Friday 3 June 2011

I have to write a letter of compliment from Winston Smith to Big Brother from Orwell's 1984. What should I put in it?

For writing
this letter, it does matter whether this is thewho has not yet been arrested or the Winston at
the end of the novel, who has been tortured and brainwashed into complete love and acceptance of
Big Brother.

The earlier Winston would focus not on worship of Big Brother
himself but on praising him for being such an effective tool of propaganda. Winston would talk
about how Big Brother has truly made people aware that they are constantly being watched, so
that they do censor themselves against possible thoughtcrimes. He might praise Big Brother for
having posters of himself everywhere and for the way he has managed to make himself a father
figure to so many people. The focus would be on the success of Big Brother as an image rather
than on any personal devotion to Big Brother himself.

The later Winston would
not perceive Big Brother as a propaganda tool wielded by the state but would focus on him as a
genuinely great leader. This Winston would write about his sense of personal love and loyalty to
Big Brother as his savior and protector. He would express his willingness to die for Big
Brother. He might even hope to meet Big Brother.

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