Understanding Orwell’s 1984: Key Concepts and Characters
Key Aspects of George Orwell’s 1984
What is Newspeak?
Newspeak is the new language spoken in Oceania, designed with a limited vocabulary to prevent independent thought. Civil servants rewrite poems until the Party approves them. A new term introduced is Thought Criminal.
The Ministry of Love: Why is it Feared?
The most frightening ministry is the Ministry of Love, known as Miniluv in Newspeak. Winston Smith is sent there at the end of the book. It is terrifying because it controls people’s feelings and emotions. Citizens are forbidden from falling in love; the Party only permits sexual relations for procreation, except for interactions with prostitutes in the ‘proles’ area. Those who enter this Ministry can be subjected to physical and psychological torture, including brainwashing with a machine.
Why Did Winston Smith Begin His Diary?
Winston Smith began writing a diary, documenting his thoughts about his vaporized parents and his childhood. He disagreed with the Party’s ideology, secretly harboring hatred for the world they created and disbelieving their doctrines.
What Were the Risks of Winston’s Diary?
Winston repeatedly wrote “Down with Big Brother” in his diary, expressing his deep hatred for the Party’s leader. If the Thought Police or spies discovered the diary, he could be killed.
Who Was the Party’s Public Enemy?
The Party’s designated public enemy was Emmanuel Goldstein.
Oceania’s Shifting Wartime Enemies
Oceania was perpetually at war, with its enemy constantly shifting between Eurasia and Eastasia.
Winston’s Initial Impression of Julia
One day, Winston saw Julia, a twenty-seven-year-old woman. He initially disliked her, suspecting she was a member of the Thought Police or a spy from the Inner Party. She wore overalls, like everyone else, and was seen shouting at a picture of Emmanuel Goldstein, the Party’s primary enemy.
Winston’s Belief in O’Brien’s Dissent
Yes, Winston believed that O’Brien shared his dissenting views. He thought O’Brien also harbored hatred for the Party and the world they had created.
Consequences of Dissenting from the Party
If one did not conform to the Party’s ideology, they could become an unperson. This meant disappearing, being vaporized, enduring torture (as Winston did), or even death.
Key Phrase in Winston’s Diary
Winston repeatedly wrote the phrase: “Down with Big Brother” in his diary.
Winston’s Repair in His Neighbor’s Apartment
Winston repaired the sink in his neighbor’s apartment, which was filled with green water.
The Parsons Children: Junior Spies
The Parsons’ children were depicted as zealous, almost monstrous, adherents to the Party’s ideology. They lived in the same apartment building as Winston. They would point toy weapons at Winston, accusing him of being a Thought Criminal. The Parsons’ young daughter even reported her father to the Police for muttering “Down with Big Brother” in his sleep, leading to his arrest later in the book.
Public Entertainment in Oceania
Public entertainment in Oceania included watching the executions of prisoners, who were publicly hanged. Citizens spent their days watching the telescreen, shouting at the image of Emmanuel Goldstein, their public enemy, and at soldiers from Eurasia or Eastasia. The Party deliberately fostered a state of perpetual war and encouraged hatred rather than love among the populace.