Phrases on '1984'

Hello Readers! 

Here, the blog is assigned by 'Dilip Barad Sir' as a part of Thinking Activity. Which based on Marvelous novel 1984  By George Orwell. 

First what's the novel say what meaning of this noevl, so for all query read this blog Sir's blog on "1984"

Video : 1 'God is power' :

➡️      The video centers on the phrase "God is power," a key element in Orwell's "1984." This isn't a theological statement; it's a political one. The Party replaces traditional religion with the worship of its own power. As the video points out, the Party seeks to become the ultimate authority, "the priests of power." This usurpation of divine authority is central to their control.

• The quote highlights the Party's aim to "control thoughts and emotions, as religions have done for centuries."
• This is a complete shift from any traditional understanding of God, where the Party essentially declares itself divine.

O'Brien's Explanation: The Essence of Power:

O'Brien, the Party's enforcer, elucidates the meaning of "God is power." He explains that power is not a means to an end but an end in itself. He emphasizes the collective nature of power, stating that individuals only have power by merging with the Party.

• As the video states, "O'Brien explains that the Party has replaced God with power, becoming the 'priests of power.'"
• He is the embodiment of the party's belief.
• He also goes on to explain "that power is collective and that individuals only have power by merging with the Party"

Winston's Submission: The Triumph of Power:

Winston's journey culminates in his acceptance of the Party's ideology. After enduring torture, he writes "God is power," signifying his complete surrender. This is not mere obedience; it's a fundamental shift in his belief system.

• The video highlights that "after torture, Winston accepts the Party's truth, writing 'God is power.'"
• This act proves the party's complete control over the human mind.
• "He embraces the Party's control over the past and present."

The Dangers of Totalitarian Control:

The video stresses the cautionary message of "1984." The Party's pursuit of absolute power leads to the destruction of individual freedom and the erosion of truth. The phrase "God is power" serves as a stark reminder of the corrupting influence of unchecked power.

• "George Orwell reminds us that absolute power leads to oppression, exploitation, and the destruction of society."
• "The party uses surveillance, propaganda, and force to maintain power and control over every aspect of citizens' lives."
• "Keeping the population in a constant state of war is a tool used by the party to maintain control."

Replacing Religion with the Party:

The video also points out that the novel critiques religion by showing how the Party replaces traditional worship with the worship of Big Brother. The Party exploits the human desire for a higher power, offering a distorted form of worship centered on its own authority.

• "The novel also critiques religion by showing how the Party replaces traditional worship with the worship of Big Brother."
• This is a key part of how the party gains and maintains control.

The Core Message:

In essence, the video highlights that "God is power" represents the Party's core belief that power is the ultimate source of authority and control. This phrase encapsulates the novel's warning against the dangers of totalitarianism and the suppression of individual thought.

Video : 2 '1984 ' as Critique of Religion :

➡️               In this side, This video analyzes George Orwell's 1984 as a critique of religion, is a particularly Catholicism. It explores parallels between the novel's elements and religious concepts, and presents evidence of Orwell's critical views on organized religion.

Here's a breakdown of the key points:

• Parallels to Religion: The video identifies several parallels between the novel and religious concepts [00:00:19]:

  • Three Superstates: The three superstates in the novel (Oceania, Eurasia, and East Asia) can be seen as analogous to the three Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). 
  • Confessions: The political confessions in the novel resemble Catholic confessions, with a process similar to a sacramental experience involving penance, mortification, and restoration. 
  • Priests: Inner party members are called "priests".
  • Big Brother: The primordial image of Big Brother is similar to the idea of God, always watching and caring. 
  • Pyramidal Structure: The structure of the party and ministries mirrors the Trinity in Christianity. 
  • Rules for Behavior: Rules for behavior, such as celibacy and marriage, are governed by concepts similar to those in Catholic and other religions. 
  • Room 101: The concept of Room 101 is reminiscent of Dante's Purgatorio or Inferno, with the purpose of purifying the soul. 

• Orwell's Views on Religion: The video provides evidence that George Orwell was critical of organized religion. 

  • He openly wrote against the Church in several works. 
  • He expressed a dislike for Catholicism, identifying more with atheism later in life. 
  • He believed that those who worship the church were succumbing to a form of power worship. 
  • In "Animal Farm," the character Moses and the Sugar Candy Mountain are direct references to Christian figures and concepts. 

• Anti-Democratic Nature of Religion: The video concludes that 1984 has the potential to warn against the anti-democratic nature of religious practices. 

Here, the summary, incorporating key quotes from "1984" to provide a more robust understanding of the video's analysis.

1. Orwell's "God is Power": The Party's Doctrine:

The video highlights how the phrase "God is power" encapsulates the Party's core ideology. It's a declaration that power, not any transcendent deity, is the ultimate reality. This concept is driven home through O'Brien's chilling pronouncements.

• Replacing Divine Authority:
  • The Party aims to supplant traditional religious faith with devotion to itself. As O'Brien states, "We are priests of power. God is power." This demonstrates the Party's intent to become the object of worship.
• The Nature of Power:
  • O'Brien explains that "power is power over human beings." This emphasizes the Party's desire to control not just actions, but thoughts and emotions.
  • Also O'Brien states, "The individual only has power in so far as he ceases to be an individual." This displays the parties requirement for total submition.
• Winston's Transformation:
  • Winston's eventual acceptance of "God is power" signifies the Party's victory. This is the culmination of his psychological torture, where he is forced to abandon his own beliefs and embrace the Party's reality.
• Totalitarian Control:
  • "Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.” This quote shows how the party controls everything.

2. "1984" as a Critique of Organized Religion:

The video delves into the parallels between the Party's practices and those of organized religion, particularly Catholicism.

• Religious Parallels:
  • The Party's confessions, hierarchical structure, and the figure of Big Brother all echo religious concepts.
  • The concept of room 101, can be seen as a form of hell, or purgatory.
• Orwell's Views:
  • Orwell's writings and beliefs suggest a skepticism towards institutions that wield excessive power.
  • His work "Animal farm" also displays his views on organized religion.
• Warning Against Authoritarianism:
  • The video argues that "1984" serves as a warning against the anti-democratic tendencies inherent in any system that demands blind obedience.
  • The book shows how easily power can be abused.

▪️Summary of Video:

The video interprets "God is power" as a reflection of the Party's ambition to become the ultimate authority, replacing traditional faith with the worship of power. It also explores how "1984" critiques organized religion by drawing parallels between the Party's methods and religious practices, and by reflecting Orwell's own concerns about authoritarianism.

Reference :

Barad, Dilip. “Dilip Barad: Teacher Blog.” God, 1 Jan. 1970, blog.dilipbarad.com/search/label/God?m=0. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

DOE-MKBU. YouTube, Dilip Barad Sir, 21 Feb. 2023, youtu.be/cj29I_MU3cA?si=o2HCSLrLEs7NuKcD. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

DOE-MKBU. YouTube, Dilip Barad Sir, 21 Feb. 2023, youtu.be/Zh41QghkCUA?si=guD6FcUBIncikcSP. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025. 

Thank you.