The theme of conforming to others while questioning inwardly is very popular in most dystopian societies. In George Orwell’s novel, 1984, he uses this theme with the two main characters: Winston and Julia and by them joining the Brotherhood together. The idea of conformity and inward questioning is a big threat to the Party’s power and their control over the people, because they seek power over the proles.
In 1984, the main character, Winston, conforms with the populace, but inside feels deep hatred towards the Party. Winston writes in his journal about his hatred for the party saying, “Down with Big Brother.” He writes this quote many times in the journal because he wants the people to rebel from the control of tyranny government. He conforms to society when Julia and Winston meet in Victoria Square and being, “shoulder to shoulder, both staring fixedly in front of them.” The reason he conforms to this society is to not get caught, in fear of being vaporized by the government. However, in the end he gets caught by the Thought Police and tortured enough to love Big Brother. He finally finds love for Big Brother, and then gets vaporized and never seen again.
Another character in the novel that also rebels against The Party but in a hidden manner is Julia. Julia protests The Party’s siege for power by loving and having sex with Winston and other guys. In the book, Julia’s first instance towards Winston was when she pretended to fall, and gave him a note saying, “I Love You.”