1984 #3

         George Orwell's 1984 brings a whole new meaning to the word orthodox.  In chapter five Orwell explains what it means to be orthodox under the regime of Big Brother.  The definition of orthodoxy is brought to light by Winston's fellow comrade and closest thing to a friend: Syme.  Syme works for the Party as a philologist helping to destroy Oldspeak and creating Newspeak, a language that anihalates language itself.  In Syme's explanation of the destruction of language for the amelioration of the party he articulates that as words are destroyed the way people think will change.  In turn there will be drastic results; "The whole climate of thought will be different.  In fact there will be no thought, as we understand it now.  Orthodoxy means not thinking--not needing to think.  Orthodoxy is unconsciousness" (Orwell 53).  Syme's words are a clear revelation of what Big Brother and the Party intend to do.  This strange definition of orthodoxy is not so abstract, rather it is the perfect model for a totalitarian society.  The Party requires that all citizens adhere to strict orthodoxy.  This orthodoxy calls for thoughts that do not dissent against Big Brother.  In the eradication of words the Party acts brilliantly.  Words are very important, they allow people to transfer thoughts and ideas to one another.  As words are destroyed people's vocabulary is limited.  With a limited vocabulary people are incapable of communicating. Lack of communication leads to the impediment of ideas.  With no new ideas being brought to light people will have nothing to think on.  Should the Party succeed in giving people nothing to think on save blind obedience to the Party itself, Big Brother would have the perfect group of subjects.  Dissonance would never be found within Oceania because not one dissenting idea would exist.  "Unconsciousness" would be the norm.   In Big Brother's totalitarian regime the government thinks for the people, this works best with an unconscious people.  The minute that the people stop thinking for themselves and follow this orthodoxy is the moment that Big Brother and the Party gain total control.