Wednesday, 13 March 2013

Why does the Party simply not kill Winston Smith in 1984?

The goal
of the Party is relatively straightforward. The authoritarian regime wishes to maintain power
for eternity by controlling the populace through violence, manipulation, propaganda, economic
disparity, war, and fear. The Party does not simply execute dissidents but attempts to change
their opponents' perspective by psychologically torturing them to the point that they capitulate
and end up supporting the government they once challenged. As a means of
maintaining complete control over society, therefore, the Party wishes to convert their enemies
into loving, enthusiastic supporters.

During Winston's
imprisonment in the Ministry of Love,uses various methods of torture and mind-altering
procedures in order to change Winston's view of the Party. By the end of the story,transforms
into an enthusiastic supporter of Big Brother. Altering their opponents' minds is
a more effective way of preserving the authoritative regime's power than simply executing
dissidents.
Opponents of the Party are not depicted as martyrs and essentially
switch sides by becoming avid supporters of the Party. The Party's ability to alter one's mind
and spirit is especially disturbing and illustrates the power of Oceania's authoritative
regime. 

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