How Does Winston Change Throughout The Novel 1984

Throughout history, the desire for power has resulted in wars, deaths, and corrupt regimes. Similarly, in a totalitarian government, the state dictates its citizens using propaganda and fear in order to maintain power. In the novel 1984, the nation of Oceania is ruled by a totalitarian government, known as the Party, which constantly monitors the behaviors and thoughts of the citizens. Orwell highlights the Party’s unjust government structure through the protagonist, Winston Smith, as he goes through two significant character changes. Over the course of the novel, Winston transitions from an ordinary citizen to a secret rebel and then back to a lifeless slave for the party. Through these transitions, Orwell emphasizes the dangers of totalitarian

In Oceania, relationships that are centered around love are strictly forbidden. However, during their time together, Winston begins to feel an emotional attachment and adoration toward her. When Winston makes love to Julia for the first time he thinks, “Not merely the love of one person, but the animal instinct, the simple undifferentiated desire: that was the force that would tear the Party to pieces” (Orwell 128). In this passage, Winston realizes that this connection with Julia sets him apart from the masses and makes him a human rather than a Party member. Julia’s character helps develop Winston’s individuality as she motivates him to express who he is and gives him a reason to live. This relationship serves as the catalyst in Winston’s rebellion against Big Brother as his desire to live his life freely empowers Winston with the strength to revolt and push the limits of what crimes he is willing to commit. Orwell describes Julia and Winston’s love as an “animal instinct” to symbolize that love is natural and part of human

Here, the thought police torture and psychologically manipulate Winston until he finally succumbs to the Party’s doctrine. For months, Winston endures the torture from the thought police but holds true to his love for Julia, promising that he will never betray and stop loving her. During Winston’s torture in room 101, O’Brien, a member of the inner party, threatens Winston with his biggest fear, rats. A cage of the animal is placed in front of Winston as O’Brien threatens to release the hungry animals into Winston’s face. Before O’Brien can do so, Winston cries out in a fit of agony, “Do it to Julia! Do it to Julia! Not me! Julia! I don’t care what you do to her. Tear her face off, strip her to the bones. Not me! Julia! Not me” (Orwell 297). The graphic depiction of Winston's plead to subject Julia to such horrific torture demonstrates just how destroyed and shattered Winston's spirit has become. The party subjects Winston to this torture as his relationship with Julia represents his inner sense of self. Winston’s human connection with Julia is what he believes distinguishes his identity and by forcing him to betray Julia, the Party ultimately gets Winston to betray himself. Orwell writes this scene to demonstrate what lengths to which totalitarian governments will go in order to exploit a person's weakness in order to enslave them under their