Doublespeak

In 1984, the citizens had to use Newspeak, or else they were committing a "thought crime." Basically, everything was opposite then it was described as. For example, the Ministry of Plenty is where they rationed goods, and the Ministry of Love is where they actually tortured people. Also, they would add suffixes such as "-ful" and "-wise" to their words. In 1984, it was said that their language got smaller every year. This enabled everything from the past to be erased.

In the beginning of the book, Winston struggled to remember if his life was always like the way it was in 1984, where everything was extremely strict. Winston knew he had to write down his thoughts or else they could possibly banish.

Doublespeak is often used in our language today. For example, "not doing so well" instead of sick/ill, "unique" instead of weird, etc. Personally, I would prefer to hear things like this rather than hearing something that could potentially upset me.

If you had the opportunity to write in a journal in Winston's position, would you? How would you feel if you struggled to remember things from your past?

1984 - Similarities in Government

In 1984, The Party uses many forms of manipulation to get into the heads' of their citizens. The telescreen in peoples' homes which constantly play propaganda which made The Party seem successful. Citizens are continuously reminded about The Party with big posters of Big Brother. Also, The Party has wires that can be tapped and can hear conversation throughout homes.

Today, our government uses doublespeak to make our country seem successful. Citizens are constantly reminded about the government from the news and other forms of media. Also, the

government is able to tap into phone calls, the internet, etc.

Is there really a difference?