Friday, March 28, 2008

The Gift of Cassandra and Newspeak

Winston Smith may be likened to the Cassandra of Greek mythology. Cassandra was granted the gift of prophesey after making love to the god Apollo. Apollo however, spat in Cassandra's mouth. For a reason I am not certain of this taints the gift, Cassandra is a prophet, but no one will believe her. Winston also holds a truth about the situation of the world but is powerless to communicate it to anyone. Cassandra may warn all she likes but nothing will stop what she says from coming true, even if she says nothing she (and no one else) will still know what is going to happen. Winston is technically free to say what he thinks to who he likes but he knows that doing so would result in his death and make no difference anyways. They are both unable to change the terrible things they see (or foresee) happening.

I shall continue this entry and how it pertains to newspeak when I get home...

No comments: