Oceania at War

[JAG1]

In 1984, Orwell describes that Oceania is engaging in constant war with Eastasia and Eurasia. The only evidence in the cities of this war, however, is a sporadic attack from rocket bombs. No one in the book is even named as a soldier. Julia says that the inner party simply launches rocket bombs to create the appearance of a war. This idea has merit within the novel because other than the bombs and propoganda, there is litle evidence of a war. If there is a war, I don't understand who fights in it and where the war is fought. Maybe Julia was right and the war is nonexistent or very small and the government usues it as an excuse to further suppress its citizens without the usual casualties and discomforts. It is a win-win situation for the government and a a loss for the citizens.


Please comment.

[EternalEpiphany]

Based on what is seen throughout the book, there is indeed very little evidence that actually points to the definitive existence of any true warfare taking place. It is not difficult to believe that all talk about war could be a means of stirring the heart's of those who reside in Oceania, with the news claiming of glorious victories over and over. It is also possible that a conflict is really taking place, but perhaps not on the scale that the media seems to make it appear.

[leogecko]

The only other support of a war that can very well also be fabricated is the parade of Mongolian prisoners of war. The party might as well launch rocket bombs into the prole sections to make it seem like an enemy exists. This sort of thing has been done before.
However, I don't believe there is a full-scale war.

[Teacher]

My interpretation is rather simple but accurate - there is no war. The Party's scripting on one satisfies one of the three tenets: War is Peace.

An American movie, I believe the title is, "Wag the dog" - portrays an American government staging a war for political gain.

Dusting Hoffman and Robert Deniro star if memory serves.

[markerboy]

I agree with this statement that there is no war. The war is just there to create a common enemy for everyone to hate. This causes nationalism and strengthings BB influence on the people of Oceania. This may also be classified as munipulation, which BB does quite frequently.

[The]

I agree that there is now war but the "war" is made up by the party to instill hate. I believe they do this to further control what the people think, and if you can control what people think then you can contol what people do.