In 1984, what is the purpose of Big Brother and the Party?

In George Orwell’s 1948 novel, 1984, the influence of the Party and Big Brother are felt on every page. The Party, also known as Ingsoc, is Oceania’s governing political party. Party members make up approximately 15% of Oceania’s population, and the other 85% are known as the Proles. The Inner Party makes decisions regarding government policy. The Outer Party, of which Winston Smith and Julia are members, executes the directives of the Inner Party.

Big Brother, whose picture glares down from every wall in London, is the leader of the Party and Oceania’s head of state. Orwell never reveals whether or not Big Brother is a real character. However, O’Brien makes it clear to Winston that it doesn’t matter if Big Brother is real or not. He, like the traitor Emmanuel Goldstein, is a symbol the Party uses to control the population. For example, after forcing him to undergo torture in Room 101, the Party has manipulated Winston to love Big Brother, the only type of love of which the Party approves.