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Questions and Answers
What percentage of the population did the Proles make up?
What percentage of the population did the Proles make up?
85%
What methods are used to easily keep the Proles under Party control?
What methods are used to easily keep the Proles under Party control?
They were given cheap things, such as clothing, alcohol (beer), and porn.
For the health of the Party, the Proles need not have strong political feelings; rather, they need to have:
For the health of the Party, the Proles need not have strong political feelings; rather, they need to have:
A primitive patriotism.
What does Winston copy a passage from?
What does Winston copy a passage from?
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What does this book have to say about capitalism?
What does this book have to say about capitalism?
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What is jus prime noctis?
What is jus prime noctis?
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What kind of work did Rutherford used to do?
What kind of work did Rutherford used to do?
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What does Winston notice about Aaronson and Rutherford's faces?
What does Winston notice about Aaronson and Rutherford's faces?
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In front of the telescreen, you can control most of the signs that can cause you to be arrested. What is nearly impossible to control that the telescreen can pick up on?
In front of the telescreen, you can control most of the signs that can cause you to be arrested. What is nearly impossible to control that the telescreen can pick up on?
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What is the concrete evidence Winston held in his hand that confessions are just forced lies?
What is the concrete evidence Winston held in his hand that confessions are just forced lies?
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Perhaps a lunatic was simply a:
Perhaps a lunatic was simply a:
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What is the important axiom that Winston writes in his diary?
What is the important axiom that Winston writes in his diary?
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Study Notes
Proles and Party Control
- Proles constitute 85% of the population in Oceania, playing a significant role in the societal structure.
- The Party maintains control over the Proles through cheap distractions, including affordable clothing, alcohol, and pornography.
- The Proles are encouraged to have a simplistic form of loyalty, described as "primitive patriotism," rather than strong political convictions.
Historical Context in Winston's Thoughts
- Winston copies a passage from a children's history book, reflecting on the indoctrination of the populace.
- The book portrays capitalism as a system where "Capitalists owned everything in the world and everyone was their slave," highlighting exploitation.
- "Jus prime noctis" refers to a law that allowed capitalists to claim the right to sleep with women working in their factories, emphasizing the moral depravity of the system.
Notable Characters and Observations
- Rutherford, a character referenced, was known as a famous caricaturist, contributing to historical commentary through satire.
- Winston observes Aaronson and Rutherford have broken noses, hinting at past struggles against the oppressive regime.
Surveillance and Control Mechanisms
- Telescreens can track most actions, but controlling heartbeats remains nearly impossible, illustrating the limits of surveillance.
- Winston holds evidence in the form of a "fragment of the abolished past," which serves to prove that confessions obtained by the Party are fabricated and coerced, akin to fossilized lies.
Mental and Philosophical Reflections
- A "lunatic" can simply represent a "minority of one," suggesting that individual thought deviating from the norm is seen as madness.
- An important axiom written in Winston's diary is that "Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two makes four." This underscores the fundamental importance of truth and individual perception in a totalitarian regime.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge on Chapter 7 of George Orwell's '1984'. This quiz covers key concepts about the Proles and their role in the Party's control. Challenge yourself with flashcard questions that explore the social and political dynamics within the book.
