"'At the time when it happens,' she had said, 'you do mean it.' He had meant it...'Under the spreading chestnut tree I sold you and you sold me--'" (293).
The most expressed theme within 1984 by George Orwell is that when one is scared to the point of possibly no return, a person will do anything to survive. They will give up food, loyalty, and even love. They will stab their best friend in the back so that they can live at least one more minute. Orwell's experiences during the wars and communist leaders have influenced his way of thinking and how he lives his life. His main character, Winston has rats shoved into his face. Rats are the one creature he is deathly afraid of, especially when they are hungry. The only thing he can think of is to bargain, and he bargains his only friend's life for his own. The rulers break him and he knows it, but he gets to leave and for a moment he is happy. Orwell is trying to portray the real message that when it comes down to life or death, mankind will do and say anything to live for as long as they can.
"George Orwell." The Literature Network.com. 22 April 2010. 2010.
http://www.online-literature.com/orwell/
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
14. 1984
"There will be no curiosity, no enjoyment of the process of life...imagine a boot stamping on a human face--forever" (267).
This is the moment in the novel where Orwell creates the imagery to enforce his point. This main point is that in order to control people there must be some sort of fear tactic involved. Humans run along through their lives living on emotion and because of this they are easily controlled. They do not want to feel pain or be without a necessity such as food, clothing, and shelter, therefore they lie, cheat, and steal to ensure that they survive. O'Brien, one of Orwell's character's in 1984, clearly explains to Winston that having power over people means that you are fully aware of their weaknesses and you use it against them. The main idea in this passage is that if there is no fear provoked, there is no total control.
Image Source:
"From the Playground to the Office." Bobbie Alridge's Blog. 20 April 2010. 20 July 2009.
http://saldridge.wordpress.com/2009/07/20/from-the-playground-to-the-office-bullies-are-bullies/
This is the moment in the novel where Orwell creates the imagery to enforce his point. This main point is that in order to control people there must be some sort of fear tactic involved. Humans run along through their lives living on emotion and because of this they are easily controlled. They do not want to feel pain or be without a necessity such as food, clothing, and shelter, therefore they lie, cheat, and steal to ensure that they survive. O'Brien, one of Orwell's character's in 1984, clearly explains to Winston that having power over people means that you are fully aware of their weaknesses and you use it against them. The main idea in this passage is that if there is no fear provoked, there is no total control.
Image Source:
"From the Playground to the Office." Bobbie Alridge's Blog. 20 April 2010. 20 July 2009.
http://saldridge.wordpress.com/2009/07/20/from-the-playground-to-the-office-bullies-are-bullies/
13. 1984
"One question at any rate was unanswered...no heroes, no heroes...at his disabled left arm" (239).
The use of repetition helps to embed George Orwell's main idea that everyone is weak when it comes to physical pain. He repeats the words "no heroes, no heroes" and "over and over." Each word can be put into a negative context which in turn leads to a ominous tone for the reader to interpret. Winston is alone and all he has is his physical pain. He never thought he would break and bow down to the power, but when he is pain, he knows that he will bow down infinity times if they told him to. There are "no heroes" when it comes to pain.
The use of repetition helps to embed George Orwell's main idea that everyone is weak when it comes to physical pain. He repeats the words "no heroes, no heroes" and "over and over." Each word can be put into a negative context which in turn leads to a ominous tone for the reader to interpret. Winston is alone and all he has is his physical pain. He never thought he would break and bow down to the power, but when he is pain, he knows that he will bow down infinity times if they told him to. There are "no heroes" when it comes to pain.
12. 1984
"'Oranges and lemons, says the bells of St. Clement's...When I grow rich, say the bells of Shoreditch'" (178).
Each church mentioned in this rhyme was known for something, therefore that is where the "oranges and lemons" came from with St. Clement's. Orwell adds this rhyme numerous times to add religion into his novel. Religion is questioned within his pages because of the fact that things are very deceitful and everyone is just so empty that Orwell's character, Winston, questions what is real and what is fake. He starts to lose sight as to what is important and this song throws the idea of a higher power back into the novel. Through this idea, it contrasts the difference between the thought of no god and the thought of people trying to believe in something that seems so hopeless.
Each church mentioned in this rhyme was known for something, therefore that is where the "oranges and lemons" came from with St. Clement's. Orwell adds this rhyme numerous times to add religion into his novel. Religion is questioned within his pages because of the fact that things are very deceitful and everyone is just so empty that Orwell's character, Winston, questions what is real and what is fake. He starts to lose sight as to what is important and this song throws the idea of a higher power back into the novel. Through this idea, it contrasts the difference between the thought of no god and the thought of people trying to believe in something that seems so hopeless.
