1984 Theme Essay

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George Orwell used many themes and literary elements in his work to emphasize the critical nature of what his novel discusses. One theme, however, seems to be most prominent in the work and is used in many ways throughout the novel. War in 1984 is the most significant theme because of the way Orwell portrays it and uses it in his totalitarian society. War is used to manipulate and control the population granting the government great allegiance from it's citizens. Orwell constantly has Oceania at war, however, the enemy does not stay the same. At one time Oceania could be at war with Eastasia, and at the next they are at war with Eurasia. The people easily switch their hate toward either of the nations. “The enemy of the moment always represented absolute evil, and it followed that any past or future agreement with him was impossible” (Orwell 32). This constant state of war allows the government a unique ability that peaceful nations would never have. At times of war people feel even closer to their government and begin to rely heavily on them. This heightened since of nationalism allows the government control in the sense that they have the people focused on the enemy, which creates no time for internal conflict…show more content…
This can be seen in the moment when the government comes on the telescreen to issue good news. The first part told of the terrific victory over a Eurasian army and then immediately it was followed with the news of the chocolate rationing being lowered from 30 grams to 20, when not very long ago “...the Ministry of Plenty had issued a promise...that there would be no reduction of the chocolate ration during 1984” (36). Yet no one seems to recall this, and does not give the matter a second thought. This war Oceania is constantly involved in is greatly explained in Emmanuel Goldstein's The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical
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