The Role of Conflict & War - 10.13.15

     The role of conflict and war in George Orwell’s novel 1984 goes off of the idea that “War Is Peace.” In chapter seventeen we realize that in fact Oceania is not actually at war with anyone, they are in fact bombing themselves in order make it seem as if they are at war with Eurasia or Eastasia. This tactic is key to maintaining peace among the masses in Oceania. With the “war” going on it helps bring out patriotism and devotion to one’s country. From the massive devotion and sacrificing for their country it contributes to keeping people in control and peaceful. What have we learned about war? We have learned that it helps keep the people at large in check and patriotic to their country.  “The very word ’war’, therefore, has become misleading. It would probably be accurate to say that by becoming continuous war has ceased to exist.” (Orwell 117) This quote is telling us that war does not have the same meaning as it did before. War is defined today as armed conflict between different nations or states. In 1984 it would be defined along the lines of maintaining peace through trickery by pretending to be at war with other nations. 

     With Julia’s assertions on the ongoing war and the government’s activities, I would respond to her with acceptance but I would question whether or not she was brainwashed. She states that she did not realize that the war was a sham when he brings up the subject that only four years earlier that Oceania had been at war with Eastasia, and she also believed that the Party had invented airplanes. I would greet her with acceptance when she says, “It is always one bloody war after another, and one knows the news is all lies anyway.” (Orwell 89) By Julia saying this it makes the reader know that she actually does in fact realize that the Party has been lying to her and that everything she does in her daily life is manipulated by those in charge above her.

     In conclusion, 1984 by George Orwell has a overlying role of war and conflict. We have learned that war is a sham and that everything is manipulated and edited in the media and in the “past”. Also, we have learned that the statement “War Is Peace” is actually factual as the new definition of ‘war’ is maintaining peace through tricking the population by pretending to be at war with other nations and in fact just being at war with oneself. Julia’s assertions about the ongoing war and the government’s activities are somewhat frightening to Winston and to us, the reader, as she does not realize some of the same things that Winston does, such as the war being switched from nation to nation every few years.