Marxist idea that the
proletariat have no influence
over society.
Proletariat overthrow Bourgeoisie in times of
economic crisis
"If there is hope, wrote Winston, it lies in the Proles"
The social
composition of society
is revealing
Ideologies
Shown Through Propaganda
The party has tricked the lower members in society
(particularly the proles) and convinced them that Big
Brother's controlling ways is beneficial to them
Ministry of Truth recreates history
to show the Party in a positive light.
"Nothing exists except an endless present
in which the party is always right"
Marxist idea of ending history as a whole
The party sells the idea of "Junior Spies" by
painting it in a away that makes people think
that it's the best way to raise their children. In
reality, it's a further way of controlling them.
In keeping with the Marxist idea that
those in control of the means of
production (capitalists) shape the rest of
society.
Message of 1984
Written in 1949
If totalitarianism is
not oppressed,
aspects of the novel
could be reality.
Author's Aims
According to Marxism, an author's social standing has
a strong influence on their work.
Orwell described himself as coming from an
lower-upper-middle class family.
His grandparents were wealthy but the prosperity
did not pass through the generations.
Control Over Society
Ingsoc = Totalitarian society
100% of the lives of the
outer party is subject to
surveillance.
Any sign deviation leads to
potential vaporisation.
"Your one-time existence was
denied and forgotten."
How capitalism controlled
society = Manipulated them
through Fear.
No laws actually set.
Unspoken rules based on
general fear.
Thought police work off
fear to cause more fear
War
In believing there was a war, they (the
outer party" were manipulated to accept
less money and luxuries from the
government.
Ministry of Plenty
Each action the party (capitalist) takes to control
society strengthens them.