Key Symbols in 1984

Emmanuel Goldstein

• Symbol of Groupthink: Possibly non-existent but represents a scapegoat for the Party.
• Dual Symbolism: Represents hatred for some and hope for others.

Telescreen

• Symbol of Surveillance: Represents the Party's constant surveillance and omnipresent control.
• Dual Functionality: Acts as both a transmitter and a watcher.

Newspeak and Memory Hole

• Newspeak: Continuous revision of language to maintain thought control; eliminates knowledge of the past.
  • Goal: Make all real knowledge (Oldspeak) obsolete.
• Memory Hole: An incinerator for true documents and photos, symbolizing thought control and truth restructuring.
  • Result: Prevents people from expressing true thoughts and understanding past truths.

Big Brother

• Symbol of the Party: Represents constant surveillance with his image everywhere.
• Emotional Impact: Supposed to comfort citizens but instead evokes terror.

The False Equation (2+2=5)

• Symbol of Lies: Represents the lies presented as truth by the Party.
• Consequence: Big Brother falls if truth (2+2=4) is acknowledged.
• Winston's Defeat: Acceptance of lies as truth by Winston at the novel's end.

The Glass Paperweight

• Symbol of Beauty and Past: Represents Winston’s faded childhood memories and aesthetic appreciation.
• Kuril Inside: Symbolizes Winston and Julia's love.
• Shattering: Represents the destruction of their relationship and hopes.

The Rented Room and Singing Woman

• Symbol of Temporary Security: Reflects a fleeting sense of freedom and hope for a liberated world.
• Singing Woman: Evokes a false sense of freedom for Winston.

Boot Stamping on a Human Face

• Symbol of Oppression: Represents the Party's growing power and relentless control.
• O'Brien's Prediction: Future is depicted as perpetual domination and the crushing of human spirit and freedom.