Symbols In George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four
Symbolism: symbols that represent ideas
Example: “They were rats” (Orwell 283).
Function: One of Winston’s biggest fear were rats, and later that’s how he surrenders to Big Brother. In the book Nineteen Eighty-Four everyone has a “rat”and that’s how Big Brother took control over everyone’s “rat”. However. Big Brother can be the rat to many people, and that’s how Winston was able to mutineer against Big Brother.
Imagery: descriptive images
Example: "He looked around the canteen. A low ceilinged, crowded room, its walls grimy from the contact of innumerable bodies; battered metal tables and chairs, placed so close together that you sat with elbows touching; bent spoons, dented trays, coarse white mugs; all surfaces greasy, grime in every crack; and a sourish, composite smell of bad gin …show more content…
Also, the difference in the people, the people used to be filled with energy, happiness, and be motivated. However, now they were all brainwashed to just do everything and not even think about what they were doing.
Repetition: repeat something that has already be said/written
Example: “War is Peace; Freedom is Slavery; Ignorance is Strength” (Orwell 4,16,104).
Function: The Party made three slogans that are irrational and contradictory. The slogans all have double meanings one for the people and the other for the Party. Furthermore, the Party has brainwashed the people to believe whatever they say or promote.
Allusion: indirect reference
Example: 'I think I exist,' he said wearily. 'I am conscious of my own identity. I was born and I shall die. I have arms and legs. I occupy a particular point in space. No other solid object can occupy the same point simultaneously. In that sense, does Big Brother exist? (Orwell 259-260).
Function: When Winston goes into room 101 he will have no more freedom it will be all taken away once he goes in that room and all he can do is whatever Big Brother wants or tells him to
Example: “They were rats” (Orwell 283).
Function: One of Winston’s biggest fear were rats, and later that’s how he surrenders to Big Brother. In the book Nineteen Eighty-Four everyone has a “rat”and that’s how Big Brother took control over everyone’s “rat”. However. Big Brother can be the rat to many people, and that’s how Winston was able to mutineer against Big Brother.
Imagery: descriptive images
Example: "He looked around the canteen. A low ceilinged, crowded room, its walls grimy from the contact of innumerable bodies; battered metal tables and chairs, placed so close together that you sat with elbows touching; bent spoons, dented trays, coarse white mugs; all surfaces greasy, grime in every crack; and a sourish, composite smell of bad gin …show more content…
Also, the difference in the people, the people used to be filled with energy, happiness, and be motivated. However, now they were all brainwashed to just do everything and not even think about what they were doing.
Repetition: repeat something that has already be said/written
Example: “War is Peace; Freedom is Slavery; Ignorance is Strength” (Orwell 4,16,104).
Function: The Party made three slogans that are irrational and contradictory. The slogans all have double meanings one for the people and the other for the Party. Furthermore, the Party has brainwashed the people to believe whatever they say or promote.
Allusion: indirect reference
Example: 'I think I exist,' he said wearily. 'I am conscious of my own identity. I was born and I shall die. I have arms and legs. I occupy a particular point in space. No other solid object can occupy the same point simultaneously. In that sense, does Big Brother exist? (Orwell 259-260).
Function: When Winston goes into room 101 he will have no more freedom it will be all taken away once he goes in that room and all he can do is whatever Big Brother wants or tells him to