Atomic Bomb Hiroshima. Digital image. Web. 11 May 2010. http://whyfiles.org/020radiation/images/mushroom.jpg.
Charlemagne. Digital image. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.searchingthescriptures.net/main_pages/articles/instrumental_music_in_church/artwork/charlemagne.jpg.
New Harmony Utopia. Digital image. Web. 11 May 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/New_Harmony_by_F._Bate_%28View_of_a_Community%2C_as_proposed_by_Robert_Owen%29_printed_1838.jpg.
Oliver Cromwell. Digital image. Web. 11 May 2010. http://endiscomingblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/oliver_cromwell_1599_1658_hi.jpg.
Pyramid of Capitalist System. Digital image. Web. 11 May 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Pyramid_of_Capitalist_System.png.
Rumpelstiltskin. Digital image. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/illustrations/rumpelstiltskin/images/crane_rumple1.jpg.
Saint Sebastian. Digital image. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.artchive.com/artchive/r/rubens/rubens_st_sebastian.jpg.
Thomas Nast. Digital image. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.gho-englisch.de/Archive/2004/Feb_04/nast_thomas.jpg.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Works Cited - 1984
"BBC - History - Historic Figures: Oliver Cromwell (1599 - 1658)." BBC - Homepage. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/cromwell_oliver.shtml.
Bellis, Mary. "History of the Atomic Bomb and The Manhattan Project." Inventors. Web. 11 May 2010. http://inventors.about.com/od/astartinventions/a/atomic_bomb.htm.
"Capitalism." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2010. Web. 11 May 2010 http://www.search.eb.com.prxy2.ursus.maine.edu/eb/article-9020150.
"Charlemagne | King of the Franks | Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire." Lucidcafé Interactive Café and Information Resource. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/96apr/charlemagne.html.
"The History of Plastic Surgery, ASPS and PSEF." American Society of Plastic Surgeons: The Resource for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/About_ASPS/History_of_Plastic_Surgery.html.
"Inquisition." Inicio. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/vatican/vatican_holyinquisition02.htm.
"The Neolithic Age." March of the Titans. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.white-history.com/hwr3.htm.
Online, Catholic. "St. Sebastian - Saints & Angels." Catholic Online. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=103.
"Oranges and Lemons Rhyme." Nursery Rhymes Lyrics, Origins and History. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.rhymes.org.uk/oranges_and_lemons.htm.
"Proletariat." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2010. Web. 26 Apr. 2010 http://www.search.eb.com.prxy2.ursus.maine.edu/eb/article-9061526.
"Study Guide for Rumpelstiltskin." Index. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.marilynkinsella.org/Study%20Guides%20and%20info/Study%20Guide%20for%20Rumpelstiltskin.htm.
"Thomas Nast." The Civil War. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.sonofthesouth.net/Thomas_Nast.htm.
"Utopia." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2010. Web. 3 May 2010 http://www.search.eb.com.prxy2.ursus.maine.edu/eb/article-9074563.
"Utopia." THE BRITISH LIBRARY - The World's Knowledge. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.bl.uk/learning/histcitizen/21cc/utopia/utopia.html.
"What Is Class." Class Action. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.classism.org/WhatIsClass.php.
"Who Killed Cock Robin Rhyme." Nursery Rhymes Lyrics, Origins and History. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.rhymes.org.uk/who_killed_cock_robin.htm.
Bellis, Mary. "History of the Atomic Bomb and The Manhattan Project." Inventors. Web. 11 May 2010. http://inventors.about.com/od/astartinventions/a/atomic_bomb.htm.
"Capitalism." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2010. Web. 11 May 2010 http://www.search.eb.com.prxy2.ursus.maine.edu/eb/article-9020150.
"Charlemagne | King of the Franks | Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire." Lucidcafé Interactive Café and Information Resource. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/96apr/charlemagne.html.
"The History of Plastic Surgery, ASPS and PSEF." American Society of Plastic Surgeons: The Resource for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/About_ASPS/History_of_Plastic_Surgery.html.
