Examples Of Conformity In 1984

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In the novel 1984, outward conformity is crucial to the survival of the citizens of Oceania. One character in particular who practices this extremely well is the main character, Winston Smith. He not only conforms outwardly, but also questions his society inwardly, due to the overhanging fear that Miniluv will find and torture him. Winston constantly questions Big Brother and all of the laws that the citizens of Oceania are required to obey while also inwardly questioning his forbidden romance with Julia. Without this rising tension throughout the novel, 1984 would lose its suspenseful tone and would easily lose the focus of readers. Big Brother was never one to be questioned, and he made the consequences known to anyone who did so. Winston clearly expressed his hatred for Big Brother and all of the restrictions placed on members of society in the beginning of the book. Despite this, he constantly hid his facial expressions and thoughts from the telescreens, in great fear that the thought police would catch him. Contrary to that outward conformity, he was always inwardly questioning Big Brother. He directly broke the law by writing in a journal, especially since …show more content…

Outwardly, he could not be seen with her at all, or at least romantically. The two would have to strategically plan meeting places, such as a field and an abandoned church, in order to keep their forbidden love a secret. Winston knew in his heart that he loved her, but also knew that romantic relationships were illegal and bound with consequence. The outward concealing of their relationship along with the inward love that they shared gave the novel a romantic appeal that grasped the attention of readers. This also exposed the horrors of a dystopia, being that no one can truly be happy or lead his/her own

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