Having now transitioned from analyzing the literature of utopias to the literature of dystopias, we should be noticing some stark differences between the worlds of More’s Utopia or Hossain’s “Sultana’s Dream,” and Orwell’s 1984. One of those key differences—as is often the case with dystopian fiction—is a society or citizenry that is somehow oppressed, but is so inundated with propaganda from the government, that they are ultimately convinced that they live in a utopia, that their oppression is not oppression at all, and is for their benefit. Such is the case in 1984, particularly as it relates to the Orwellian concept of “doublethink.”
For this essay, you will analyze various examples of propaganda within the novel 1984 and examine how that propaganda is being put to use in order to subjugate the citizens of Oceania. What is its purpose? What is the Party trying to achieve? How does it affect the day-to-day life of its citizens and how does that manifest in the novel? I expect to see specific examples from the text.
I will be looking for a coherent, well-structured essay guided by a central thesis that takes a clear position on the issue at hand, engages Orwell’s text, and makes effective use of quotes and evidence from the book to support your claims. I will also be looking for a certain amount of rhetorical awareness on your end; therefore, before beginning your essay, I recommend that you first make sure you understand what you are trying to accomplish in your writing (purpose), to whom you are writing (audience), the ins and outs of your topic (situation), and a clear, purposeful thesis (main claim).
The essay should be at least 1000 words