Anthropological Pentadic Analysis Of 1984

1984: An Anthropological Pentadic Analysis

The ideological system within 1984 begins with the sole reliance of Big Brother, and His teachings such as “War is Peace”, “Freedom is Slavery”, and “Ignorance is Strength”. The worth of an individual in this novel, more specifically, in Oceania, pertains to their loyalty to Big Brother. Throughout the novel, the religion in Oceania seems to be Big Brother, as He is the one who sets up the beliefs of the people and the system of moral relationships and the one that is worshipped. The rather thick line between defining what sane or insane means lies in the individual’s loyalty to Oceania, and in turn, Big Brother. With that comes the acceptance of societal norms such as being regularly watched

These classes are respectively the highest class, the middle class, and the lowest class. The intermingling between all three groups are not seen as a problem, though as in most societies, those in one social class stick closer together as they have the same living standards and by result, ideals. Those who are proles are less closely monitored by the government as it believes that the proles are too weak and uneducated to rebel. Though, they are the most free in society as they are not required to possess a telescreen, and are able to enjoy pastimes such as music, drinking, and even casual intercourse. The most restricted class is the Outer Circle, as the government possesses them as threat due to their level of education, which risks awareness that the Inner Circle is corrupt and full of unchecked power. Their restrictions include not being able to turn off the telescreen, as it monitors their every move, as well as refraining from intercourse unless for procreative purposes. With a close eye on the Outer Circle, The Party can ensure its power by eliminating those who dare to harbor thoughts deemed inappropriate. Being a member in the Inner Circle grants the highest privilege and luxury there is to offer in Oceania, such as having the privilege to turn off the telescreen and paying no heed to rations. Even with that, members of the Inner Circle are still subject to stay loyal to the rules in place, else they get executed. As long as there are no thoughts and actions that deviate from the norm, such as questioning the government, “peace”