Proles in George Orwell's 1984 are the lowest social class in the totalitarian society of Oceania, making up about 85% of the population. The term "Prole" is short for proletariat, referring to the working class or lower class
Characteristics of the Proles:
- They live in poverty, often in slums, and perform manual labor jobs that the Party members avoid, such as cleaning and factory work
- They are largely uninvolved in politics and are kept distracted by entertainment like television, sports, and pornography to prevent them from becoming a threat to the Party
- Unlike the Inner and Outer Party members, Proles are subjected to less surveillance and control, and they enjoy relatively more personal freedom, including a less regulated economy
- They receive little education and are unaware of the Party's oppression, which makes them politically powerless and unthreatening to the ruling Party
Role and Significance:
- The Party deliberately keeps the Proles ignorant and distracted to maintain control, as their large numbers could potentially overthrow the Party if they became politically conscious
- Winston, the protagonist, believes that if there is hope for rebellion against the Party, it lies with the Proles because of their sheer numbers and relative freedom
- Orwell uses the Proles as a warning about the dangers of political ignorance and the importance of education and awareness in resisting oppression
In summary, Proles are the working-class majority in 1984 , living in poverty and distraction, controlled more by ignorance and entertainment than by direct oppression, and representing both the potential and the risk of societal change
