English 2/20

Introduction

• Discussion about significant imagery and metaphors related to power and society.

• Use of gestures to represent ideas from ancient times and their relevance today.

Shakespeare Reference

• Winston wakes up murmuring "Shakespeare" which reflects the idea that:

  • His acts are seen as poetic.

  • Shakespeare's works are dated and not read in Oceania.

  • Both Orwell and Shakespeare addressed political themes.

Daily Life in Oceania

• Telescreen and Physical Jerks:

  • Winston is compelled to exercise daily as part of the Party's regime (termed "physical jerks").

• Physical Condition of Members:

  • Winston, 39 years old, feels physically unfit.

  • The Party seeks an idealized version of health and fitness, but members appear unattractive overall.

Winston's Memories

• His mind wanders back to memories of London:

  • He recalls a time of relative peace and grapples with the ongoing war.

  • The pervasive war now is met with desensitization from society.

Reality of War

• Winston notes that airstrikes are a common occurrence:

  • Reflects desensitization when he nonchalantly kicks a severed hand.

• His introspection is interrupted by the telescreen, representing the constant surveillance and control.

Job at the Ministry of Truth

• Winston edits news articles, rewriting history constantly.

  • Recognizes that nothing is factual; historical facts can change.

• Pneumatic Tube and Memory Hole:

  • Old information is destroyed through the memory hole, reflecting censorship and manipulation of truth.

  • The pneumatic tube facilitates the dissemination of these rewritten truths.

Nature of Information Control

• The Party constantly alters literature and documentation to maintain control:

  • The past is continuously adjusted to suit the Party’s narratives, allowing them to appear infallible.

• Winston enjoys his job despite its ethical implications, as it allows him the opportunity for independent thought.

Comrade Ogilvy

• This fictitious character denotes the Party's effort to produce idealized citizens.

• Created narratives that align individuals with Party values and demonize disloyalty.

Dinner in the Canteen

• Introduces Sim who is intelligent and passionate about language:

  • He works on Newspeak language and believes in simplifying words to eliminate subversive thoughts.

• Duck Speak:

  • A term for blindly repeating Party ideologies, likened to quacking like a duck.

Parsons Family

• Parsons: Seen as the archetype of a loyal party member;

  • Takes pride in his children's loyalty to the Party, perceiving them as heroic.

  • Highlights social manipulation and child indoctrination by the Party.

Orwell's Description of Life

• Vivid descriptions in the canteen emphasize the grim reality of life under totalitarian rule:

  • Poor quality of food and living conditions illustrates disappointment.

Dark-Haired Girl

• Winston feels paranoia about being watched by the dark-haired girl, suspecting her as a member of the Thought Police.

• He grapples with a deep fear of reprisal for his thoughts and actions.

Winston's Past Relationship

• He writes in a diary about his estranged wife, Catherine, revealing Party-induced emotional suppression:

  • Marriage solely to produce children; intimacy devoid of affection.

  • Reflects a broader theme of loss of individuality and basic human needs.

Proles and Rebellion

• Winston believes true hope for rebellion rests with the Proles:

  • They are the largest segment of society, making up 85% of the population.

  • Ideological manipulation keeps them from potential rebellion yet they culturally and politically remain unmonitored.

Symbolism of the Paperweight

• Winston's purchase of an old paperweight symbolizes his longing for the past and individuality.

Winston's Exploration of Freedom

• He desires to learn about the past, seeks connection with the old man in the pub,

  • His interactions demonstrate his disillusionment with current society and craving for authenticity.

Conclusion

• Episode ends with Winston feeling the weight of oppressive systems while yearning for a connection to the past and a clearer understanding of his world.