Interpretation of Hate Week

 

              Hate Week is a large event in George Orwell’s 1984 which happens during the summer. The event is basically a week of celebrations hating on the biggest enemy of the time. It is a cultivation of all the two minutes of hate that happen each day and ultimately leads to a week of intense and passionate hatred. The celebration consists of parades, speeches, propaganda etc. When reading of hate week my mind immediately went to religious festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Ramadan, etc.

              Whilst these events are drastically different one is a passion of hate whilst the others are a celebration of enthusiasm, they do hold the same passion. These events are celebrated by a vast amount of people who are passionate about the purpose of these religious festivals. Big Brother is much like a religion in this sense, the characters of 1984 worship Big Brother. Big Brother is who they listen to, respect, who tells them what to hate. This aspect of brain washing isn’t present in religious events but the respect and devotion is found in these festivals much like hate week. My question is, would you wish to participate in a hate week or two minutes of hate every day, and you could choose what to hate?