"For some reason they were nicknamed memory holes. When one knew that any document was due for destruction, or even when one saw a scrap of waste paper lying about, it was an automatic action to lift the flap of the nearest memory hole and drop it in, whereupon it would be whirled away on a current of warm air to the enormous furnaces which were hidden somewhere in the recesses of the building" (37-38).
The memory holes not only serve as a reminder of just how much the Party controls history, but Orwell also uses them as a reminder of the Party's absolute control over the minds of Party members. Any scrap piece of a memory, any information that suddenly became out of date because Oceania switched alliances in the war must be thrown down the metaphoric memory hole. The memory holes filling the workplace are yet another reminder that nothing in Oceania is concrete, and that a Party member must always be ready and willing to throw out out-of-date information.
"but Orwell also uses them as a reminder" = great use of language to discuss symbolism
ReplyDeleteand you bring it back around to a big idea -- these entries are really looking strong