Physical versus Psychological tactics in 1984 Is it possible that the nursery rhyme “Sticks and Stones” is a common misconception? The children’s rhyme states that “ 'Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me”. Although sticks and stones may break bones, the bones usually heal. However, words can have a lifetime impact on people. In 1984, slogans and manipulation of language scar citizens more than the Party’s physical control. The words of the Party’s doctrine cause a more painful effect than physical control because it has lasting outcome that destroys the citizens psychologically. By the Party falsifying history and making contradictions to reality, it makes its citizens suffer using mind control. In George Orwell’s 1984, the government uses both psychological manipulation and physical control to control its citizens, although psychological manipulation is more effective and can be a result of physical control. Psychological manipulation is “a type of social influence that aims to change the behavior or perception of others through abusive, deceptive, or underhanded tactics”(Lieurance 2). Slogans, mind control, propaganda, and psychological pain that stems from physical torture are all examples of psychological manipulation in 1984. “Physical” control, meaning related to the body or something perceived through the senses as opposed to the mind, seems to not have a lasting effect and leads to psychological manipulation in 1984. Control over the