The Two Minutes Hate was a daily ritual in George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. It served as a means for the Party to control and manipulate the emotions of the citizens of Oceania. During this session, party members were required to watch a film depicting the Party’s enemies, particularly Emmanuel Goldstein, who was portrayed as the embodiment of evil. As the footage played, it elicited a visceral reaction filled with anger and hatred towards Goldstein and any perceived threats to the Party.
The primary purpose of the Two Minutes Hate was to reinforce loyalty to Big Brother and cement the idea that the Party was always under threat, thereby justifying its authoritarian control. It created a unifying force among the citizens, directing their frustrations outward rather than allowing them to question or challenge the Party’s authority.
This ritual is pivotal in illustrating the lengths to which the government goes to maintain power, using propaganda and emotional manipulation. It exemplifies how totalitarian regimes can instill fear and hate to divert the populace’s attention from their own struggles and the oppressive realities of their lives.