In George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984, the term identifies a member of the proletariat. This segment of society constitutes approximately 85% of Oceania’s population. They are depicted as the uneducated working class, largely left to their own devices and considered inconsequential by the ruling Party. Their lives revolve around basic needs, entertainment, and petty squabbles, with little engagement in politics or intellectual pursuits.
The significance of this group lies in their potential for rebellion. The Party believes that if this segment were to become aware of its own strength and the injustices inflicted upon it, it could overthrow the totalitarian regime. However, the Party actively suppresses any such awareness by keeping them uneducated, occupied with trivial matters, and constantly monitored, albeit less rigorously than Party members. This control is maintained through propaganda, manufactured entertainment, and the encouragement of base instincts.
