"The Book"

     The book that was a big part of Book II, The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism, enforced the three most major points of the Party. This being, "Freedom is Slavery, War is Peace, and Ignorance is Strength". Winston becomes infatuated with this book. He is overjoyed to receive it first of all, and as he reads the vast array of information, the reader also gets to read what the book holds. The book shows just how intense the Party's influence is over society. They truly take control over manipulating every aspect. Whether it be war, the environment, the economy, and even more personal matters, there is a description of what the standard should be. The book must be trying to convince the people of the legitimacy of the Party, and reduce instances of rebellion.
     I think this is very representative of Orwell's criticism of many totalitarian regimes and how if they were to continue, they would destroy our country. The way they would just rewrite history, for example, the ever-shifting relationship between Oceania, Eastasia, and Eurasia is something noticed by Winston, infuriating him. I am sure many people in Oceania are aware of this but are overwhelmed by doublethink to even care. However, the way they would rewrite history creepily reminded me of the slideshow we looked at in the beginning of 1984, when Stalin would alter photographs and literature. I think our society would look similar to Oceania in 1984 if this had not been stopped. I think Orwell's critiques disguised in the form of 1984 are really well-written and give food for thought with "The Book".