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Examples Of Marxism In 1984

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Analyzing 1984 by George Orwell using Marxist Theory Marxist Theory focuses on the idea that whoever controls the means of production in a society controls the society and the means of production would be placed with the hands of the masses (“Marxist Theory” 2). Karl Marx wrote and believed that literature was a reflection of culture and culture was affected by literature (2). 1984 by George Orwell is a dystopian novel that focuses on the life of a man named Winston Smith. The story follows how he is unhappy with the flawed, but powerful government of his home, Oceania (more specifically Airstrip 1, London) and his quest to understand and overthrow it. Marxist Theory can be seen in the government’s control over the Party members, the government’s control over the Proles, and the …show more content…

In this society, the Inner and Outer Party members are constantly being reminded of the Party’s power and are essentially brainwashed into thinking what the Party wants them to think and do at all times. Things like propaganda, two-minutes hate (rallies where Party members must watch a video of the Party’s enemies and express hatred towards them), telescreens which watch the people’s every move, and most importantly fear of being vaporized from their very world are what drives the citizens towards obedience and towards support for the Party. Orwell even says, “Winston kept his back turned to the telescreen. It was safer, though, as he well knew, even a back can be revealing” (Orwell 3). These examples show the many ways that the Party exercises its control. With all these things surrounding these people’s lives, it is no wonder they live in fear and are brainwashed. All they know and will ever know is of the Party. As Marx predicted, the Party controls the means of production in Oceania, so therefore they control Oceania itself (“Marxist Theory”

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