1984 Group

Question:

russkin14
russkin14
Student
High School - 12th Grade

What is the collective purpose in the novel of "The Thought Police" and "Big Brother" in 1984?

I know what they do, but I'm not sure of their true purpose, any interpretations?

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Posted by russkin14 on Thursday October 29, 2009 at 11:42 AM and tagged with 1984, big brother, thought police.

Answers:


  1. scarletpimpernel Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Orwell includes organizations and figures such as The Thought Police and Big Brother in 1984 to illustrate the total control of the novel's totalitarian government.  These elements, like the ministries, remove any type of free thinking and freedom from the people.  His use of words such as "police" and "big" show the authority that the organization has and the all-encompassing power of the government.

    Unfortunately, Orwell's interpretation of what kinds of agencies would exist under a regime such as 1984's is essentially a reality in Kim Jong Il's North Korea.  When reporters are allowed into the country, they have "Minders" that follow them around, letting them know whom they can interview, what they can ask, where they can go, etc.  The Minders also advise the North Koreans being interview on what to say in response to journalists' questions.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/1984/characters

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    Posted by scarletpimpernel on Thursday October 29, 2009 at 12:24 PM

  2. byersk
    byersk Teacher
    Elementary / Primary

    Their general purpose was to prove to society that the government had total control over every person.  They were able to monitor their thoughts and actions at all times.

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    Posted by byersk on Thursday November 26, 2009 at 2:59 PM