Hello I just started reading 1984. I have a question about why Winston's place where he works is called Ministry of Truth when he does not tell the truth, but lies for the government? Another question is why does Winston keep doing his job if he does not like it?
But it does tell the truth, at least through the eyes of Big Brother. Its purpose is to ensure that all previous written records reflect the current truth. Of course the current truth and reality are dictated by The Party and exist only in one's mind, a mind brainwashed by The Party. So, yes, they are changing the past with lies, but they do so to reflect their version of the truth. This is the essence of doublethink - accepting two contradictory views of reality. Simply put, it means believing in the lies you create. The name itself, Ministry of Truth, is an exercise in doublethink.
He keeps working there because he wants to stay alive. Even the slightest deviation from his work routine would arouse suspicion from the Thought Police. I'd imagine that a request to be transferred to a different job would be a direct one-way ticket to the Ministry of Love and Room 101. As you read more, this should become very obvious why Winston lives in a constant state of terror and paranoia.
Last edited by cr4909; 12-08-2005 at 07:27 PM.
although he doesnt like his job, he keeps it because he can be creative. In Oceania your individuality and creativity are not allowed. This gives him the opportunity to be creative in a sense. He is able to write stories. He enjoys having that creative aspect in his life.
I believe that cr4909 is completely correct because for the first question it is the ministry of truth because this is what the public will think is the triy the truthto them because its the only thing that they will ever hear because it is against the law to have it any other way.
For thew second question I believe cr4909 is also right for this because if he didnt work here he would be very apt to get caught and possibly go to jail but just working for the ministry already gives him a kind of boost. But i also think he works there because it is a pretty high government position in my mind and he probably makes pretty good money compared to a lot of other people in Ocenia.
I believe you have an excellent question. I believe, however, that the answer is simple- FEAR. If Winston doesn't continue working at the Ministry of Truth, then He will be suspected. There are probably many more reasons, mine could even be wrong, but it seems to fit.
He has to
Fear!!!
i think one of the main reasons that Winston Still works there is fear of being suspected and possible vaporized. I think the Name is irony seeing how Winston really lies and bends the truth to make Big Brother toe good guy. Winston's job is a propagandist he lies to make the government look better and he really hates it but is in fear of being caught and convicted to be vaporized
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