The stress caused to the general population envelops them in a field of influence that handicaps its citizens both physically as well as mentally. By constantly forcing the population to undergo vigorous exercise, known as the physical jerks, Oceania’s rulers can run the population to temporary exhaustion, effectively running Winston and the rest of Oceania’s thoughts into oblivion. This form of induced ignorance acts as a message to the readers of the past, as well as to the present, as seemingly simple acts of rule can lead to ignorance, and eventually complete loss of control. Orwell’s memory of Europe and Asia’s past governments serve as a jarring reminder of what can happen when the citizens relinquish control of their powers, even if only for a brief moment. It was from these experiences that George Orwell created one of the book’s most famous quotes, “Big Brother is watching you”, as a response to the threat of both Communism and Totalitarianism (Orwell 2). George Orwell spent a large time of his life surrounded by both totalitarian and communist states, and it was in his experiences with the wars throughout the 40’s and onwards that he, the author, could create such a world with echoes of tyranny. These past experiences, paired with his time as a beggar, allowed Orwell to use his knowledge as a medium for remembrance. Here he …show more content…
In 1984, George Orwell states to the reader that he “who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past” (Orwell 1984). Winston Smith’s job among the inner party members is to help edit any documents designed to promote Oceania’s supposed prosperity, when in reality, reality itself is controlled through the surgical manipulation of both the past, as well as the present. This multi-tool within the government's disposal, coupled with the self-induced ignorance and poor memory of Oceania's citizens, can allow the government to remain in control, by initiating perpetual conflict among the two other equally as strong totalitarian governments. Winston, with his innate ability to twice think over the states words, can fight the state’s passive form of control, but unlike the induced mental and physical exhaustion, pain is the one motivator no one can resist. After months of torture, the government can weed out any stragglers who appear to be on the verge of free thought and therefore rebellion, and as a result the state of Oceania can maintain their third of the world through a combination of both passive, as well as active influence. Through the use of the destruction of individual communication, by manipulation of the past, enforcement through torture and technology, cannibalism of the English Language, and entrapment by the population's own youth, George Orwell can