1984 #1

Orwell uses contradictory language in 1984 to establish the illogical nature of a society functioning in the absence of truth and free will. The three slogans of the Party engraved into the Ministry of Truth are “WAR IS PEACE / FREEDOM IS SLAVERY / IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH” (Orwell 4). Based on our contemporary definitions of these words, these slogans make absolutely no sense. Peace is considered to be the absence of fighting and war. Slavery is defined as the removal of one’s freedom. Strength comes from knowledge, not ignorance. The reader, therefore, must consider the circumstances in which these statements could be true. How far must a society fall for these ideals to be corrupted in such a way? Perhaps war brings peace within a country when citizens are turning against each other. If internal discontent is tearing the country apart, an external conflict may be able to direct the focus of the nation on a single enemy. Orwell comments that Goldstein “was an object more constant than either Eurasia or Eastasia, since when Oceania was at war with one of these powers it was generally at peace with the other” (13). The Ingsoc government seems to constantly direct the population’s attention at some external foe. Along with constantly reminding the country of Goldstein’s traitorous nature, the government also ensures that the country is fighting some other nation. People are less likely to question and attack their own government when another nation poses a greater threat. Along the same lines, it can be argued that a government is stronger when its people are ignorant, depending on the type of government that the nation is trying to establish. When people are unaware of other ways of life, they accept their circumstances. Whether or not they are satisfied with their lives, they do not consider any other way to live. By monitoring all communication among its citizens, the Ingsoc government prevents criticism and alternate ideologies from spreading. The nation gains strength from the collective ignorance of its citizens. The Thought Police are an instrument for weeding out thoughts that contradict the collective philosophy of Ingsoc. People are controlled by the awareness that they are constantly being watched. They do not have freedom over their thoughts; they are virtually enslaved because they cannot decide anything for themselves. However, theoretically an entire nation cannot be enslaved. Thus, one must conclude that they are all free. After all, “FREEDOM IS SLAVERY.” Orwell establishes a society that does not coincide with our beliefs yet seems to be based off of them, showing how ideals can be twisted depending on the circumstances.