Austispomonti
11-04-2009, 09:10 PM
In this novel 1984, the world is split up into three major super powers. Which from what I've learned Oceania comprises of present day Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, Polynesia, Southern Africa, and the Americas. Eurasia comprises of continental Europe and northern Asia. And last Eastasia comprises of Japan, China, Korea, and Northern India.
My problem is the scattered territory of Oceania. You don't see countries today scattered about and all completely owned by one power, yes there are some colonies yet it's not as strictly controlled. If you notice Oceania's capitol city (Airstrip One), it is directly next to Eurasia. Geographically speaking Eurasia's European territory completely out weighs Oceania's European territory. Now compared in distance it would also take much longer for Oceania's reinforcements to reach Western Europe then for Eurasia armies to. So then if these countries are in such a terrible war why haven't or why isn't Eurasia invading Ireland or Great Britain? Maybe most of Oceania's military is based in Airstrip One, but then that would leave the rest of its territories weak. Which if the other territories are weak because Oceania forces are based in Airstrip One, then why hasn't a different teeritory been taken over easily? I know they mainly talk about Europe but had Orwell noted that scattered territories no matter how strong usually fall apart? For example back in the 15th and 16th centuries when the Americas were being colonized and taken over by Europe, they eventually gained independence and were taken over by their people. My point is Europe was a very strong country at that time yet could not control its colonies completely from across the long distance and lost control of them. Oceania is even more spread and has not had any problem, also while at war with Eurasia that has the advantage in size and distance to Oceania's capitol city.
This leaves another thought, maybe there can't possibly be a war because Oceania owns such scattered territories and they don't seem to be tampered with by enemy powers. Oceania is centered around Europe which other than bombs has no real attacks or invasions from the closely neighboring enemy Eurasia. The Party talks of a hard war Oceania is fighting and doing well in yet there seems to be no gaining or losing in land. It doesn't completely make sense to why the three powers are split up as such other than for the fact to center everything around Europe and to make Oceania the strongest. Oceania shouldn't control Great Britain and Ireland Eurasia should. In summary, i don't believe that Oceania should control Great Britain and Ireland the way Orwell has the territories set up between powers.
Do you see any contradictions with my theory, any thoughts?
My problem is the scattered territory of Oceania. You don't see countries today scattered about and all completely owned by one power, yes there are some colonies yet it's not as strictly controlled. If you notice Oceania's capitol city (Airstrip One), it is directly next to Eurasia. Geographically speaking Eurasia's European territory completely out weighs Oceania's European territory. Now compared in distance it would also take much longer for Oceania's reinforcements to reach Western Europe then for Eurasia armies to. So then if these countries are in such a terrible war why haven't or why isn't Eurasia invading Ireland or Great Britain? Maybe most of Oceania's military is based in Airstrip One, but then that would leave the rest of its territories weak. Which if the other territories are weak because Oceania forces are based in Airstrip One, then why hasn't a different teeritory been taken over easily? I know they mainly talk about Europe but had Orwell noted that scattered territories no matter how strong usually fall apart? For example back in the 15th and 16th centuries when the Americas were being colonized and taken over by Europe, they eventually gained independence and were taken over by their people. My point is Europe was a very strong country at that time yet could not control its colonies completely from across the long distance and lost control of them. Oceania is even more spread and has not had any problem, also while at war with Eurasia that has the advantage in size and distance to Oceania's capitol city.
This leaves another thought, maybe there can't possibly be a war because Oceania owns such scattered territories and they don't seem to be tampered with by enemy powers. Oceania is centered around Europe which other than bombs has no real attacks or invasions from the closely neighboring enemy Eurasia. The Party talks of a hard war Oceania is fighting and doing well in yet there seems to be no gaining or losing in land. It doesn't completely make sense to why the three powers are split up as such other than for the fact to center everything around Europe and to make Oceania the strongest. Oceania shouldn't control Great Britain and Ireland Eurasia should. In summary, i don't believe that Oceania should control Great Britain and Ireland the way Orwell has the territories set up between powers.
Do you see any contradictions with my theory, any thoughts?