Topic. In my essay, I will be focusing on the themes of language, including the soulpower of contemplation and the crucial role of language in thinking, and the theory of totalitarian philosophy versus the practical consequences of it.
Draft of enthymeme thesis. Orwell’s distaste for totalitarian rule is evident through his treatment of language and reality in his novel 1984. Therefore, one may rightly say that his novel is a fictitious reaction to his experiences serving in the Spanish Civil War.
Scholarly sources. (1) Orwell Conundrum: A Cry of Despair or Faith in the Spirit of Man? (Erika Gottlieb), (2) George Orwell (John Rodden), (3) Language, Power and Ideology: Studies in political discourse (Ruth Wodak)
Close-reading sections.
Language
Pages: 53-54, 56, 84
At this moment, Syme is boasting to Winston about the shrinking of the Newspeak language. He considers this to be a triumphant feat, but, as the conversation progresses, it becomes clear that this is a preemptive measure to restrict and ultimately destroy any degree of independent thinking or communication. I will relate this scene to various aspects of totalitarian rule such as lack of individuality/independence, ultimate control and erasure. I will also use arguments made by Wodak in her book on language to highlight its potentially coercive power.
Totalitarianism in theory vs. in actuality
Pages (so far): 72, 76
Despite numerous historical examples of its failed application, it is not uncommon to hear of idealists who believe in the tenants of communism. Indeed, some would rather see a totalitarian, communist regime take power than continue to live under the heel of capitalism. While it may be true that, in a vacuum, communism has attractive features, pragmatically it is a deeply-flawed system of political rule. Using both Gottlieb and Rodden’s respective books, I will establish Orwell’s personal stance on the subject of totalitarian rule through reference to his service in the Spanish Civil War. I will also use my close-reading passages to demonstrate exactly how these views influenced his writing of 1984.