11. 1984
"He was somewhere in the village...been Saint Pancras Station" (82).George Orwell includes Saint Pancras Station in his novel, 1984, to create a certain reality to the book. Real places and real people make the book come to life and the reader is able to connect to the landmarks and really visualize themselves in the book. Orwell may have also included the destruction of St. Pancras Station to emphasize how the world in which Winston was living in is starting to crumble. It foreshadows all of his hopes and dreams and how they are slowly being turned into his worst fears. Everything he once believed in was starting to fade and he had no choice in the matter. George Orwell included this reference to Saint Pancras Station to enhance the reader's relationship with the novel and to foreshadow the destruction of something that once stood strong.
"St. Pancras." Guardian.Co.Uk. 22 April 2010. 2010.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/gallery/2007/oct/11/architecture.transportintheuk?picture=330936232
Photo Credit:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/21227/2266231285_1a5340a6ea.jpg
10. 1984
"Truisms are true ...all else follows" (81).
This quote, written by George Orwell in his novel, 1984, represents the strength of Orwell's character, Winston. Even though these lines point out the basics of life, and the earth around us, it defends the true nature of human existence. Why let someone make everyone believe something that is complete ludicrous? Orwell stands for the truth and believes that each person should have their own voice and thoughts. The sole purpose behind his writing is to explain that people should not be programmed like robots, but free to live. Orwell defines freedom as being able "to say that two plus two make four," and "if that is granted, all else follows" (81). This quote signifies the tiniest of rights that Winston is fighting for in his life. The truth is all one can definitely have in this lifetime, and when the truth is thrown away and discredited, what is left? That is the main message Orwell is trying to get across through his writing.
This quote, written by George Orwell in his novel, 1984, represents the strength of Orwell's character, Winston. Even though these lines point out the basics of life, and the earth around us, it defends the true nature of human existence. Why let someone make everyone believe something that is complete ludicrous? Orwell stands for the truth and believes that each person should have their own voice and thoughts. The sole purpose behind his writing is to explain that people should not be programmed like robots, but free to live. Orwell defines freedom as being able "to say that two plus two make four," and "if that is granted, all else follows" (81). This quote signifies the tiniest of rights that Winston is fighting for in his life. The truth is all one can definitely have in this lifetime, and when the truth is thrown away and discredited, what is left? That is the main message Orwell is trying to get across through his writing.
9. 1984
"The date had stuck in Winston's memory...to be Midsummer Day...as well" (78).
George Orwell included Midsummer's Day very curiously into his novel, 1984. Midsummer's Day is the day after the longest day of the year and it is often "associated with witches, magic, fairies, and dancing" (British Life & Culture). This day represents hope when some have lost all. When George Orwell adds this day into his novel, it is during the time when Winston is thinking back to Rutherford's and Aaronson's confessions. After some serious thought, Winston believes that the confessions had been lies. In a dark and dreary passage about torture and slavery, there lies mention of a Midsummer's Day where young girls scatter rose petals while reciting a poem praying that their true loves reveal themselves. The contrast from Orwell allows the reader to understand how Winston thinks. Despite all of the bad going on and the negativity taking over in the little square box they all live in, Winston still has an imagination and keeps his mind alive by believing in happy moments.
"Midsummer's Day." British Life & Culture. 22 April 2010. 2010.
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/midsummer.htm
George Orwell included Midsummer's Day very curiously into his novel, 1984. Midsummer's Day is the day after the longest day of the year and it is often "associated with witches, magic, fairies, and dancing" (British Life & Culture). This day represents hope when some have lost all. When George Orwell adds this day into his novel, it is during the time when Winston is thinking back to Rutherford's and Aaronson's confessions. After some serious thought, Winston believes that the confessions had been lies. In a dark and dreary passage about torture and slavery, there lies mention of a Midsummer's Day where young girls scatter rose petals while reciting a poem praying that their true loves reveal themselves. The contrast from Orwell allows the reader to understand how Winston thinks. Despite all of the bad going on and the negativity taking over in the little square box they all live in, Winston still has an imagination and keeps his mind alive by believing in happy moments.
"Midsummer's Day." British Life & Culture. 22 April 2010. 2010.
