{Number 240 – Dance of the Dead}
I suppose there are perfect questions designed by those who ask them. But it’s most likely that there can only be imperfect answers, meaning no matter the question not everyone will like the answer. Or the answer will not suit everyone. But that doesn’t stop enthusiasts asking the questions, or playing around with ‘the Prisoner, because that is half the fun of it. Perhaps that’s because we keep asking the questions in the hope that we eventually get an answer we like.
Be seeing you
This slogan as well as the other famous one, "A still tongue makes a happy life", are lifted from Orwell's "1984" according to which we are told, rather reminded into brainwashing that “Ignorance is strength” and “War is peace” and “Liberty is slavery”.
ReplyDeleteWhat sets them apart is a certain amount of tongue-in-cheek, an ironic nod as in the case of "Walk on the Grass" that's absent from Orwell's novel. As well as being directives they are comments put in by an unseen “editor”, the creator, originator – the director (sic!) – of it all, Patrick McGoohan, No. 1? – BCNU!
Hello Arno,
DeleteFrom Orwell's 1984, are they? When you say "lifted" do you mean as direct quotes or adaptations of meanings within the novel? I have never read the novel, but I've found no direct link between those phrases and the 1984 novel.
Best regards
David
BCNU
"War is peace", "Freedom (not liberty) is slavery" and "Ignorance is strength" - they are from the Orwell novel. Those in the Prisoner were certainly inspired by it, not "lifted" in terms of copied or taken out. But their function as axiomatic directives is almost the same. But, as I pointed out, the Prisoner slogans have their own ironic taste. Once we discussed the appeal "Increase Vigilance Call from New No. 2" in the Tally Ho, the question where it possibly came from, perhaps from the Cold War era with wall posters telling people that the "Enemy is watching!" and the like. I would think that's another source of inspiration. - BCNU!
ReplyDeleteHello Arno,
DeleteAh I see, I misunderstood, I thought I'd missed something for a moment, as I had been trying to find the origin of those two phrases. But yes, I see how they can be seen as Orwellian.
Best regards
David
BCNU