"Inquisition." Inicio. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/vatican/vatican_holyinquisition02.htm.
"The Neolithic Age." March of the Titans. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.white-history.com/hwr3.htm.
Online, Catholic. "St. Sebastian - Saints & Angels." Catholic Online. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=103.
"Oranges and Lemons Rhyme." Nursery Rhymes Lyrics, Origins and History. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.rhymes.org.uk/oranges_and_lemons.htm.
"Proletariat." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2010. Web. 26 Apr. 2010 http://www.search.eb.com.prxy2.ursus.maine.edu/eb/article-9061526.
"Study Guide for Rumpelstiltskin." Index. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.marilynkinsella.org/Study%20Guides%20and%20info/Study%20Guide%20for%20Rumpelstiltskin.htm.
"Thomas Nast." The Civil War. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.sonofthesouth.net/Thomas_Nast.htm.
"Utopia." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2010. Web. 3 May 2010 http://www.search.eb.com.prxy2.ursus.maine.edu/eb/article-9074563.
"Utopia." THE BRITISH LIBRARY - The World's Knowledge. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.bl.uk/learning/histcitizen/21cc/utopia/utopia.html.
"What Is Class." Class Action. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.classism.org/WhatIsClass.php.
"Who Killed Cock Robin Rhyme." Nursery Rhymes Lyrics, Origins and History. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.rhymes.org.uk/who_killed_cock_robin.htm.
The Inquisition
“In the Middle Ages there was the Inquisition.” (Page 329)
Inquisition is a term used to describe the institutions established by the Roman Catholic church centuries ago to combat or suppress heresy. Beginning in the twelfth century and even earlier, the Roman Catholics, who are known for their strict formalities, were very concerned with individuals who bore any controversial or novel religious beliefs and thus felt compelled to persecute them for their so called “heretics.” The Inquisition, it is said, was not used solely to “punish and correct” those with varying beliefs, but also to invoke “terror” in the public in order to “wean them away from the evils they would commit.” Orwell chose to include this reference because of its resemblance to Big Brother. Both institutions are described as being devoted to ridding the world of nonconformists. While the Inquisition sought to convict heretics, Big Brother seeks to convict thought criminals. This allusion alone leads the reader to believe that Orwell was essentially creating a modern day Inquisition.
"Inquisition." Inicio. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/vatican/vatican_holyinquisition02.htm.
Inquisition is a term used to describe the institutions established by the Roman Catholic church centuries ago to combat or suppress heresy. Beginning in the twelfth century and even earlier, the Roman Catholics, who are known for their strict formalities, were very concerned with individuals who bore any controversial or novel religious beliefs and thus felt compelled to persecute them for their so called “heretics.” The Inquisition, it is said, was not used solely to “punish and correct” those with varying beliefs, but also to invoke “terror” in the public in order to “wean them away from the evils they would commit.” Orwell chose to include this reference because of its resemblance to Big Brother. Both institutions are described as being devoted to ridding the world of nonconformists. While the Inquisition sought to convict heretics, Big Brother seeks to convict thought criminals. This allusion alone leads the reader to believe that Orwell was essentially creating a modern day Inquisition.
"Inquisition." Inicio. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/vatican/vatican_holyinquisition02.htm.
Utopianism
“...the Utopianism of past ages.” (Page 279)
A utopia is essentially a perfect world, an ideal society that possesses a seemingly perfect social, political, and legal system. For centuries, human beings have dreamt of establishing such idealistic worlds with no conflict, hunger, or anguish. Whether or not this type of society is realistically possible has been the subject of debate. Although there have been countless attempts throughout history to establish utopias, with Socialism being one of the more prominent, such visionary reform has been deemed practically impossible or impossibly idealistic. Orwell references utopianism in order to create a contrast between it and the dystopian society he has established in 1984. Like other parts of history, utopias are made to be considered a thing of the past which suggests that universal peace and happiness is inconceivable. Because Orwell sets up a dystopia, one that is evidently relentless, the reader is led to believe, like Winston does at the conclusion of the story, that life will continue in this way maintaining its negativity, warfare and a totalitarian government.
