The Destruction Of Language In 1984, By George Orwell

Mind Control What if the destruction of language and the past can be used as tools to manipulate the minds of people? In the novel 1984, by George Orwell, this is exactly what is happening. Winston, who works in the ministry of truth in Oceania erases the past by rewriting it. It is a vile world in Oceania when even a movement on your face is enough to be vaporized. Winston must control his thoughts in order to stay alive. When one is not paying close enough attention, they can become slaves to their environment. Through all of the media sources and various propaganda techniques, it is not hard to get sucked into a new mindset that is completely out of your control. In George Orwell's novel, 1984, and several other sources, the power that the destruction of language and the past has on the minds of people is shown very clearly. One of the most common, but not always the most obvious …show more content…
In the novel 1984, Winston and the rest of Oceania are not able to think for themselves or formulate their own opinions. They are forced to live in a world where everything that they believe is already decided for them. For example, if they have any obscene thoughts against the party, it is considered a thought crime with harsh punishments. The novel states, “Thought crime was not a thing that could be concealed forever. You might dodge successfully for a while, even for years, but sooner or later they were bound to get you” (Orwell, 19) . They have no choice but to believe that the past has changed. Even as young children, citizens are taught to obey the party. To illustrate, one of Mrs. Parson’s children yells at Winston, “you're a thought criminal! You're a Eurasian spy! I'll shoot you, I'll vaporize you, I'll send you to the salt mines” ( Orwell, 23). Thought crime alone is enough to mold our minds into a new form. Fear can make anyone cower and obey, even if deep down they know what is actually