Examples Of Propaganda In 1984 By George Orwell

The Party uses propaganda as a powerful weapon against the citizens of Oceania. It is used to brainwash, control, and instill fear within Oceania. One of the most effective forms of propaganda used in 1984 is the saying “BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU” (Orwell 1). It is a slogan that is introduced at the very beginning of the novel which aims to keep the citizens of Oceania in line with the totalitarian rule in a brainwashing way. This poster itself is placed religiously all over Oceania, which symbolizes the constant reminder of the surveillance being used to keep people in order. The poster has an image of a face which in the text is described as, “an enormous face gazed from the wall. It was one of those pictures which are so contrived that the eyes follow you about when you move”

It shows eyes that are always watching the civilians. This poster is considered propaganda because it terrifies the individuals into conforming to society’s strict rules, by promoting and publicizing a particular political image. Furthermore, it is misleading in the sense that, they are referring to themselves as “Big Brother”, which sounds to be a loving sibling or even mentor. But in reality is a controlling dictatorship. Another effective form of propaganda can be seen as the Party’s slogan “War is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength” (Orwell 6). “War is Peace” means that while Oceania is at war with other countries, the citizens will stay united because there is a common enemy. Therefore, by keeping war, people do not have enemies inside the country because the citizens are busy fighting enemies outside the country. In 1984, the war is not necessary, but is kept as a way to control the people. The contradiction with this quote is that war and peace are opposites; furthermore, people can’t have peace when they feel threatened by a war. In 1984, people feel threatened by rocket bombs and Eurasian soldiers, when