Identity Essay Para 1

Question 1

Part 1

The characters in Orwell’s novel and subjects of Funder’s recordings …

Answer 1

The characters in Orwell’s novel and subjects of Funder’s recordings are unified in the sense that they are able to restrict individual agency. The methods employed by the Stasi and the Party aim to create order, so that they can maintain control and crush any rebellion.

The Party is able to eradicate all freedom of thought through monitoring ‘thoughtcrime’. Winston for example is petrified to question the motives of Julia as his ‘features had not been perfectly under control’ for ‘the smallest thing could give you away’.

Question 2

Part 2

As Orwell makes clear, it is at the Party’s ..

Answer 2

As Orwell makes clear, the Party’s philosophy treats any statement as a potential threat, be it an ‘unconscious look’ or ‘a nervous tic’.

Though the Party reigns over a far more restrictive society than the secret police, their attitude resonates with the Stasi’s approach to surveillance.

Herr Bock’s interview states that the Stasi would use privileged information as ‘leverage’, creating division in order to ensure that candidates would be dutiful towards the Ministry.

Question 3

Part 3

No one is immune from being recruited nor…

Answer 3

No one is immune from being recruited nor suspected of ‘enemy activity’ and thus overtime, the definition of enemy became wider and wider.

The methods of ‘telephone tapping’ and ‘shadow surveillance’ sought to recruit only the most ‘honest, and trustworthy’. Those fortunate enough, at least in Herr’s view, were enabled to feel like ‘they were somebody’

Question 4

Part 4

Bock’s resent towards Funder using his name..

Answer 4

Bock’s resentment towards Funder using his name for the interview however suggest that he is still grappling with forging an identity independent of his Stasi past.

So whilst Funder might not empathise with Bock’s past, she cannot deny the evidence of the Stasi’s philosophies in shaping whom he has become.