Reflections #3

The irony, of being a 'good', yet corrupt citizen of George Orwell's '1984', is in the necessity of getting into the role of a completely opposite character. Citizens in '1984' that wish to be free of big brother's oppression often spend their free time not contemplating ideas to escape their unhappy situation, but supporting a government they hate. However, many people in '1984', like the proles, don't even care about finding the truth, or to work against the party.

Julia, convinces Winston Smith to take on another job in part-times munitions-work, that is operated voluntarily by mainly, the more extreme supporters of the corrupted government. Julia, has already taken on positions that reflect utmost support of the current political ruling party. The irony of acting the opposite of who you are, and taking action contrary to what one believes in in order to stay alive and benefit, is also within our own society today. People who are stuck in poor jobs, often live with their anger and resentment locked away at work. Here at work, they may seem decent and civil, but when their boss isn't around to supervise everything, these resentful workers aren't afraid to steal from the company, or wreak havoc just to strike back against an work environment that isn't liked very much. Even though they are supporting an institution they don't like, by continuing to work for them, these workers still harbour dark feelings against their superiors.

However, not all the workers are in environments they don't like. We are introduced to the plentiful proles that make up 85% of the population. Within the government, we learn that there is even a whole sect, called Pornosec, devoted to publishing books for proles to keep them happy. Proles, live in an environment where they are basically unmoved by the life set out for them by the government. It is their apathy, Winston Smith is convinced, that when broken will trigger a revolution as they too become 'good', corrupt citizens.

Winston Smith, continues to spend time being the ideal corrupt citizen he sees in his point of view. The irony of having the model government supporters, paired with what the government deems as corruption, makes for an interesting perspective, that allows citizens to think for themselves and go against the government quietly.

pg.133-155