Monday, 30 January 2012

In 1984, what is a significant quote made by Parsons and a significant quote made by Syme?

"Orthodoxy means not
thinkingnot needing to think. Orthodoxy is unconsciousness" ( 68).


While Syme is explaining tothe significance of Newspeak, he
comments on how language will affect the population's thought process. Syme's comment about
orthodoxy concerns the Party's goal to eliminate the need to think. The Party is attempting to
narrow language to the point that thoughts, ideas, and concepts will become nonexistent.
Orthodoxy is essentially accepting anything Big Brother says without thinking about it. Citizens
who are unable to think for themselves will never present a threat to the authoritarian
government.

"I dont bear her any grudge for it. In
fact Im proud of her. It shows I brought her up in the right spirit, anyway" (Orwell
295).

While Winston is sitting in a cell in the Ministry
of Love, Parsons suddenly walks in. Winston is shocked to see Parsons and asks why he was
arrested. Parsons says that his daughter turned him in for thoughtcrime. Despite knowing that
his own daughter has essentially ruined his life, Parsons is so devoted to Big Brother that he
doesn't even blame her. Parsons's comment about how he is proud of his daughter reveals the
extent of his orthodoxy. Like many Party members, Parsons openly accepts the Party's message and
believes that he was genuinely in the wrong. 

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