In reference to the effect of totalitarian and authoritarian regimes on family relations: I am writing a letter from Parson's Daughter to Big...

You would probably address the letter to Big Brother. According to the novel, Big Brother may or may not exist as a human being. In Winston's conversation with O'Brien, Winston asks about Big Brother's identity, but O'Brien refuses to qualify his answer.

'Does Big Brother exist?' 'Of course he exists. The Party exists. Big Brother is the embodiment of the Party.'

'Does he exist in the same way as I exist?' 'You do not exist,' said O'Brien.

'It is of no importance. He exists.'

'Will Big Brother ever die?' 'Of course not. How could he die? Next question.'

'Does the Brotherhood exist?' 'That, Winston, you will never know. If we choose to set you free when we have finished with you, and if you live to be ninety years old, still you will never learn whether the answer to that question is Yes or No. As long as you live it will be an unsolved riddle in your mind.'

So, as Parson's daughter, you would simply have to address your letter to Big Brother. As Big Brother requires unswerving loyalty to his cause, you would likely have to profess your admiration for his regime and declare your refusal to be subjected to any loyalties apart from those he has endorsed. That means that you disavow any devotion to your father (Parsons), mother, or any siblings you have.

You may talk about how you hate or despise those who still cling to the old, stubborn beliefs in liberty, justice, and even love. To get an idea of the kind of things you can add to your letter, try reading O'Brien's explanation to Winston about the kind of society the Brotherhood supports. This would be in Part III Chapter III. Express your support for such a society. You must remember that, as you write this letter, you are putting yourself in place of an innocent seven year old girl who has been brainwashed beyond repair.

You may even express contempt for the father who has supported your own training as a spy. He is proud that it was you who betrayed him, but you think that this is foolish on his part. Refer to Part III Chapter I for ideas on what you can write. If you want to display the kind of perverse loyalty Big Brother appreciates, demand that your father be deprived of the fair trial he thinks he is going to get.

You can end the letter by highlighting your loyalty to the Brotherhood. Talk about how you and one of your siblings lit a match to a market-woman's skirt for wrapping up some sausages in one of Big Brother's posters. Talk about your happiness in procuring the ear-trumpets which allow you to spy more efficiently for the Brotherhood or your glee in the Hate Song you and your siblings enjoy singing. There are plenty of ideas you can use from the text. Sign off by declaring your continued loyalty to Big Brother or discuss how you can do more for the regime.

Hope this helps!