2Symbols

One of the most common symbols in the book “Nineteen Eighty-Four” is the posters of Big Brother. The ones that say Big Brother is watching you. Winston says the posters are very strong, in the sense that you feel Big Brother’s eyes following you. This is not much different from their reality. This is that the telescreens are watching them, the eyes of Big Brother. I think the point of the posters is to put fear in their lives. To remind them that their moves are being watched all the time, and that they will be punished. So they remain loyal out of fear and manipulation from the party and Big Brother.
Another symbol, very known to them is that of Goldstein. Goldstein was known as “the Enemy of the People”. His image angers the public. He was once a leading figure of the party but he is now seen as a traitor. He is very much hated by the people now. They hiss and also yell bad things in the 2 minute hate, when his image comes up. His image is a symbol of hate and dislike to the people. The party has used his image as a symbol of someone who went against the Big Brother and the party; and is now “gone”. All the people see Goldstein as someone who they do not want to be like. They were taught to hate his image and be angry when they see his picture come up on the telescreen.