Are We There Yet?

The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues. In 1984 by George Orwell, the author uses satire in order to criticize the flaws of a totalitarian government. The author utilizes irony, sarcasm and exaggeration to highlight his criticism so that people of a potential dystopian future if they turned to Communism as the answer for their problems.

In the novel, the controlling party's name Ingsoc whose idealized hero is called Big Brother.The party maintains control with the ironic use of doublethink: the ability to think two completely contradictory thoughts at the same time, believing both to be true. The irony in 1984 by George Orwell is embodied in the party's slogan: War is Peace; Freedom is Slavery; Ignorance is Strength. The party slogan holds different meanings, depending on who's reading it, making it an intelligent example of verbal irony. The stark contradictions in each individual oxymoron places emphasis on the overall absurdity of Ingsoc their governmental beliefs. Another example of irony is seen in the three ministries, that complete tasks contrary to their name. For instance, The Ministry of Truth fabricates lies; the Ministry of Love specializes in torture; the Ministry of Plenty causes shortages; and the Ministry of Peace wages war. Once again, Orwell does so in order to captivate his reader's attentions so that they could realize the satirical nature of his novel.

As for sarcasm it can be seen in the location where Winston lives. He lives in the Victory Mansions, Victory Mansions, an apartment for Outer Party members in what used to be London. However, there is nothing victorious about it. The author uses its name as a form of mockery by describing it in poor quality. Orwell criticizes the Party's neglect of living conditions, which fall short for those who are even in the inner party.

The exaggeration utilized by Orwell is seen in the extreme deprivation of freedom from the people. For instance, the states that the people own nothing "except the few cubic centimetres inside your skull." (29) This showcases how they are not even allowed to think for themselves, The main character, Winston, lives in a society where the government practices mind control. This is never more evident than the fact that people are led to believe that "2+2=5." (29) Exaggeration is also seen by the censorship and surveillance within the book. On the telescreens, figures for all types of production are grossly exaggerated in order to indicate an ever-growing economy, when the reality is consonantly recessed. Once again the citizens are shown what to believe. Censorship is seen in the Ministry of Truth where photographs are modified and public archives rewritten to rid them of "unpersons" (people who the Party decided to erase from history).One small example of the endless censorship is when Winston is charged with the task of eliminating a reference to an unperson in a newspaper article. As for surveillance, there are telescreens and hidden microphones everywhere that enable the government to see what people are doing, This reinforces the idea that "Big Brother is Watching You". Orwell criticizes the government's possessive control on its people. The fear of being caught causes people to become obedient citizens.

Overall, Orwell utilizes irony, sarcasm, and exaggeration to criticize totalitarian governments and denounce Stalinism. The author does so in order to raise awareness amongst members of the free world. The chilling warning in 1984 constantly remind us to question whether or not we are enabling our governments to this futuristic society--hopefully not!

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

I've recently started reading 1984 by George Orwell. This was one of the novels that I was always informed but never got my hands a hold of. I specifically remember discussions about this book in my freshman world history class. Orwell critiques the notions and practices of totalitarian regimes by establishing one of his very own. 1984 is set in Oceania-- a place where the Party scrutinizes human actions with ever-watchful Big Brother. The party itself maintain three slogan: the party's three slogans: "War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength." This was created to manipulate the population of Oceania. To the people, however, the slogan simply means that world peace cannot be obtained without war, that their ignorance promoted optimism. If the public knew the true state of which Oceania was in and how they had been fooled and manipulated, they would rebel, and thus take away the Party's power. To the Party, this slogan keeps the public in check via the "scare tactic". Why so? Because a frightened population is easier to manipulate.

Winston, the main character, lives in a society where individuals and independent thinking are persecuted. Everywhere Winston goes, the government has direct control over its people, whether it be through censorship, surveillance, or propaganda. For instance, it invented language called Newspeak, which attempts to prevent political rebellion by eliminating all the words related to it. If one even thinks rebellious thoughts then they are violating the law--known as "thoughtcrime." Winston commits this crime by keeping a diary. Although it is illegal, it provides him the platform to express his freedom that is constantly oppressed by the government. In fact, the governments overpowering control carries along with him in his day to day job. He works in the Ministry of Truth, which is responsible for propaganda and historical revisionism. His job is to rewrite past newspaper articles and destroy documents that do not contain the revisions, so that the historical record always supports the party line. I do not even want to imagine what it would be like living in a society like that.