"utopia." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2010. Web. 3 May 2010 http://www.search.eb.com.prxy2.ursus.maine.edu/eb/article-9074563.
"Utopia." THE BRITISH LIBRARY - The World's Knowledge. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.bl.uk/learning/histcitizen/21cc/utopia/utopia.html.
New Harmony Utopia. Digital image. Web. 11 May 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/New_Harmony_by_F._Bate_%28View_of_a_Community%2C_as_proposed_by_Robert_Owen%29_printed_1838.jpg.
Social Class
“The aims of these three groups are entirely irreconcilable. The aim of the High is to remain where they are. The aim of the Middle is to change places with the High. The aim of the Low, when they have an aim...is to abolish all distinctions and create a society in which all men shall be equal.” (Page 277)
Since the beginning of human history, there has existed the concept of social class. Although the determining factors of class have changed over the years, the overall concept usually takes into consideration a person’s income and consequential wealth, education, and power. Social class is also usually dependent upon culture, and thus many countries, such as India with its caste system, still govern themselves based on their citizens’ social status. Despite the various differentiations that have occurred throughout history, class systems have invariably maintained the stereotypical “upper, middle, and lower” classes. The above description of social class is based on 1984’s society. Rather than being about occupation and income, as it is typically regarded, Orwell bases this class system on competition. While this excerpt hints that the society of the novel is somewhat similar to what we, as readers, are used to, it also shows how vastly different it is. Instead of having the upper and middle classes epitomize success, wealth or hard work, Orwell portrays these groups as being greedy (which, of course, relates to Big Brother’s mentality). Likewise, the lower class is portrayed as a group of revolutionaries instead of a group of poverty-stricken individuals.
"What Is Class." Class Action. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.classism.org/WhatIsClass.php.
Since the beginning of human history, there has existed the concept of social class. Although the determining factors of class have changed over the years, the overall concept usually takes into consideration a person’s income and consequential wealth, education, and power. Social class is also usually dependent upon culture, and thus many countries, such as India with its caste system, still govern themselves based on their citizens’ social status. Despite the various differentiations that have occurred throughout history, class systems have invariably maintained the stereotypical “upper, middle, and lower” classes. The above description of social class is based on 1984’s society. Rather than being about occupation and income, as it is typically regarded, Orwell bases this class system on competition. While this excerpt hints that the society of the novel is somewhat similar to what we, as readers, are used to, it also shows how vastly different it is. Instead of having the upper and middle classes epitomize success, wealth or hard work, Orwell portrays these groups as being greedy (which, of course, relates to Big Brother’s mentality). Likewise, the lower class is portrayed as a group of revolutionaries instead of a group of poverty-stricken individuals.
"What Is Class." Class Action. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.classism.org/WhatIsClass.php.
The Atomic Bomb
“What is more remarkable is that all three powers already possess, in the atomic bomb, a weapon far more powerful than any that their present researches are likely to discover.” (Page 270)
The atomic bomb is considered to be the most powerful weapon known to man. In the midst of World War II, the United States Government undertook a very serious enterprise, “The Manhattan Project,” in which they became committed to perfecting the production of an atomic bomb. After countless tests, in 1945, two forms of the the fated nuclear weapon were used in warfare, one in Hiroshima and the other in Nagasaki. Although their detonations brought the close of the war, they introduced the term “weapons of mass destruction” and thus brought fear into the lives of many. Orwell includes this reference because of its cultural impact. It is interesting to point out that Orwell published this novel in 1949 making it obvious that the atomic bomb would be considered the most dangerous weapon seeing as how it had only been around for less than a decade. However, Orwell had enough forethought to realize that this technology was not going to be surpassed in the near future which explains why “present researchers [were not] likely to discover a weapon more powerful.”
