Goldstein is presented to the people of Oceania as a charismatic and persuasive speaker. He is credited with writing "The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism", a book that critiques the Party's ideology and reveals the true nature of its power structure. The Party claims that Goldstein is a traitor, a saboteur, and a terrorist. They use his image as a scapegoat to divert the people's attention from their own oppression.
Goldstein is never seen in person in the novel, but his presence is felt throughout. He is the symbol of resistance and rebellion against the Party. His book circulates underground and is read by those who dare to question the Party's authority. Goldstein's ideas provide hope to the oppressed people of Oceania and challenge the Party's control over their minds.
In Oceania, Goldstein's image is deliberately constructed and disseminated by the Party to serve their own purposes:
* As an External Threat: Goldstein is presented as an external enemy to rally the citizens of Oceania against a common foe, fostering unity and obedience to the Party.
* Scapegoat for Internal Problems: The Party blames Goldstein for social, economic, and political failures, deflecting discontent and preserving the illusion of the Party's infallibility.
* Symbol of Thoughtcrime: The mere mention of Goldstein's name can elicit fear and paranoia, discouraging independent thinking and reinforcing conformity.
* Personification of Rebellion: Goldstein embodies the act of rebellion against the Party, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disloyalty.
* Control Mechanism: By keeping Goldstein's image alive as an ever-present threat, the Party maintains a state of perpetual war and vigilance, further tightening its control over the population.
Goldstein represents a complex amalgamation of the Party's fears and propaganda. He functions as a tool for the Party to solidify its power and suppress any dissent or revolutionary potential within Oceania.