1984: Class Struggle Quotes

Class Struggle in 1984

• Proles represent the working class, holding potential power if they recognize their strength; metaphor of a horse shaking off flies emphasizes innate capability.
• The Party, particularly the Inner Party, embodies a warped enthusiasm for power; maintaining inequality requires a state of 'controlled insanity' among the populace.
• The Party's motivation centers solely on acquiring and sustaining power without concern for the welfare of the society.
• Middle-class characters within the Party prioritize a tranquil life over radical societal change; the oppressive nature of Oceania makes this peace unattainable.
• Historical patterns reveal past oligarchies failed due to ignorance, arrogance, or a shift toward liberalism, leading to downfall.

Orwell’s Political Views

• Orwell endorsed democratic socialism as a counteraction to working-class oppression, emphasizing equality and justice.
• Totalitarianism is viewed as a significant threat in socialist contexts, warning against concentration of power that undermines freedom.

Society Structure in 1984

• Society is divided into three social classes: the elite Inner Party, the labor-focused Outer Party, and the largely uneducated Proles who make up the majority.

Goldstein’s Book

• Goldstein's text is titled "The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism," serving as a critique of totalitarian regimes.
• The book parodies key Marxist works, particularly "The Communist Manifesto" and Lenin's "Testament," highlighting ideological conflicts.

Marxist Theory in Context

• Marxists argue that the middle class seeks to replace the ruling elite by mobilizing the lower class; this cyclical power struggle leads to a resurgence of oppression.