The great purges of the 50s and 60s in George Orwell’s 1984 serve as a mechanism for the Party to maintain absolute control over its members and eliminate any potential threats to its power. These purges are characterized by the systematic removal of individuals who are deemed disloyal or dangerous to the Party’s ideology.
In the novel, the purges are described as a way to instill fear and ensure loyalty among Party members. By periodically eliminating high-ranking officials and other members, the Party creates an atmosphere of constant suspicion and paranoia. This ensures that no one feels safe, and everyone is compelled to demonstrate unwavering loyalty to Big Brother and the Party’s principles.
Moreover, the purges serve to rewrite history. By erasing the existence of those who are purged, the Party can control the narrative and manipulate the past to fit its current agenda. This reinforces the idea that the Party is infallible and that any dissent or opposition is swiftly and thoroughly eradicated.
In summary, the great purges in 1984 are a tool for the Party to maintain its totalitarian grip on society, eliminate dissent, and rewrite history to ensure its continued dominance.