1984

Part One Study Guide Question 11

The slogans of the Party-"War is peace," "Freedom is slavery," and "Ignorance is strength" are examples of paradox. How might the party convince its followers of the truth of these statements? A paradox is a statement that seems to be contradictory or ridiculous but is actually true in some sense. In what way might war be understood as the equivalent of peace? Freedom as slavery? Ignorance as strength?

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These are all paradoxical slogans. There is a lot to this but here is a simple explanation,

War is Peace- While the country is fighting, people within the country are on the same side hence the Party enjoys uncontested power. Nobody questions their government while at war...It's that sort of thing.

Ignorance is strength- If people remain ignorant, they will not question the Party hence making the country "stronger".

Freedom is slavery- If people are free to do things and express ideas contrary to party doctrine, everybody is made weak. They are slaves to their own ideas and not strong under one idea from the Party.

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http://www.gradesaver.com/1984/q-and-a/examine-the-partys-three-slogans-war-is-peace-freedom-is-slavery-ignorance-is-strength-what-do-you-think-they-mean-139395/

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