Class notes
Marxist literary theory & 1984
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- ENG4U
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- 12th Grade
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One of the concepts that can be found in Marxist literary theory is different treatment ofpeople based on which class they classify. Marxist theory includes the following concept “The
poor and disadvantaged deserve to share in available resources and have a right to equal
treatment rather than being mistreated and taken advantage of on the basis of class.” This
connects to 1984 because ordinary people that the party calls proles are treated very differently
than people who choose to accept the conditions of the government. People who accept the
conditions of the party receive special treatment, they are seen as valued and worthy in front of
other people in the party. People who choose to go against the status quo such as Winston, Julia
and other members are called “Thoughtcrime''. If any member of the party finds people who do
thoughtcrime are vandalized. Their names are then removed from history like they never existed.
People who do not work in any section of the ministry are called proles. These people are the
easiest to influence since they are entertained by pornography, this drives their attention away
from reality and the urge to change the status quo. The party members constantly change the
media that exists around them however they like. Winston is part of the ministry of truth that also
changes the information found in news, books, songs etc to match the party’s needs.
The party calls people who go against the status quo in public “Thoughtcrime”. People
who do this like many others in the past will be vandalized and killed. These serious
consequences make it very difficult for Julia and Winston to change the status quo. Both of them
have a serious urge to change the status quo but knowing the consequences of their actions, they
are forced to maintain the status quo. Winston and Julia have gone against the status quo many
times in the novel by discussing issues that are present because of the party, not agreeing with the
party etc. While Winston and Julia are secretive about it and make sure there is no hidden
microphone and telescreen, they can do what they want without a problem.
Marxist theory says that different treatment is given based on people’s class. This applies
to the novel because all of the voices are given to the party instead of the people. If a prole does
voice their opinion in public, they have committed a thought crime. The party will vandalize, kill
them and remove their name from history like they never existed. It is very difficult for Winston
and Julia to change the status quo becuase of the situation around them. This gives a lot of power
to the party menbers and no power to proles or ordinary people.
Works cited: 1984 - Marxist Literary Theory by Andrea Krasowski (prezi.com)
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