1984
1984 Essay Assignment
Living in an oppressed government robs a person of his spirit. The book 1984 by George Orwell is a story about how an oppressive government, namely Big Brother and The Party shapes the life of Winston Smith. Winston Smith goes through many mental, emotional and physical changes throughout the book, including his relationship with O’Brien and Julia.
In the beginning of the book, the first thing Winston wants to do when he comes home is write in his journal, but according to Big Brother he has to first turn on telescreen which is a TV that spies on the people. Winston is always being told Big Brother is watching, so he never feels like he can do what he wants to do. He also feels confused about what he thinks is right and what The Party says is right. He writes in his journal, “Down with Big Brother.” Winston has a colleague at work named O’Brien. He thinks O’Brien is on his side because “O’Brien has the appearance of someone you could talk to.” Winston says to O’Brien, “Freedom is the freedom to say two plus two is four. If that is granted all else follows”. Winston doesn’t realize then that O’Brien is his enemy and working for The Party.
When Winston starts to write in his journal as the story begins, he is a small, frail figure. As he becomes more confused and unhappy because he is being forced to think and act the opposite of how he feels, he starts to drink and he develops a racking cough and varicous ulcers. As the story goes on, he becomes weaker and his body breaks out with sores. After he meets Julia, they have an affair and Julia says she loves him. He starts to have romantic feelings for her. His health and cough become better. Because there is someone in his life who cares for him and who he cares for he is feeling better emotionally. He stops drinking and he gets fatter. His love is so strong for Julia that he says he will never betray her. One day when Winston and Julia are having an affair, they...
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