Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level – Excellence in English Language and Literature
its control. The citizens of Oceania have to learn ‘doublethink’, which Orwell explains as ‘holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them’.
The Party’s manipulation of language is carefully thought out and shows how easily truth can be changed to lies.
1. Do you agree with Orwell’s belief that controlling language is the way to control minds? Explain your answer.
2. Write an article for your school magazine in which you consider whether Orwell’s 1984 is relevant to young people today.
Love and loyalty
The Party demands complete obedience and will not tolerate its citizens having private loyalties. This is an important aspect of all totalitarian regimes, since divided loyalties may mean citizens do not put the government fi rst. Citizens of Oceania are expected to believe everything the Party says, even if it contradicts something they were told before, and to obey any order without hesitation.
The Party recognises the power of love and the bonds of loyalty it can create between individuals, so it does its best to suppress love of anyone but Big Brother. Families are expected to show more loyalty to Big Brother and the Party than to one another. Children are encouraged to spy on their parents and turn them in to the Thought Police if they suspect them of any
