1984 pt 1

In Oceania, the totalitarian dictatorship “The Party” headed by Big Brother controls all aspects of life. People are under constant surveillance, and there is no free thought. The Party controls the people with fear and power. The regime is so strong and controlling, that the population will accept even blatantly false statements as true. As Winston thought, “In the end the party would announce that two and two make five.” They also control 85% of the population by keeping them in such poverty that they do not pose a threat to the party. To be in the top 15%, you almost always had to work for the party. Although 15% of people work for the party, they do not live lavish lives either. Most of the party officials still had low rations of food and were controlled in every aspect of life, including thought. The party also controlled the people by changing history. Where Winston works, he changes history books so that they match with the party and its “history”. Not only do they restrict free thought, they also restrict the right to truth. Under their rule, whatever they say is true. If anyone denies it, they will be killed. This creates mental equality, but doesn’t create real equality. The top 15% is equal in what they receive and how they think, but the bottom 85% are much poorer and also are less regulated in how they think and act. This society is definitely a dystopia, because while the people are equal in some regard, all people are repressed and without any freedom.