What is a prole in 1984?

In George Orwell's novel 1984, the proles are the working-class citizens of Oceania who make up the majority of the population. They are largely ignored and oppressed by the Party, which controls all aspects of their lives. The proles are described as living in poverty and squalor, with little access to education or information.

Despite their hardships, the proles are portrayed as potentially powerful because they outnumber the Party members. However, they are kept in line through distractions such as alcohol, gambling, and the Party-sponsored Lottery, which gives them false hope of upward mobility.

The protagonist, Winston Smith, believes that the proles are the key to overthrowing the Party and bringing about change in society. He observes that the proles seem to have a more natural sense of morality and humanity than Party members. However, ultimately, the proles are too fragmented, oppressed, and manipulated to rise up against the Party.

Overall, the proles in 1984 serve as a symbol of the downtrodden masses who are exploited and controlled by a totalitarian regime. Their existence highlights the bleak and oppressive nature of the society portrayed in the novel.