Final answer:
In 1984, the slogan 'Freedom is Slavery' is an oxymoron used by the government to manipulate language and control the minds of its citizens. The contradictory language reinforces the government's dominance and suppresses individuality and independent thought, empowering the Party's control.
Step-by-step explanation:
An oxymoron is a figure of speech that pairs two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. One of the slogans in 1984, 'Freedom is Slavery,' is an example of an oxymoron. The word 'freedom' signifies liberation and independence, while the word 'slavery' represents captivity and restriction. By combining these contradictory words, the government in 1984 aims to manipulate language and control the minds of its citizens.
The government in 1984 uses opposing and contradictory language like this to maintain its totalitarian control over the population. By creating confusing and illogical slogans, the government blurs the lines between truth and falsehood, making it difficult for the citizens to think critically and question the regime's actions. The point of using this contradictory language is to manipulate the perception of reality and maintain absolute power over the people.
The use of contradictory slogans like 'Freedom is Slavery' empowers the government in 1984 by reinforcing its dominance and suppressing individuality and independent thought. By presenting contradictory statements as if they were unquestionable truths, the government eliminates the possibility of dissent and cultivates a society that unquestioningly accepts the Party's control.