1984

“BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU.” 

The poster repeated throughout London is a constant reminder of the ever-present surveillance in this fictional future. There is no privacy in this world, not even in a private flat. Telescreens transmit sound and images in both directions, and the presence of telescreens at home, at work, and in public places means there is never a moment for an individual to be completely free of surveillance. All suspicious activity is reported to the Party, and Big Brother essentially knows and sees all that takes place.

“WAR IS PEACE. FREEDOM IS SLAVERY. IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.”

The three slogans of the Party highlight the constant contradictions in the post-revolution world. The Ministry of Peace keeps Oceania in constant war, which creates purpose for production and gives the populace a common enemy. Freedom from the Party is essentially death, “the greatest of all failures” (333). Ignorance allows for blissful acceptance of Party doctrine, which strengthens the Party but not individuals.

“And yet the very next instant he was at one with the people about him, and all that was said of Goldstein seemed to him to be true.”

Propaganda has the power to manipulate Winston’s emotions. Winston dislikes the Party and the Two Minutes Hate, yet he cannot help becoming enraptured when surrounded by the intense hatred of others. In this brief moment, he considers the possibility of the Party’s propaganda being true.