Satire

Question 1

what does 1984 satirise?

Answer 1

1984 clearly satirises totalitarianism — Orwell takes the typical features of totalitarian states like Nazi Germany and Communist Russia and develops them to extremes

for example, Big Brother is not simply a dictator like Stalin, he is an immortal ruler and man made god

it also satirises the abuse of ideology, as this society is supposedly based on socialism (INGSOC)

Question 2

purpose of satire

Answer 2

increase our understanding — allowing us to clearly see the totalitarian features of society, keeping us aware of the dangers and reducing the chance of such a society existing in Britain

frighten us — would’ve been a very real fear when the book was published (Nazi Germany, Communist Russia)

act as a warning

enables us to see the absurdity of totalitarianism — makes us regard it with amused contempt

Question 3

religious references in 1984

Answer 3

God is replaced by Big Brother — he is seen as having divine attributes, during the TMH a woman calls him her saviour and prays to him

the telescreen represents the omnipresent, all seeing eye of God

Emmanuel Goldstein — Emmanuel is the biblical word for ‘messiah’

thoughtcrime represents sin

2 + 2 = 5 represents a miracle

Question 4

why are there religious references in 1984?

Answer 4

one definition of totalitarianism is the secularisation of religious aspirations, ideas and ideology

e.g. the leader is attributed with divine features and characteristics, worshipped like a god

1984 can therefore be seen as an attack and criticism of the use and abuse of religion to justify one set of people imposing their wills on another

Question 5

how is 1984 satirical of contemporary Britain?

Answer 5

contains rationing, nationalisation, government control, etc — all seen in post-WW2 Britain

the 1945-50 Labour government nationalised major industries

Question 6

significance of satirising contemporary Britain

Answer 6

Orwell may be pointing out the danger of what the government might become

totalitarianism is so powerful and can take over anything, he wanted to emphasise the importance of fighting totalitarianism otherwise it would triumph anywhere, even in Britain (significance of the setting being London)

totalitarianism was a real fear but many believed it could not possibly manifest in a democracy like Britain’s — Orwell sought to challenge this view