What dual purpose does Big Brother symbolize in the novel, is he real or just a symbol?

Big Brother does
not truly exist. The average citizen of Oceania does not know this, but we do because of the
scene wherequestionsabout Big Brother, and O'Brien dodges the questions.

The
dual purposes of Big Brother are to inspire both fear and love. Big Brother becomes a family
member in a world where families are torn apart and considered less important then the state. He
also inspires fear as he is supposed to be all-seeing, all-knowing, and ruthless when dealing
with dissent.