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/midsummer.htm
Photo Source:
http://sarahflanigan.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/rose-petals.jpg
8. 1984
"Until they become conscious they will never rebel and until after they have rebelled they cannot become conscious" (70). George Orwell has a valid point in writing this and it revolves around his entire meaning for his novel, 1984. It is a very true statement. People who walk around day by day unaware of what they are actually doing and what is going on around them, will never rebel because they believe everything is fine. So people will not wake up until they have fought back, but in order to retaliate they must know what they are fighting for. It is a tricky situation, but Orwell had a point. The way he worded it appears as though mankind is stuck. We are ignorant to what is occurring, therefore we will not rebel, and because we are ignorant, we won't rebel, which in turn means that we will never become conscious. It's a circle with no door to step inside. Orwell clearly illustrates the idea that people are not ambitious enough to break the deadly circle and to also emphasize his idea that in order to stop what everyone knows is wrong, people must be aware of what is going on. The truth must be surfaced and people must understand what it means and how relevant it is. Self respect and self motivation are key elements that are needed to break the chained-link fence separating consciousness from rebellion.
Image Source:
7. 1984
"The whole literature will have been destroyed. Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, Byron... Orthodoxy is unconsciousness" (53).
George Orwell includes the references of Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, and Byron in his novel to emphasize the realization that their lives are even being altered in the history books. Everything that everyone once knew is changed so that the higher power is never wrong. Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, and Byron were each positive, or rather, strong minded individuals who made a difference in their worlds, but they must be discredited slightly so that people do not get the idea that they are stronger than they give themselves credit for. Altering facts for the sake of power and manipulation is what is displayed within the pages of 1984.
"Geofrey Chaucer." The Literature Network. 20 April 2010. 2010.
http://www.online-literature.com/chaucer/
Image Source:
http://www.uwsp.edu/english/mbowman/330/
6. 1984
"It struck him as curious that you could create dead men but not living ones... as Charlemagne or Julius Caesar" (48).
This idea of creation and destruction is continuously seen throughout 1984 by George Orwell. Charlemagne and Caesar were both strong figures during their times and for this, they were not destroyed but kept in the history that Winston is aware of. However, Orwell includes the ideas of recreating history and does not believe that this right. Sarcasm is sensed within this quote in the respect that one should not be making up people and that history is history and it should not be changed or falsified. Lies and deceit run this world Orwell has created in 1984 and his character, Winston does not feel comfortable living in this manner. Orwell creates this atmosphere to demonstrate how words can be altered to fit any situation and if one wants to, they can choose to believe any of it without questioning the real facts.
This idea of creation and destruction is continuously seen throughout 1984 by George Orwell. Charlemagne and Caesar were both strong figures during their times and for this, they were not destroyed but kept in the history that Winston is aware of. However, Orwell includes the ideas of recreating history and does not believe that this right. Sarcasm is sensed within this quote in the respect that one should not be making up people and that history is history and it should not be changed or falsified. Lies and deceit run this world Orwell has created in 1984 and his character, Winston does not feel comfortable living in this manner. Orwell creates this atmosphere to demonstrate how words can be altered to fit any situation and if one wants to, they can choose to believe any of it without questioning the real facts.
5. 1984
"His mind slid away into the labyrinthine world of doublethink...Even to understand the word 'doublethink' involved the use of doublethink" (35).
This idea resonates through the world today and from seeing it in the pages of 1984, it is evident that George Orwell was very much aware of how the mind works and how mankind is able to think something, but say another contradicting their beliefs. It represents superficial behavior and fake words and actions. By including this concept of "doublethink," the reader is able to comprehend how today, people still think things but say the other, which leads to their demise in the end. Winston tried to think things in his mind but act and say the opposite of his true feelings, but eventually his real desires came to the surface and he was punished. Orwell was delivering a message to his readers that fake words and actions will always be uncovered by the real thoughts inside.
This idea resonates through the world today and from seeing it in the pages of 1984, it is evident that George Orwell was very much aware of how the mind works and how mankind is able to think something, but say another contradicting their beliefs. It represents superficial behavior and fake words and actions. By including this concept of "doublethink," the reader is able to comprehend how today, people still think things but say the other, which leads to their demise in the end. Winston tried to think things in his mind but act and say the opposite of his true feelings, but eventually his real desires came to the surface and he was punished. Orwell was delivering a message to his readers that fake words and actions will always be uncovered by the real thoughts inside.
4. 1984
"He was a lonely ghost uttering a truth that nobody would ever hear...It was not by making yourself heard but by staying sane that you carried on the human heritage" (27).
George Orwell included these lines in his novel, 1984, to represent the mood in the book and how things have to be in this civilization. There are people all around all of the time, but each individual is under total scrutiny. No one is allowed to talk to anyone without being overheard, and even thoughts can be interpreted by the overseers. Winston feels like he is all alone because that is how his government wants people to feel. Those who know that the world around them is not right do not have enough nerve to start talking to others about it because there are too many people willing to throw others under the bus to give themselves the advantage. Winston is once again torn between thinking his anti-government thoughts and realizing the truth or living a lie and seeing everything the way "Big Brother" wants him to view it.
