Themes: War
In George Orwell's 1984, war is a central theme that serves as a tool for control and manipulation by the ruling Party. The novel presents a world divided into three superstates: Oceania, Eastasia, and Eurasia, which are perpetually at war. This constant state of war is not about territorial gain or ideological conflict but rather a means to maintain the Party's dominance over the populace. The arbitrary nature of the enemy and the perpetual warfare create a society in which fear, propaganda, and historical revisionism are used to suppress individuality and ensure the Party's absolute power.
Throughout the novel, the enemy of Oceania shifts without warning, highlighting the arbitrary nature of war. At one point, Oceania is at war with Eastasia and allied with Eurasia, only for this to reverse suddenly. This change occurs during Hate Week, a rally designed to incite hatred against Eurasia, when it is abruptly announced that Oceania is now at war with Eastasia. The Party quickly rewrites history to align with the new reality, demonstrating that the true purpose of war is to control the narrative and manipulate the citizens' perceptions. As Julia notes, "It's always one bloody war after another, and one knows the news is all lies anyway."
The perpetual state of war serves to consume resources and maintain a controlled economy. According to Goldstein's book, the war is not fought for victory or resources but to use up industrial products without raising living standards. This prevents the development of a middle class and keeps the population dependent on the Party. By engaging in continuous warfare, the Party ensures that resources are diverted from improving citizens' lives, maintaining a low standard of living while preserving military strength.
War also functions as a psychological tool to instill fear and compliance among the populace. The constant threat of an external enemy creates a hysterical atmosphere, making citizens more willing to surrender power to the Party. The Two Minute Hate rallies citizens against their "enemies," reinforcing loyalty to the Party. The ever-present telescreens and Thought Police ensure that any dissent is swiftly punished, keeping individuals in a state of fear and submission. As Goldstein writes, war is waged not against other nations but against the citizens themselves, preserving the social order and the Party's control.
Expert Q&A
The meaning of "War is Peace" according to Goldstein in 1984
The phrase "War is Peace" in 1984 means that continuous war keeps the population unified and obedient. By constantly being at war, the state can control resources, maintain a constant state of emergency, and prevent individualism and dissent, thus ensuring internal peace and stability.
Where does 1984 discuss a change of external enemies?
In 1984, the change of external enemies occurs in Part 2, Chapter 9, during a public rally. Oceania abruptly shifts from being at war with Eurasia to being at war with Eastasia, reversing alliances. This sudden change highlights the arbitrary nature of war in the novel, serving as a tool for social control and propaganda rather than ideological conflict. The perpetual state of war keeps the population distracted and compliant, reinforcing the Party's power.
Describe the war film scene Winston recounts in 1984.
Winston recounts a war film featuring graphic violence where a refugee ship is bombed. A fat man is shot by a helicopter, and the sea turns pink with blood, eliciting laughter from the audience. Another scene shows a mother and her child being bombed, with the child's arm flying up. Party members cheer these scenes, but a woman protests. This illustrates the dehumanization and desensitization of people, particularly Party members, to violence.
In 1984, how does Winston react to the victory in Africa?
Winston reacts to the victory in Africa with a mixture of conflicting emotions. Despite being broken by the Ministry of Love, he briefly recalls a memory of familial happiness and experiences fleeting regret over Julia, indicating remnants of his humanity. However, upon hearing the victory announcement, Winston feels a "thrill" and a flood of love for Big Brother, signifying his complete capitulation. This moment marks his inner acceptance of the Party, even as he remains ambiguously human.
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