Individualism In 1984 By George Orwell

232 Words1 Pages
In George Orwell’s novel 1984, conflicting forces within the novel’s protagonist, Winston Smith, illuminate the meaning of the novel. Two forces influence Winston: his desire to maintain his freedom and knowledge of the truth, and the Party’s effort to strip Winston of any rebellious thought and non-conformity. The Party’s efforts stem from their desire for totalitarian authority; they believe the key to controlling a nation is to control the citizens’ minds, bending the truth to assure the impossibility of any free thought. Winston, however, retains his memory and therefore his individuality; the novel follows his struggle to maintain integrity at the potential price of death. His personal conflict embodies the meaning of the novel as a whole,