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Contradictions In George Orwell's 1984

Decent Essays

There are many contradictions throughout George Orwell’s 1984; for example, in the Party’s philosophy, there is the belief that War is Peace. An example of a quote that explains the idea that war is peace is, “the very word ‘war’ therefore, has become misleading. It would probably be accurate to say that by becoming continuous war has ceased to exist...the three superstates, instead of fighting one another, should agree to live in perpetual peace...a peace that was truly permanent would be the same as a permanent war” (199). This quote explains that war is peace because as the three superstates live in peace forever, they are also living at war forever. Another contradiction in the Party’s philosophy is Ignorance is Strength. This means that if the people remain ignorant and not question the Party, they will strengthen their society. These contradictions are also examples of paradox because even though they seem self-contradictory, they reveal a truth. In addition, an important principle to the Party in 1984 is the term Doublethink. “Doublethink means the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them” (214). Contradiction plays a big role in Doublethink because a member of the Party is expected to accept two beliefs that contradict each other at the same time, and they have to control the direction in which their memories should be altered. Doublethink satisfies the needs of the Party because “ultimately it is by means of

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