Bellis, Mary. "History of the Atomic Bomb and The Manhattan Project." Inventors. Web. 11 May 2010. http://inventors.about.com/od/astartinventions/a/atomic_bomb.htm.
Atomic Bomb Hiroshima. Digital image. Web. 11 May 2010. http://whyfiles.org/020radiation/images/mushroom.jpg.
The Neolithic Age
“...since the end of the Neolithic Age...” (Page 260)
The Neolithic Age was a time of cultural prosperity that began sometime around 10,000 BC. This time period marked the end of the Stone Age and encompassed a development in human technology with crop cultivation and animal domestication - an overall rise in farming. Although Orwell references the Neolithic Age within Goldstein’s novel embedded in the plot of 1984, the allusion has a direct connection to Orwell’s dystopian society. Just as the Neolithic Age presented a new variance in culture with its shift from a society of hunter-gatherers to settled agriculturalists, the people of 1984 experience a shift from, as Winston remembers, free individuals to oppressed individuals. Orwell makes a point of showing that, similarly to how early humans lost their primitive instincts, the people of Oceania are forced into losing their former morals and actions.
"The Neolithic Age." March of the Titans. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.white-history.com/hwr3.htm.
The Neolithic Age was a time of cultural prosperity that began sometime around 10,000 BC. This time period marked the end of the Stone Age and encompassed a development in human technology with crop cultivation and animal domestication - an overall rise in farming. Although Orwell references the Neolithic Age within Goldstein’s novel embedded in the plot of 1984, the allusion has a direct connection to Orwell’s dystopian society. Just as the Neolithic Age presented a new variance in culture with its shift from a society of hunter-gatherers to settled agriculturalists, the people of 1984 experience a shift from, as Winston remembers, free individuals to oppressed individuals. Orwell makes a point of showing that, similarly to how early humans lost their primitive instincts, the people of Oceania are forced into losing their former morals and actions.
"The Neolithic Age." March of the Titans. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.white-history.com/hwr3.htm.
Rumpelstiltskin
“A little Rumpelstiltskin figure, contorted with hatred...” (Page 257)
Rumpelstiltskin is a famous fairy tale which was first chronicled by the Brothers Grimm. It tells the story of a young woman who wants to marry a King; in order to do so, though, she must first spin straw into gold. A swindling character, Rumpelstiltskin, then arrives and agrees to complete the task, allowing the young woman to be wed to the King. However, he sets one stipulation: he will only do the job in exchange for the woman’s first-born child. Being a trickster, though, he says he will let her keep her child if she is able to guess his name. Believing this to be impossible, Rumpelstiltskin figures that he will triumph, but he is overheard saying his name aloud and is forced to return the child. Orwell makes an allusion to this mythical character because of his connection to Big Brother. Both characters believe themselves unstoppable. Like Rumpelstiltskin, Big Brother essentially tricks everyone into thinking and acting in a certain way. Instead of drawing a parallelism between these two characters, Orwell also points out the connection between the young woman and Winston. Both must defy the odds and find their way around these domineering individuals in order to free themselves.
"Study Guide for Rumpelstiltskin." Index. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.marilynkinsella.org/Study%20Guides%20and%20info/Study%20Guide%20for%20Rumpelstiltskin.htm.
Rumpelstiltskin. Digital image. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/illustrations/rumpelstiltskin/images/crane_rumple1.jpg.
Plastic Surgery
“Our surgeons can alter people beyond recognition.” (Page 250)
Although, today, plastic surgery is often linked to beautification and self-improvement, it was once used solely for restoration. For centuries such procedures as skin grafts have been performed, and as a result, the process has become “one of the world's oldest healing arts.” It wasn’t until the onset of war during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries that plastic surgery advanced both scientifically and medicinally. Developments in the field came with the increasing amounts of bodily wounds resulting from combat in both World War I and World War II. In addition to giving Winston comfort if ever he should be discovered, Orwell also includes this reference to hint at his own beliefs regarding the future. Although, at the time of 1984’s publication during the late 1940s, plastic surgery had improved significantly, the quality of the procedures was not nearly as advanced as it is today. This fact suggests that Orwell had considerable faith in future technologies and the innovations that would be made, something of which he was accurate about.
