Emmanuel Goldstein

Emmanuel Goldstein acts as Big Brother’s antagonist. Though he is never seen in reality (just like Big Brother), he acts as the figurehead and leader of the Brotherhood – the alleged underground rebellion. Goldstein’s role is to undercut the Party and provide an illusion of resistance. His character is based on Leon Trotsky, who competed with Stalin in the Soviet Union for the role of Party Secretary. The two were highly competitive with one another, culminating in Stalin ordering Trotsky’s assassination. Similarly, Emmanuel Goldstein’s name is of Jewish origins, and the name ‘Emmanuel’ actually refers to ‘God’ in the Old Testament. A parallel can therefore be drawn between this God-like image, and the praised image of Big Brother as a spiritual idol within Oceania.