Thursday, 7 March 2013

What is the symbolic meaning of dust in "1984"?

Dust
permeates life in Oceania, among both Party members and Proles. It is within one way or another
from the start of the novel to the finish.

Dust symbolizes the decay and
oppression that the state has visited on the people. It is also evidence of the constant warfare
which Oceania engages in with its enemies, for much of the dust comes from bombs destroying
buildings. Dust lays over everything, a real indicator that Oceania is not experiencing the
progress the Party claims for it. Winston's flat is dusty, his office is dusty, Mr.
Charrington's shop is dusty, the streets are dusty, and...

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