Blog #55 - Gerald Mitchell- Period 2- 6/12/2020

Blog # 55 , Jerry Mitchell, Period 2, 6/12/20

Aim: How do the historical allusions and connections in 1984 contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole?

Class Notes and Discussion: 

• During our discussion we said that new and different ideas can provoke fear because they can bring upon change into a comfortable situation. Sometimes, new and different ideas go against someone’s beliefs and can make them uncomfortable. Even if they are needed, the idea of changing lifestyles or situations can be scary.
• We said that Julia is good for Winston in that she makes him happier and less anxious. They also both enjoy having sex with each other. It is clear Julia brings him joy and comfort.
• We spoke about allusions which are indirect references in some sort of media. There are four types of references, biblical, literary, historical, or classical(refers to classical literature). 
• If this illustration or some type of reiteration of it is shown in media, it is a biblical allusion because it would reference a religious piece of art. 
• This South Park poster is an literary allusion to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
• This is a simpsons poster alluding to Star Wars, with its own characters and art style.
• This is an allusion to a piece of art by Salvador Dalí.
• There are nine ways some type of media can allude to something else, through, a person, place, event, literary work, author, work of art, historical event, musical work, or film or movie.
• An allusion can create a mode with just a few words rather than a long explanation, because it can create humor or other emotions, and can help an author, or musician relate to their audience. Allusions can also create themes. For example, biblical allusions can allow the writer or musician to express or make a statement about their beliefs.
• We also discussed how there are allusions in 1984 that helped to make a statement about Orwell’s beliefs. We said that the Proles represent the Proletariat, Big Brother represents a power to fear the people into submission. Emmanuel Goldstein is meant to represent a scapegoat the government can use to manipulate their people, such as Trotsky, or Jewish people. The telescreens represent how the people can never have their own beliefs without being watched and controlled. The Junior spies represent a youth that is manipulated by the government to help lead a long lasting brainwashed country, such as Hitler and the nazis indoctrinating the kids and turning them into soldiers. Jones, Aaronson, and Rutherford are meant to represent people used to show off the government's power, and to make sure they have control.

Current Events:

• In New York, the curve for Covid 19 cases has flattened. However, this doesn’t mean that we should stop social distancing. However, I have started to hang out with my friends more. Lately we have been riding our bikes together, maintaining distance, but everyone in all our families have tested negative, so in my opinion that is fine. However, when in public we should still wear masks to ensure the well being of our families.
• There has been a lot of protests and civil unrest due to police brutality. The death of George Floyd was terrible and led to many people of all ethnic backgrounds to fight against a system that led to his death and the death of many others. There have been protests in all fifty states, and while most have been positive and peaceful, there has of course been more police brutality, and people taking advantage of the rightful anger and looting. There is a lot going on right now in the world, a lot of people are suffering due to many factors. This year is most likely going to be historically significant.

Reflection: I found this to be a very interesting lesson as it always interesting when allusions are made in the media. It is also interesting as to why allusions are made because looking back I usually enjoy when I see an allusion to something I recognize being made in the media. We get to see Orwell’s beliefs through the reference to historical events with characters in both Animal Farm and 1984. Moreover, with the allusions we were shown that were made in South Park, the Simpsons, Family Guy, etc. were all good examples of how allusions can set a mood, because seeing something we recognize being alluded to in a humorous sense can bring us joy and set the mood. Allusions are a big part of the media and are very important in conveying ideas and emotions.