Not to mention, the government sees EVERYTHING that you are doing. The party is able to oversee it's citizens actions through the use of telescreens and televisions. They even utilized children as a means of keeping tabs on their parents. The notion that "Big Brother is Watching You" instills fear in the people and reminds that their every move is under surveillance. One thing I admired about Winston was his desire to defy conventionality. Although one's ability to love others (which I find absolutely ridiculous) is banned by the government, Winston ends up establishing a relationship with a female character named Julia. By reading this novel I was truly witnessing the journey of one's fight against an oppressive regime. 

Overall, I truly enjoy reading this book. So far it has captivated my attention and enticed me with its plot. The more I read it this dystopian novel more I appreciate and value the freedom and personal rights that I am able to practice today. Orwell's work is making a move to earn a spot on my list of favorite novels. 

Othello or Iago: Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe

Hey Iago, I have one question:

I'm sure we've all heard about lies and how, when believed, they can prompt people to react irrationally. In William Shakespeare's Othello, Iago's evil pursuit to bring about Othello's downfall spurs him to disperse various lies. However, it is Othello's insecurity, gullible nature and overpowering jealousy that is to blame for for the outcome of this tragedy. 

In the play, Iago first reveals that he hates Othello because he was named his ancient rather than his lieutenant. His fury stems from the fact that Cassio, an arithmetician, was given the position over somebody with abundant war experience. Later on, Iago adds to our knowledge by exposing the rumored belief that Othello slept with his wife, Emilia. Off the bat, we know that Othello was the sole root of Iago's cunning plan. Perhaps if he had given Iago the position in the first place, none of this would have occurred. But, this is Shakespeare's work. What fun would that be?

Throughout the play, Othello never once thought of questioning Iago’s virtue until it was eventually exposed by Emilia. Therefore, it did not occur to him that the "honest" Iago was harboring heaps of animosity. When Othello ironically stated that "Iago is most honest" (29), he showcased how he was placing reliance and honor onto the name of a manipulative liar. Othello's trust ultimately enables Iago to place him into "a jealousy so strong that judgement cannot cure" (28). He does so by planting seeds into Othello's mind. After Iago raises Othello’s suspicions about his wife’s fidelity, Othello begins to ponder about the state of his marriage. Rather than confronting Desdemona or Cassio, he becomes a gullible fool. A prime example is when Iago's words seeped into Othello's mind and prompted him to endure a trance. Although there was no concrete evidence that supported Iago's accusations, Othello allowed himself to become vulnerable.

This vulnerability is in part because of Othello's insecurity. As an old black man, he acknowledges a stark contrast between him and his beautiful white wife. Although, Othello is undeniably in love with Desdemona, he never seems to accept the fact that he is worthy of her choice. As evidence, he stated, “Haply for I am black, And have not those soft parts of conversation that chamberers have…” (48). He makes it clear how he deduces that the color of his own flesh prevents him from showcasing the same elegance as others. These insecurities prompt Othello to suspect that Desdemona could one day cheat on him with someone more appealing to the eye. And who other than Cassio? A handsome Florentine who is educated in the arts of courtesy and eloquence. It's clear why such thoughts drove Othello mad.

Equally important is the fact that at the very end of the tragedy Othello claims how he was "one that loved not wisely but too well" (91). This showcases his own admission of fault. He enabled his deep love for Desdemona to poison him with a fatal dose of jealously. In fact, it is Othello who ends up killing himself--figuratively and literally. Shakespeare showcases how lies can be easily disguised as truths, but how it is our own responsibility to decipher between the two. Failure to do so is a failure we bring upon ourselves. For this reason, Othello is the one to blame.

Amidst all the drama, I'm sure even Maury agrees with my decision.