1. What is “Oligarchical Collectivism”?
a) Analyse this term by defining the root of each word.
Oligarchy – a small group of people having control of a country or organization
Collectivism – the practice or principle of giving a group priority over each individual
in it
A society ruled by a small group of elites which values the many over the individual
b) Based on your understanding of this term, explain whether or not the society we
have read about so far in 1984 qualifies as “Oligarchical Collectivism” using
examples.
Yes – ruled by ‘inner party’ (oligarchy)
Yes – no one (except inner party) can have individuality and everything one does has
to benefit society
Ironic – the society only benefits the few (inner party)
2. According to Goldstein, how has war changed in recent decades? How have the
motivations for war changed? Describe the motivation and primary aim of modern war
in 1984.
No longer a ‘desperate’ ‘struggle’ – sides are not looking for any material gain, don’t
harbour conflicting ideologies and cannot destroy each other – ‘the primary aim of
modern warfare… is to use up the products of the machine without raising the general
standard of living.’
3. Why does “the machine” threaten a hierarchical society? What is essential to the
structure of a hierarchical society? Why?
The standard of living would increase, and society would be more equal – more unstable
– no one has more right to power than anyone else
4. What mindset is created by war? According to Goldstein, why is this necessary for
Oligarchical Collectivism?
‘credulous and ignorant fanatic whose prevailing moods are fear, hatred, adulation and
orgiastic triumph’ – need leadership, more likely to follow the advice of people in power
5. What is “doublethink”? Describe this concept using an example from the novel.
Simultaneously believing two opposing ideas – the inner party members know that news
about the war is often ‘untruthful’ and yet believes it is ‘real and will end victoriously’
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