The Spies and the Role of Children in 1984

         Children always have, and always will, play an important role in revolutionary history.  Often seen as the future success, rising powers will devote a large portion of propaganda to training children. In 1984, all children take part in a group called the Spies. George Orwell’s ideas are based on some revolutionary powers of the 20^th century, particularly Hitler Youth, and youth groups like the Spies have arisen since then (for example, North Korea’s Young Pioneers).

The Spies in 1984 could be compared to Hitler Youth of Germany’s Nazi Party in the Second World War.  Although Hitler Youth was not instructed to denounce their families as such, it was not safe to discuss politics in front of children in the league.  Both the Spies and Hitler Youth were trained in fighting.  A great deal of propaganda was directed at both groups.  The aim of this propaganda was to push the children closer to the party, and in doing so, away from their families.

In 1984, children are essentially used to break up the family unit.  There were no family ties, despite families being a biological unit, as the parents were afraid of being turned in by their children. “It was almost normal for people over thirty to be frightened of their own children”:pg. 29.  Even the most orthodox-thinking parents (such as Parsons) could be subconscious “thoughtcriminals”, and it was often not a matter of if, but when, they would be denounced by their children.

In the novel, “all children are swine.” (Julia, pg. 190) “What was worst of all was that by means of such organizations as the Spies they were systematically turned into ungovernable little savages, and yet this produced in them no tendency whatever to rebel against the discipline of the Party.” (pg. 29)  As with the Two Minutes Hate, the children were stoked to frenzy by the Spies and speeches, and they let out their energy by showing their devotion to the Party. I think that the first “Children of the Party” could have easily had their strong emotions swayed into revolution, but the later generations, having had patriotism ingrained in them their whole lives, would never dream of revolting.

         The concept of children being used in war is not new, but it is serious, even if children are not fighting directly.  To trust the children of 1984 with a secret would be nothing short of turning oneself in as a thoughtcriminal.

North Korean propaganda poster

Hitler Youth propaganda poster

Spies propaganda poster

Wow...yet again, Blogger has completely screwed up my settings...just highlight the text, I guess? I have no idea how to fix it. Sorry!!~