1984 ANALYSIS - ODALYS MARTINEZ

 1984 by George Orwell              

Volume #1; Chapter 2; Page 112

“The past was dead, the future unimaginable, What certainity had he that a single human creature now living was on his side?... Like an answer, the three slogans on the white face of the ministry of Truth came back at him: 

WAR IS PEACE 

FREEDOM IS SAVERY 

IGNORNACE IS STRENGTH “ (pg 112)

With prior knowledge that George Orwell had written this novel before a few things of the description he used became reality, the telescreens watching them seems insane. They were being watched 24/7 and were heard with every word that came out of their mouth. I could forshadow that he was similarly like The Tripod Trilogy, in which they were forced to think and act right according to their government and then those who oppose the system. It’s very strict political positisions and formality of class influenced me to think that status and wealth was not everything for the individual, at least Winston’s happiness. To support his actions, he went against the law and did not seem a bit enthusiastic about Hate week.

The novel starts with Winston watching how everyone starts to set up for Hate Week. The enviornment he is part of requires a lot. In order to keep everyone in uniform, they have many officers for many factors just as the Thought Police who can hear anything by plugging some’s wire because every sound and movement was transmitted. During this time of Hate week, the three slogans of the Party were everywhere. It appears right in the beginning, another after breaking the law by writing in his Diary. and another one currently in page 112 after having trouble to participate in the 5 minutes of Hate and having to transmit his madness from another young girl. 

In addition, 1984 ‘s literary work is so significant that it warrants a rhetorical analysis. Orwell conveys the importance of a dystopian society through pathos and logos to show why Winston feels uneasy about the slogan. 

Firstly, Orwell evokes sadness and anger through Winston when he writes in his journal. He sees the unfairness of the world and writes about how only paroles are the ones who show sympathy and care. When Winston writes about the helicopter killing man, them bombing a boat and more, he is in panic. For one, we can see that even though he is not a parolee, he cares, he observes, and it affects him (pg 96). Secondly, the fact that it is someone with a helicopter shooting instead of helping and the audience clapping creates a sick feeling of a dictatorship and sense of high control of the authority. 

In continuation, logos are presented through Winston’s logical thoughts. Even though he is unable to see multiple sides of the argument, he does doubt the system in which he lives in. Having the ability to think for himself and being a dangerous action is pretty inhumane in my perspective. However, when Orwell wrote this novel in the 1940’s World War II was happening and he was probably doubting if there was a necessity for the war. I strongly felt that it was related some sort of way to our government. War being peace is an ironic oxymoron that I can see. Even though we don’t have huge wars, we still have wars. The US still sends the army tropps to other countries and the citziens are proud if they come with victory. In the US constitution, we all know that we as individuals have a contract with our government to keep them in check and overthrow that government if it ever becomes a tyranny. The same way we are limited to do certain actions, which can be interpreted to slavery, gives us safty or liberty. For example, we are not allowed to go to a mall where there are more than a hundred people and scream bombs if there aren't any because it provokes caos and it isnt’ safe, unless there is an actual bomb. The same way people have to follow the traffic signs, perhaps slaverying the driver to the rules, gives everyone safety, giving us the freedom to travel anywhere. In addition, ignorance is a strength for a country as people don’t question the government's actions. In the case, Winston is. 

In conclusion, Orwell’s emphasis on Big Brother’s slogan is strengthened through the emotions he conveys in the diary and Winston’s doubting the system is part of.