The Novel 1984 by George Orwell

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Recommended: Example of doublethink 1984

One of the most interesting aspects of 1984 is Orwell’s understanding of how thought and language must be subverted in order for the Party to maintain absolute control. Regarding thought, doublethink is the name of this subversion. Arising time and time again in the novel, doublethink is perhaps most clearly defined in Goldstein’s putative treatise as, “the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them” (Orwell 190). It operates as a psychological mechanism that undermines the structure of truth to the point where people see falsehoods as verities and vice versa; the categories of true and false become meaningless. Through the modification of the past and the creation of contradictory mottos, the Party inures its subjects to doublethink, thus, guaranteeing its absolute and unchallenged right to power. The Party is more effective than a typical government because it treats the root cause of disobedience: freedom of thought as opposed to freedom of action. Doublethink is typified in the slogans of Oceania and the people’s reaction to them. The maxims, “War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, and Ignorance is Strength,” are engraved in huge letters on the white pyramid of the Ministry of Truth (should I create a new paragraph here?). The Party claims that “War Is Peace” (is the following sentence repetitive?). Goldstein explains that war brings peace to Oceania and unites the people because it gives them something to channel their negative energies against, an artificial outlet for the anger and outrage caused by their harsh lives. Moreover, the products of human labor are all used up in war so that the proles’ and lower Party members’ standard of living remains at the bare minimum. ... ... middle of paper ... ...cepting two opposing beliefs simultaneously, especially when those opposites aren’t related or don’t mean the same thing. In Oceania, doublethink replaces reason as the norm for the way of thinking, which prevents the society from evolving into a democratic one that promotes equal rights; instead, it remains a totalitarian society. Are there any other ways in which the Party is able to use doublethink to its advantage? How does doublethink have an impact on Winston’s efforts to rebel against the Party? How effective is doublethink in ultimately leading to Winston genuinely believing in what the Party tells him? It is possible that doublethink coupled with physical manipulation (torture) are together responsible for Winston’s transformation into a supporter of the Party. In what ways does Newspeak dominate the citizens’ language and increase the Party’s power?

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