1984 - Character Development Requires a Conflict
1984 Essay – by Len Farag
In “1984” by George Orwell, the main character, Winston is in conflict in nearly every page of the book. He is in constant surveillance by the Party. He has also, as the text describes, had problems with his relationship with Katherine, in the past. With the rule of the Party, comes the constant control of the omnipresent, Big Brother. He controls everything, from living conditions to how much chocolate is allowed to be given to any member of Oceania. There is also the constant fear of betrayal. When considering these restrictions and frustrations placed onto Winston and every individual in Oceania, the statement: “A character in conflict is necessary to any text” is supported and evident in the text.
Winston, no matter where he goes, is always being watched by the thought Police. Devices are used in Oceania, to monitor every action. Telescreens are devices, like televisions, that have cameras and microphones built into them. They cannot be shut off, except for ones issued to Inner party members, and they see everything. An example of this is when in part one, chapter three, Winston is doing exercise in front of the telescreen, when he is told to bend lower: ‘6079 Smith W.! Yes, you! Bend lower, please! You can do better than that. You’re not trying. Lower, please!” This feeling of never being alone is really a reflection of George Orwell. Orwell, through this text, is showing his views and is stressing to anyone that reads this text, what it would be like if Stalin’s or Hitler’s rule continued and was perfected. He is showing that from his point of view, it would become as horrible as it is in the text he wrote. A technique that shows this and that Orwell used to stress his thoughts, is repetition: ‘Big Brother is watching you.’ This quote and use of repetition is well matched with the idea of constantly being watched. No matter where you are or what you are doing, you can never escape the Parties watching eyes and therefore, the
In “1984” by George Orwell, the main character, Winston is in conflict in nearly every page of the book. He is in constant surveillance by the Party. He has also, as the text describes, had problems with his relationship with Katherine, in the past. With the rule of the Party, comes the constant control of the omnipresent, Big Brother. He controls everything, from living conditions to how much chocolate is allowed to be given to any member of Oceania. There is also the constant fear of betrayal. When considering these restrictions and frustrations placed onto Winston and every individual in Oceania, the statement: “A character in conflict is necessary to any text” is supported and evident in the text.
Winston, no matter where he goes, is always being watched by the thought Police. Devices are used in Oceania, to monitor every action. Telescreens are devices, like televisions, that have cameras and microphones built into them. They cannot be shut off, except for ones issued to Inner party members, and they see everything. An example of this is when in part one, chapter three, Winston is doing exercise in front of the telescreen, when he is told to bend lower: ‘6079 Smith W.! Yes, you! Bend lower, please! You can do better than that. You’re not trying. Lower, please!” This feeling of never being alone is really a reflection of George Orwell. Orwell, through this text, is showing his views and is stressing to anyone that reads this text, what it would be like if Stalin’s or Hitler’s rule continued and was perfected. He is showing that from his point of view, it would become as horrible as it is in the text he wrote. A technique that shows this and that Orwell used to stress his thoughts, is repetition: ‘Big Brother is watching you.’ This quote and use of repetition is well matched with the idea of constantly being watched. No matter where you are or what you are doing, you can never escape the Parties watching eyes and therefore, the