George Orwell included these lines in his novel, 1984, to represent the mood in the book and how things have to be in this civilization. There are people all around all of the time, but each individual is under total scrutiny. No one is allowed to talk to anyone without being overheard, and even thoughts can be interpreted by the overseers. Winston feels like he is all alone because that is how his government wants people to feel. Those who know that the world around them is not right do not have enough nerve to start talking to others about it because there are too many people willing to throw others under the bus to give themselves the advantage. Winston is once again torn between thinking his anti-government thoughts and realizing the truth or living a lie and seeing everything the way "Big Brother" wants him to view it.
3. 1984
"War is Peace
Freedom is Slavery
Ignorance is Strength" (16).
"War is Peace" represents the on going recurrence of wars in the world in 1984, written by George Orwell. There are so many conflicts occurring that eventually they become all that anyone ever knows, therefore they become peaceful. Without them, the world would become more chaotic. Each of the lines in this quote are contradictory but at the same time make perfect sense, much like Orwell's novel. The government within 1984 was in total control and kept everyone isolated from each other. The majority of the population thought that they were living a decent life, but each person could only do certain things even though they believed they had freedom. Freedom is like another law because it is classified as something, therefore it becomes slavery. The last line "ignorance is strength" permeates throughout each page. If people are not aware of what is going on around them, they will not break and become lost in what they should be doing. Winston was not ignorant and it led him to trouble. This was the warning for all the people in the novel. Orwell includes these lines within his novel because they represent the philosophy of communists and the points are true and set the standards for the entire novel.
2. 1984
"For whom...either the future would resemble the present, in which case it would not listen to him, or it would be different from it, and his predicament would be meaningless" (7).
A common reoccurring question within the pages of 1984 by George Orwell, is if anyone will ever heed the warnings or be brave enough to withstand the higher powers of the world. Orwell's character, Winston, has found a diary and starts writing. He would like to write to the future world to help them, but he fears that if the future is like the present time, then no one will be strong enough or wise enough to conquer the form of government in this book. On the other hand, if the future found his story and the future was not like the present, then his story would appear to be pointless. Winston wants to help the people stuck in this life, but sees no outlet in doing so. By George Orwell creating the vibe of being helpless, it represents his own personal experiences of being stuck. Orwell lived when communism was a major part of his world and he witnessed his "friends [being] arrested, shot, and disappearing" and could do nothing but stand there and watch it all happen (The Literature Network). Orwell created this mood to explain his thoughts during his life experiences.
"George Orwell." The Literature Network. 20 April 2010. 2010.
http://www.online-literature.com/orwell/
A common reoccurring question within the pages of 1984 by George Orwell, is if anyone will ever heed the warnings or be brave enough to withstand the higher powers of the world. Orwell's character, Winston, has found a diary and starts writing. He would like to write to the future world to help them, but he fears that if the future is like the present time, then no one will be strong enough or wise enough to conquer the form of government in this book. On the other hand, if the future found his story and the future was not like the present, then his story would appear to be pointless. Winston wants to help the people stuck in this life, but sees no outlet in doing so. By George Orwell creating the vibe of being helpless, it represents his own personal experiences of being stuck. Orwell lived when communism was a major part of his world and he witnessed his "friends [being] arrested, shot, and disappearing" and could do nothing but stand there and watch it all happen (The Literature Network). Orwell created this mood to explain his thoughts during his life experiences.
"George Orwell." The Literature Network. 20 April 2010. 2010.
http://www.online-literature.com/orwell/
1. 1984
"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen" (1).
Through the centuries the number thirteen has been associated with bad luck. It is especially tied to religious beliefs, such as being a number more than the twelve commandments of God. If people start creating more, then there are now thirteen, which is seen as a rebellion against God. George Orwell may have started his novel, 1984, with the idea of thirteen to symbolize the possible uprising and sense of doom. Right from the first sentence with the descriptive word of "cold" it feels to the reader that there is a gloomy tale about to be told. With the idea of "clocks" and the number "thirteen," George Orwell appears to be going past the normal twelve numbers into the land of thirteen where rules are broken and rewritten to fit the desires of mankind.
Through the centuries the number thirteen has been associated with bad luck. It is especially tied to religious beliefs, such as being a number more than the twelve commandments of God. If people start creating more, then there are now thirteen, which is seen as a rebellion against God. George Orwell may have started his novel, 1984, with the idea of thirteen to symbolize the possible uprising and sense of doom. Right from the first sentence with the descriptive word of "cold" it feels to the reader that there is a gloomy tale about to be told. With the idea of "clocks" and the number "thirteen," George Orwell appears to be going past the normal twelve numbers into the land of thirteen where rules are broken and rewritten to fit the desires of mankind.
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