"The History of Plastic Surgery, ASPS and PSEF." American Society of Plastic Surgeons: The Resource for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/About_ASPS/History_of_Plastic_Surgery.html.
Although, today, plastic surgery is often linked to beautification and self-improvement, it was once used solely for restoration. For centuries such procedures as skin grafts have been performed, and as a result, the process has become “one of the world's oldest healing arts.” It wasn’t until the onset of war during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries that plastic surgery advanced both scientifically and medicinally. Developments in the field came with the increasing amounts of bodily wounds resulting from combat in both World War I and World War II. In addition to giving Winston comfort if ever he should be discovered, Orwell also includes this reference to hint at his own beliefs regarding the future. Although, at the time of 1984’s publication during the late 1940s, plastic surgery had improved significantly, the quality of the procedures was not nearly as advanced as it is today. This fact suggests that Orwell had considerable faith in future technologies and the innovations that would be made, something of which he was accurate about.
"The History of Plastic Surgery, ASPS and PSEF." American Society of Plastic Surgeons: The Resource for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/About_ASPS/History_of_Plastic_Surgery.html.
Who Killed Cock Robin?
“There was one about...the death of poor Cock Robin.” (Page 229)
The character alluded to here is the subject of the English poem, “Who Killed Cock Robin?” The poem is a personification of sorts of the death of legendary samaritan, Robin Hood. The words of the poem describe Cock Robin’s funeral procession and how help was offered from an array of sympathetic animals thus reflecting the high esteem in which the real Robin Hood was held by common folk. Orwell includes this allusion because of its relation to the death that Winston nearly encounters at the close of the novel. In the poem, Cock Robin’s killer is never explicitly described and remains a mystery. Likewise, in 1984, thought criminals are mysteriously seized from their homes and rarely seen again. In addition to this, one of the poem’s lines - “‘Who'll dig his grave?’ ‘I,’ said the Owl” - relates to the character, O’Brien, who is said to resemble an owl. It is likely that Orwell drew upon the fact that the Owl in this poem chooses to dig Cock Robin’s grave because, in the novel, O’Brien figuratively “digs” Winston’s “grave” as he tortures him for his thought crimes.
"Who Killed Cock Robin Rhyme." Nursery Rhymes Lyrics, Origins and History. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.rhymes.org.uk/who_killed_cock_robin.htm.
The character alluded to here is the subject of the English poem, “Who Killed Cock Robin?” The poem is a personification of sorts of the death of legendary samaritan, Robin Hood. The words of the poem describe Cock Robin’s funeral procession and how help was offered from an array of sympathetic animals thus reflecting the high esteem in which the real Robin Hood was held by common folk. Orwell includes this allusion because of its relation to the death that Winston nearly encounters at the close of the novel. In the poem, Cock Robin’s killer is never explicitly described and remains a mystery. Likewise, in 1984, thought criminals are mysteriously seized from their homes and rarely seen again. In addition to this, one of the poem’s lines - “‘Who'll dig his grave?’ ‘I,’ said the Owl” - relates to the character, O’Brien, who is said to resemble an owl. It is likely that Orwell drew upon the fact that the Owl in this poem chooses to dig Cock Robin’s grave because, in the novel, O’Brien figuratively “digs” Winston’s “grave” as he tortures him for his thought crimes.
"Who Killed Cock Robin Rhyme." Nursery Rhymes Lyrics, Origins and History. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.rhymes.org.uk/who_killed_cock_robin.htm.
