After reading the first twenty pages of this novel, major themes are already introduced that manifest the radical culture. One quote that I expect to evolve into a prevalent idea is:
"WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH."
(Orwell 6)
These three oxymorons each begin with a negative idea, and turn it into something positive. Because the nation of Oceania is constantly at war, the leaders attempt to turn war into a good concept. This war is referenced when the text states: "there marched the endless columns of the Eurasian army." (Orwell 17) Also, Winston Smith drinks out of a "victory gin," (Orwell 7) and smokes "victory cigarettes," (Orwell 8) further proving that the people of a troubled nation are having optimism forced upon them.
Having been published only a few years after World War II, 1984 has clearly taken these ideas from "victory gardens" (a government sponsored program during World War II encouraging people in the United States and England to grow their own food). Victory gardens, like victory gin and victory cigarettes were created to provoke nationalism in difficult times. By creating national pride, the governments in World War II and in 1984 created societies that trusts their leaders. Through this inference, it is apparent that Orwell is showing a post-World War II society how blindly they followed their governments in the recent past.
Based on the first twenty pages of 1984, I predict that Orwell will further show the dangers of blind nationalism and ignorance.
