Does The Past Exist In 1984 By George Orwell
In today’s society, history is constantly being rewritten due to archeologic discoveries and scientific advances. However, if all artifacts from the past are destroyed, and if every individual’s memory of the past is distorted, the past no longer exists. Throughout 1984 by George Orwell, it is evident that the past cannot exist if nobody remembers it, which further proves that the Party has complete control over its people. In the novel, Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, and his job is to rewrite what has occurred in the past in order to fit the Party’s narrative. Winston remarks to Julia that he knows, “of course, that the past is falsified, but it would never be possible for me to prove it, even when I did the falsification myself.
After the thing is done, no evidence ever remains. The only evidence is inside my own mind, and I don't know with any certainty that any other human being shares my memories” (page 162). In this section of the novel, Winston states that the only proof that he has of the past existing is his own memory. However, when the Party brainwashes the citizens into believing their motifs, their memory of the past is no longer intact, eliminating any proof of the past existing. When everyone believes a lie, it becomes the truth. Also, the fact that the only proof Winston has is his own memory, proves the Party has absolute control over Oceania’s citizens— if someone rebels, they are brainwashed; and if there is physical evidence of the past, it is demolished. Furthermore, near the end of the novel, Winston recalls a memory from his childhood, but dismisses it because “it was a false memory. He was troubled by false memories occasionally. They did not matter so long as one knew them for what they were” (page 309). The fall of Winston’s character is shown by the end of the novel. Winston can no longer believe his own memories because of him being the subject of the Party’s torture. Winston, who was once so adamant in his beliefs, is now just a puppet loyal to the Party. The Party has the power to manipulate people into believing that real memories are indeed false, which further validates that the citizens of Oceania are in total control in the Party’s favour. Ultimately, the past cannot exist if nobody can remember it, which proves that the Party has complete and utter control over the citizens of Oceania.
After the thing is done, no evidence ever remains. The only evidence is inside my own mind, and I don't know with any certainty that any other human being shares my memories” (page 162). In this section of the novel, Winston states that the only proof that he has of the past existing is his own memory. However, when the Party brainwashes the citizens into believing their motifs, their memory of the past is no longer intact, eliminating any proof of the past existing. When everyone believes a lie, it becomes the truth. Also, the fact that the only proof Winston has is his own memory, proves the Party has absolute control over Oceania’s citizens— if someone rebels, they are brainwashed; and if there is physical evidence of the past, it is demolished. Furthermore, near the end of the novel, Winston recalls a memory from his childhood, but dismisses it because “it was a false memory. He was troubled by false memories occasionally. They did not matter so long as one knew them for what they were” (page 309). The fall of Winston’s character is shown by the end of the novel. Winston can no longer believe his own memories because of him being the subject of the Party’s torture. Winston, who was once so adamant in his beliefs, is now just a puppet loyal to the Party. The Party has the power to manipulate people into believing that real memories are indeed false, which further validates that the citizens of Oceania are in total control in the Party’s favour. Ultimately, the past cannot exist if nobody can remember it, which proves that the Party has complete and utter control over the citizens of Oceania.