Oliver Cromwell
“...there was a statue of a man on horseback which was supposed to represent Oliver Cromwell.” (Page 195)
Oliver Cromwell was a seventeenth century English military and political leader. He is best known for his role as the first Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland following the execution of King Charles I. Although he grew up in the middle class, he managed to rise through the ranks and become an influential figure in the United Kingdom. As he did so, however, he became obsessed with power and prosecuted those not of the Protestant faith. Orwell includes this allusion because of Cromwell's connection to Big Brother. Like Cromwell, Big Brother is characterized by an obsession to maintain his power and control over his people and the opposing nations surrounding Oceania. Orwell also includes this allusion to show that even though Big Brother has a tendency to change the past, some things from history are kept, especially if they bear some relation to Big Brother’s ideals.
"BBC - History - Historic Figures: Oliver Cromwell (1599 - 1658)." BBC - Homepage. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/cromwell_oliver.shtml.
Oliver Cromwell. Digital image. Web. 11 May 2010. http://endiscomingblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/oliver_cromwell_1599_1658_hi.jpg.
Oranges and Lemons
“Oranges and lemons, say the bells of St. Clement’s!” (Page 178)
When a person looks back on their childhood, it is common for them only to have faint memories of their past rather than remembering moments with vivid detail. Instead of remembering the day they learned to walk or talk, they remember their favorite stuffed animal or tv show. With his inclusion of the nursery rhyme, “Oranges and Lemons,” Orwell draws upon the fact that sometimes the most nonsensical and seemingly unimportant parts of one’s life are, in fact, the most influential. This particular poem is frequently recited throughout the book, each time being added to with a new verse. At the end of each stanza, a different church is mentioned demonstrating, in Winston’s eyes, how the past has been completely manipulated by Big Brother seeing as how these once historical buildings are now nonexistent. One of the key reasons Orwell makes reference to “Oranges and Lemons” is because of the significance of the last line. “Here comes a candle to light you to bed / And here comes a chopper to chop off your head!” is directly related to Winston’s final day with Julia; he and Julia are essentially lured in, “lit to bed” if you will, only to be reprimanded by Big Brother, the metaphorical “chopper.”
"Oranges and Lemons Rhyme." Nursery Rhymes Lyrics, Origins and History. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.rhymes.org.uk/oranges_and_lemons.htm.
When a person looks back on their childhood, it is common for them only to have faint memories of their past rather than remembering moments with vivid detail. Instead of remembering the day they learned to walk or talk, they remember their favorite stuffed animal or tv show. With his inclusion of the nursery rhyme, “Oranges and Lemons,” Orwell draws upon the fact that sometimes the most nonsensical and seemingly unimportant parts of one’s life are, in fact, the most influential. This particular poem is frequently recited throughout the book, each time being added to with a new verse. At the end of each stanza, a different church is mentioned demonstrating, in Winston’s eyes, how the past has been completely manipulated by Big Brother seeing as how these once historical buildings are now nonexistent. One of the key reasons Orwell makes reference to “Oranges and Lemons” is because of the significance of the last line. “Here comes a candle to light you to bed / And here comes a chopper to chop off your head!” is directly related to Winston’s final day with Julia; he and Julia are essentially lured in, “lit to bed” if you will, only to be reprimanded by Big Brother, the metaphorical “chopper.”
"Oranges and Lemons Rhyme." Nursery Rhymes Lyrics, Origins and History. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.rhymes.org.uk/oranges_and_lemons.htm.
Rutherford - Thomas Nast
“Rutherford had once been a famous caricaturist, whose brutal cartoons had helped to inflame popular opinion before and during the Revolution.” (Page 158)
The person described in this quote, although it does not directly reference him, bears a striking resemblance to the famous American cartoonist, Thomas Nast. During the later 1800s, Thomas Nast became widely recognized for his outrageous cartoons which criticized and praised the politics of the time. Because he presented various social and economic topics in a visual format, he was able to reach a large audience, and in consequence, he had a major impact on American culture and history. Orwell makes this indirect parallelism between Rutherford and Nast in order to demonstrate how, even though they come from different time periods, popular culture is contingent upon individuals who stray from the norm or do something revolutionary. This is even seen in the protagonist with his denouncement of Big Brother. With his later description of Rutherford becoming an “unperson,” though, Orwell also shows how even some of the most influential individuals can go unnoticed similarly to how Thomas Nast is nearly forgotten today.
