**URGENT!! significance of dust in George Orwell's 1984?

Question

what is symbolic about dust? i understand that it is mentioned often, but i still don't get it's symbolism. it is seen in the hallways and on his speakwrite. but why is it so important? i have no idea! =[

i think it might be that the brotherhood are supposed to represent a pure government, but in reality the nation is filthy and impure....?

please help!

Answer 1

Not going to do your homework... but I'll give you some advice on how to do it.

To figure out what something symbolizes, you basically* have to look at its attributes.  What is dust?  What does it do?  What's it made of, where and why do we see it?  Dust is a product of dust mites eating tiny things.  Generally, we see it on old things because they haven't been used in a while.  'Dust' is a term also applied to something that has disintegrated or is otherwise reduced to tiny particles.  It obstructs breathing, and yes, it can be thought of as something that needs cleaning.

*The other step is to consider the symbol's context.  So... more questions. :)  Has anything in Oceania (particularly things where dust is mentioned) been reduced to tiny particles, need cleaning, or not been used in a while?

Answer 2

I have not read the book, but here are a couple of links that may help you.