In 1984, the theme of language is used to enhance our understanding of the world of Oceania by showing us the extent of the Party's desire for total control. We see clearly, for example, that language is one of the ways that the Party keeps the people in its tight grip. By enforcing the use of Newspeak, the Party eliminates freedom and expression of individual thought. Syme explains this to Winston in part one, chapter five:
It's a beautiful thing, the Destruction of words. Of course the great wastage is in the verbs and adjectives, but there are hundreds of nouns that can be got rid of as well.
In other words, by removing so many words from the language, the Party makes it increasingly difficult for people to actually experience those feelings, thereby eradicating “Thoughtcrime.”
Similarly, language is used to show the reader how the Party controls the past and the future. To see this in action, just think about Winston’s job. He spends all day rewriting reports that show the Party in an unfavorable light. (There is a great example of this in part one, chapter two when Winston rewrites the story about the chocolate ration.) Language, therefore, is a tool in helping the Party to create its own version of reality. By changing the words, the Party changes popular perceptions and understandings of the past. If people believe that the Party has only ever done good things for the people, then they are far more likely to stay loyal to it.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
In 1984, how is the theme of language used to enhance readers's understanding of the world. Please include a quote from the beginning, middle, and end of the text as well as analysis.
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