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1984 Symbolism

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1984 Symbolism
English 12 B Lesson 5.05 – Themes, Motifs, and Symbols
4/30/10
Autumn Thomas A great example of a symbol in the book 1984 is Paperweight that Winston buys from Mr. Charrington. And this paperweight means something to Winston; it’s a symbol to him. And what is the Symbol of the Paperweight? Well the Paperweight is a coral inside a glass dome, and Winston buys this because it represents something to him. And what this Paperweight means to Winston and why he buys it is because it represents the past and a part of History that cannot be changed. And it cannot be changed because it’s been that way for one hundred years. It also represents Julia’s and Winston’s relationship as well. And he felt that their relationship could not be altered just like the Paperweight and that they wouldn’t do anything to betray each other no matter what happens to them. However when Winston and Julia are captured one of the thought police shatters the paperweight onto the floor. And therefore is another symbol, the Party changed their relationship just like the Paperweight that was shattered across the floor.
But I want to get deeper into what the Paperweight is like. Like the paperweight, Winston and Julia’s love is fragile and beautiful. It is also forbidden because Party members are not allowed to show emotions or have relationships with anyone outside of their duties. The coral in the center of the glass dome is the love they feel for one another, and like their affair, the clear glass that surrounds the coral inside, represents the fact that Winston and Julia's love affair was never hidden from the Party. They were always loving inside a fish bowl where everyone could see and it was only a matter of time before they were caught and punished.
So when one of the thought-police come and shatters the Paperweight this gives us a foreshadowing into Julia and Winston’s relationship in the future. And this foreshadowing means that Winston and Julia’s

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