"Thomas Nast." The Civil War. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.sonofthesouth.net/Thomas_Nast.htm.
Thomas Nast. Digital image. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.gho-englisch.de/Archive/2004/Feb_04/nast_thomas.jpg.
Capitalism
“Before the Revolution, they had been hideously oppressed by the capitalists...” (Page 153)
Capitalism is an economic system that is characterized by the private ownership of the means of production. Often times, this system is called a free market or free enterprise economy, and it has been the dominant sociopolitical structure in the Western world since the collapse of the feudalism around the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Capitalism consists of wage labor, rather than self employment, where income is distributed through the operation of the market; the employees. It is interesting that Orwell creates a negative connotation for capitalism, describing it as being “hideously oppressing,” when in fact, the economy and social state of Oceania is clearly overpowering. Orwell purposely creates this irony in order to demonstrate how ill-informed the people of Oceania are. He also makes this reference to show that, although it is a modern society, Oceania has essentially reverted to older forms of government, like feudalism, by working for a single entity, Big Brother.
"capitalism." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2010. Web. 11 May 2010 http://www.search.eb.com.prxy2.ursus.maine.edu/eb/article-9020150.
Pyramid of Capitalist System. Digital image. Web. 11 May 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Pyramid_of_Capitalist_System.png.
Charlemagne
“...he would exist just as authentically, and upon the same evidence, as Charlemagne...” (Page 132)
Charlemagne is known historically to be the King of the Franks and the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire during the late eighth and early ninth centuries. At the time of his coronation, the kingdom of the Franks - an area located in western Europe - had fallen into a decline. Citizens of this empire had begun to readopt their barbaric tendencies and had begun to neglect religion and education. As a result, Charlemagne took it upon himself to strengthen his realm and bring order to Europe. By establishing a stable government, Charlemagne was able to restore much of the Roman Empire and was thus crowned emperor. During his lifetime, Charlemagne was able gain rule over what are now France, Switzerland, Belgium, and The Netherlands as well as parts of Italy, Germany, Austria, and Spain. Orwell includes this reference because like Charlemagne, Big Brother is determined to maintain order. Although Big Brother’s pretenses contrast with those of Charlemagne’s, the two are nonetheless similar. Orwell also references Charlemagne because of his vast empire which corresponds to Big Brother’s Oceania.
"Charlemagne | King of the Franks | Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire." Lucidcafé Interactive Café and Information Resource. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/96apr/charlemagne.html.
Charlemagne. Digital image. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.searchingthescriptures.net/main_pages/articles/instrumental_music_in_church/artwork/charlemagne.jpg.
The Place Where There Is No Darkness
“We shall meet in the place where there is no darkness.” (Page 111)
This excerpt, though vague when out of context, is very revealing of the protagonist. When it is first mentioned in the plot, it presents a mystery, especially since it is part of a dream that Winston has. When first read, this statement suggests a positive place void of any evils; a place without war or hunger. Later in the story, however, this statement takes on a different meaning. Rather than representing peace, “the place where there is no darkness” can be regarded as a place without shadows and thus an area where there is no secrecy. Contrary to Winston’s hopes of it being a place where he will be rid of Big Brother, the words from his dream coincide with the well-lit and heavily monitored cell that he is imprisoned in at the end of the story. Orwell includes this statement in order to give Winston not only a reason to question himself and the meaning of the statement, but also his relationship with O’Brien. Along with this quote, Orwell creates a society full of double meanings. This alone leads the reader to believe that, since he is immersed in a constant paradox, Winston should have had some sort of inkling about the implications of O’Brien’s words; good could have meant bad, a friend could have been an enemy, etc.
