".
Controlling the past through the elimination of memories is a tactic that is often used by many dictatorships, and in 1984, there is no exception to this. A good example of this strategy in the novel is when Winston describes his job as a clerk in the Records Department of the Ministry of Truth, where his exact assignment is to rewrite historical documents so they match the constantly changing current party line. Despite having rebellious intentions towards the dictatorship of Big Brother, Winston takes his job very seriously, and even though he knows that what he is doing is morally wrong, he continues to carry out his job without question. Winston is in a very special position in society, because he can truthfully see what really goes on in the world, before it is destroyed and reforged to favor the predictions of Big Brother. In chapter seven of the novel on page 80, Winston says, "In the end the Party would announce that two and two made five, and you would have to believe it" He really brings to light just how much the Party can control by altering the past. The significance of memories in such a society are much more important than what can be perceived by the general population. These memories that are so easily destroyed are also the only thing that can possibly expose the wrongdoings of the Party and its leader. The Party does not want to simply control everything that happens in Oceania, they want to look like the good guys while they do it.
Controlling the past also leads to controlling the present. In the novel, the Party seems to have a limitless power over the people of Oceania, and it is due to the fact that in the eyes of the citizens, the Party is always doing what is best for the society. With the undeniable and constant support of the people of Oceania, the Party is able to make decisions that would otherwise be deemed irresponsible or dangerous. The Party's manipulation of the past heavily affects the thoughts of the citizens in the present, and in the future.
