Nineteen Eighty-Four, Part 1, Chapter 4 By Rachie Clissold

Summary In this chapter we meet Winston engaged in his job at the Ministry of Truth. He receives instructions every day, in ‘Newspeak’. He works in the Ministry of Truth and his work area and job are explained. Throughout this chapter, a few further characters are also introduced: Ampleforth, Tillotson, Withers and a fictitious character called Comrade Ogilvy. This chapter provides a more detailed insight of how the society works. For example, how Comrade Ogilvy is made-up but is stated that ‘his existence would become an indisputable fact’ in the future. This reflects on how much power the party has, the ability to recreate an individual. It also shows the power the party has as they have the ability to declare a person as an ‘unperson’, in which basically the person vanishes.

Narrative Devices used in this Chapter to create momentum and the theme of totalitarianism Character Style Dialogue

Characters used to portray totalitarianism Chapter 4 uses characters in order to enlighten readers about the circumstances in which the they live. By creating characters such as Comrade Ogilvy and Withers, the totalitarianism of Big Brother is shown. The ability to create a fictitious historical figure, as well as vaporizing all records of a human being, shows the complete power that Big Brother holds over the lives of the citizens in this society.

Characters create momentum Momentum is created because Orwell introduces characters within this chapter who seem suspicious. These characters lure readers to investigate who these people may be and how they contribute to the life of Winston. For example, in this chapter a character called Tillotson is introduced and is described as having “had the air of trying to keep what he was saying a secret between himself and the telescreen. He looked up, and his spectacles darted a hostile flash in Winston’s direction.” Moreover, Orwell writes, “...Comrade Tillotson was still crouching secretively over his speakwrite. He raised his head for a moment: again the hostile spectacle-flash.” This exhibits the suspicion and secretiveness of this man whom Winston barely knows. By doing this, it becomes prevalent to readers that there is something occurring which they do not know about. This then tempts readers to carry on reading which creates momentum.

Style to form Totalitarianism The chapter is written formally and with extensive vocabulary and detail. The work place was explained in great detail, signalling the complexity and intricacy of the party’s idea of life. This creates the theme of totalitarianism by creating a sense that the party is ensuring control over every detail of a human’s life.

Style creates momentum The style produces momentum because the detail provides a meticulous picture of a work environment which is different to the present day’s work environment. This interests readers in how the society functions and the reasons for the changes.

Dialogue to portray totalitarianism By creating notes (the communication between Big Brother and Winston) which carry the ‘Order for the Day’ in Newspeak writing signifies how much power Big Brother has over the society. He was able to create new vocabulary which a dictionary is needed for. This shows totalitarianism as the party is regulating the public life of the society. The total power is also shown through how the society does not have the confidence to speak to others. In this chapter, it is stated, “There were quite a dozen people whom Winston did not even know by name, though he daily saw them hurrying to and fro in the corridors or gesticulating in the Two Minutes Hate,” as well as, “People in the Records Department did not readily talk about their jobs.” Totalitarianism is demonstrated by Big Brother being able to completely control the social lives of the citizens, preventing people from communicating with others in their own work environment.

Dialogue creates momentum Within this chapter, there are several instances where Tillotson exchanges looks with Winston, this precludes readers from fully understanding the situation. The notes in coded ‘Newspeak’ also prevents readers from understanding exactly what is going on in the story. Moreover, there is a lack of dialogue and communication within Winston’s work space which produces confusion. This lack of understanding creates a momentum for readers to keep reading in order to understand what is going on.