Learning Log #3: Government Control

The Party has many ways of keeping its citizens in submission. Two of these ways have to do with controlling their understanding of the past and their understanding of reality. In 1-2 paragraphs, analyze these two methods of control and explain how they function in Oceania. (100 words minimum and at least five sentences)

• Understanding of the past: Consider the Party slogan “Who controls the past, controls the future; who controls the present controls the past” (p. 34). What does Winston understand this slogan to mean? What is Orwell asking his readers to think about through his use of this slogan for the Ingsoc Party?

• Understanding reality: “Even to understand the word ‘doublethink’ involved the use of doublethink.” How does Winston explain the concept of “doublethink” and what is its function for the Party?