This excerpt, though vague when out of context, is very revealing of the protagonist. When it is first mentioned in the plot, it presents a mystery, especially since it is part of a dream that Winston has. When first read, this statement suggests a positive place void of any evils; a place without war or hunger. Later in the story, however, this statement takes on a different meaning. Rather than representing peace, “the place where there is no darkness” can be regarded as a place without shadows and thus an area where there is no secrecy. Contrary to Winston’s hopes of it being a place where he will be rid of Big Brother, the words from his dream coincide with the well-lit and heavily monitored cell that he is imprisoned in at the end of the story. Orwell includes this statement in order to give Winston not only a reason to question himself and the meaning of the statement, but also his relationship with O’Brien. Along with this quote, Orwell creates a society full of double meanings. This alone leads the reader to believe that, since he is immersed in a constant paradox, Winston should have had some sort of inkling about the implications of O’Brien’s words; good could have meant bad, a friend could have been an enemy, etc.
Saint Sebastian
"He would tie her naked to a stake and shoot her full of arrows like Saint Sebastian." (Page 101)
Saint Sebastian was a Christian who was martyred for the sake of his religious beliefs. After being named a captain of the praetorian guards, who were employed by Roman Emperors, Sebastian’s true faith was discovered. As a result, he was ordered to be executed and was shot with arrows and left for dead. On the verge of death, Sebastian was saved and, in so doing, he intercepted the Emperor and denounced him for his cruelty to Christians. This final stand against the Emperor demonstrated his faith, but he was nevertheless beaten to death for his actions. Orwell makes reference to this historical figure because of the parallelism that lies in his martyrdom and the persecution received by thought criminals. In the novel, Orwell makes it so that having complete faith in Big Brother is equivalent to believing in some sort of god. Due to this fact, those who do not value him, or do not love him, are tortured in a similar fashion as Saint Sebastian just because they bear varying beliefs.
Online, Catholic. "St. Sebastian - Saints & Angels." Catholic Online. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=103.
Saint Sebastian. Digital image. Web. 11 May 2010. http://www.artchive.com/artchive/r/rubens/rubens_st_sebastian.jpg.
The Proles
“...nobody cares what the proles say...” (Page 96)
Throughout history, the word proletariat (shortened by Orwell to emphasize his futuristic language of Newspeak) has been used to describe the lower, working class. Although it was regularly used to classify the poor during ancient Rome, it is more commonly connected to the class system of Marxism or Communism. The term itself designated the class of wage workers who earned an income primarily from doing manual labor. Despite them being hard workers, the proletariat often lived in poverty and were subject to being beggars and criminals. Orwell incorporates this class into his dystopian society simply because, in reality, there would always be a group of people who were considered destitute. Also, by including the “proles,” Orwell points out the fact that those who are not financially or socially stable often are disregarded. Later in the story, however, he counteracts this stereotypical attitude by claiming that “hope...lies in the proles,” a possible allusion to his personal opinion on equality.
"proletariat." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2010. Web. 26 Apr. 2010 http://www.search.eb.com.prxy2.ursus.maine.edu/eb/article-9061526.
Throughout history, the word proletariat (shortened by Orwell to emphasize his futuristic language of Newspeak) has been used to describe the lower, working class. Although it was regularly used to classify the poor during ancient Rome, it is more commonly connected to the class system of Marxism or Communism. The term itself designated the class of wage workers who earned an income primarily from doing manual labor. Despite them being hard workers, the proletariat often lived in poverty and were subject to being beggars and criminals. Orwell incorporates this class into his dystopian society simply because, in reality, there would always be a group of people who were considered destitute. Also, by including the “proles,” Orwell points out the fact that those who are not financially or socially stable often are disregarded. Later in the story, however, he counteracts this stereotypical attitude by claiming that “hope...lies in the proles,” a possible allusion to his personal opinion on equality.
"proletariat." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2010. Web. 26 Apr. 2010 http://www.search.eb.com.prxy2.ursus.maine.edu/eb/article-9061526.
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