1984 #8

“The Brotherhood cannot be wiped out because it is not an organization in the ordinary sense. Nothing holds it together except an idea which is indestructible. You will never have anything to sustain you except the idea” (176).

            There is a parallel between Big Brother and the Brotherhood. They both find success in their means of management. Big Brother controls its citizens through the use of intelligence. The ignorance and stupidity of the Proles protects the Party. The paradox, however, is that the Prole’s ignorance is the Party’s strength. Because the Proles have emotions and the Outer Party has intelligence, it is much easier for Big Brother to control its citizens by controlling the intelligence of a smaller population. It is also evident that the Brotherhood controls its members through the use of intelligence. Winston learns this very quickly upon arrival at O’Brien’s apartment. Brotherhood members are told certain information needed to carry out specific missions, but nothing more. They are not even told the names of other members out of sheer protection. The less Winston knows the better. If caught, Winston will have no proof of the Brotherhood, therefore putting no one else at risk except himself. Both Big Brother and the Brotherhood realize that the limiting of information and intelligence to their people is the key to protection.