According to the book, Goldstein states the reason for the constant realignment between the superstitions. What is the reason?

History · High School · Thu Feb 04 2021

Answered on

 In George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984," Goldstein is referred to as the author of "The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism." Through the book within the book, Goldstein elaborates on the mechanisms of control used by the Party to maintain power in Oceania. He suggests that the reason for the constant realignment among the three super states Oceania, Eurasia and Eastasia is to maintain a state of perpetual war.

The perpetual war is essential for the ruling oligarchy because it consumes human labor and commodities, ensuring the economies of the super states cannot support an equitable distribution of resources. By keeping society in a continuous state of emergency, the Party justifies its authoritarian rule and deflects the populace's attention away from domestic issues and potential insurrection against the status quo. It is also a convenient way to dispose of goods that could raise the standard of living and create expectations for a better life, which would threaten the Party's control.

Superstitions are not mentioned directly in connection to political realignment in "1984," as they tend to be beliefs or practices resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown or trust in magic or chance. If "superstitions" in your question is a reference or a metaphor for the ideologies or propaganda of the super states, then it can be understood that the constant realignment helps to perpetuate the idea that the enemy is capable of changing and that the society must remain on alert and support the Party’s narrative without question.

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