailey, When I grow rich, say the bells of Shoreditch" (Orwell, 178).
These lines come from an English Nursery Rhyme that has unknown origins. It is very interesting that Orwell chose to put this apparently meaningless poem in his novel. However, his purpose is just that. This is yet another example of something from the past that had survived the Party's overthrow, giving the reader hope that this story may just have a happy ending despite their gut feeling of doom and hopelessness. It is also showing the reader that they spirit of London has survived in the people, shown by the references to different London Bell Towers.
Links:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A696125
These lines come from an English Nursery Rhyme that has unknown origins. It is very interesting that Orwell chose to put this apparently meaningless poem in his novel. However, his purpose is just that. This is yet another example of something from the past that had survived the Party's overthrow, giving the reader hope that this story may just have a happy ending despite their gut feeling of doom and hopelessness. It is also showing the reader that they spirit of London has survived in the people, shown by the references to different London Bell Towers.
Links:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A696125
Monday, March 30, 2009
The House of Lords
"' The 'Ouse of Lords,' put in the old man reminiscently. ' The House of Lords, if you like...'" (Orwell, 91).
The House of Lords is a branch of Parliament in England that has existed since the 13th century. The House of Lords was (in this novel) a old form of government that no longer existed in the Party's society. Interestingly enough, the old prole remembered its existence, once again proving that the Party didn't have as much control as it thinks it does.
Links:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/348064/House-of-Lords
The House of Lords is a branch of Parliament in England that has existed since the 13th century. The House of Lords was (in this novel) a old form of government that no longer existed in the Party's society. Interestingly enough, the old prole remembered its existence, once again proving that the Party didn't have as much control as it thinks it does.
Links:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/348064/House-of-Lords
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)