Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Language and the Novel 1984
The other day I was listening to the audiobook of 1984, written by George Orwell. The book tells the story of Winston Smith and his attempt to rebel against the totalitarian state in which he lives (cite). This government controls EVERYTHING, clothing, sleep, jobs, etc. Winston Smith works for the government and one day speaks with one of his colleagues, Syme. Syme is working on a new language called Newspeak, derived from English. For example; Ingsoc is a word for "English Socialism" in Newspeak. As one can see the language is a simplified form of English. The reason for this adaptation of English is so the government can have even more control over the people. The new language for example will not have words that have a connotation of dissension, so that there could be no dissension. The same goes for words such as "freedom" or "love". The government in the novel 1984 now has total control over the people because they have restricted the peoples' language. Furthermore, this falls in line with the article, Whorf (or Whore, depending on your eyesight) on Language. The restriction on the language also constricts a person's thoughts or perceptions. Just thought I would share this with you in the hope to prompt discussion.
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Gordon mentioned that the government eliminates words such as "freedom" and "love". As I have not read the book I don't know how Orwell develops this idea, but I wonder just how effective that would be. Emotion is built into a person, whether there are words to describe it or not. Therefore, the people would (could) still feel a strong sense of love and express it, though they could not verbally say "I love you". Though it would be frustrating to the people to have such a strong emotion and not really be able to describe it, love would still exist and could be expressed in ways other than verbal declaration.
As for dissention, though there wouldn't be words for going against the government, would this really stop people from thinking in that way? Despite the lack of specific words for dissension rebellion, etc, the people cannot be prevented from the emotion of "dislike". Could they not still feel the desire to not follow the government? And what relating to language could prevent them from acting upon their desire?
First of all, I hope this is the first time you've read this book, Gordon. It's so depressing, how could anyone bear to reread it?!
Anyway, I think the bigger idea of Newspeak is that the word "freedom" no longer exists. The thought is that if there is no word to convey the idea, the idea will disappear over time. Its not so much that the feeling of dissention would disappear, but that nothing other than the status quo exists in the populace's mind. For example, if the Founding Fathers had no concept of liberty, it wouldn't occur to them that it was obtainable, and they wouldn't rebel.
Haha, i disagree Casey. i've read the book more than once, and i dont think it's depressing. it shows man's ability to go against everything that he/she has been taught, and risking life itself, in pursuit of emotional/intellectual liberty. I find this message very positive and a constant source of inspiration that drives me to step out of bounds to accomplish what i believe should be done. the end is a little sad though =]
If you want depressing, read Orwell's Animal Farm. We get our puttuties kicked by pigs....
Ali, ask yourself this...
When you think about a teacher you dislike (no need to name names)does the phrase "I don't like her/him" come to mind? You would not be able to think this thought especially why you think this thought if you do not have the words. Especially in the case of 1984 where Winston (Main Character) dislikes the government in place. He thinks and writes about how he hates the government. If there was no such word as hate, or any word that meant anything close to hate, Winston would not be able to formulate ideas, much less write on them.
Could you say "I love North Central" or even "North Central good" if there were no such words as "good" and "love"?
My answer to this is that only if you are completely uneducated can one think about something without using language (for example a baby).
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