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Significance Of Winston Smith In 1984

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Winston Smith is the protagonist of George Orwell's dystopian novel, 1984. Winston is described as concerned and anxious throughout the book, especially in the first chapter, where he is introduced to the reader. In this essay, I will discuss the reasons why Winston is concerned and the quotes from chapter 1 that support this claim. As the novel opens, Winston is shown to be preoccupied with a sense of foreboding. He is portrayed as someone who is deeply worried about the future and the state of the world around him. The first hint of his concern is evident when he describes the building he works in as “grime-coated”. This description suggests the dirtiness and decay of the surroundings, which is an example of the overall condition of the society that Winston is living in. …show more content…

He is aware that the government has complete control over all aspects of the citizens' lives, and this makes him apprehensive. This apprehension is further evidenced when Winston mentions the telescreen, “which could not be turned off”. This quote demonstrates the complete lack of privacy and the constant surveillance that Orwell establishes throughout the novel. In addition to the government’s control, Winston is genuinely concerned with the future of truth and the dissemination of information. Winston is aware that the government is in charge of all information, and they manipulate it to suit their agenda. Winston recognizes his propaganda duties providing fake news to the masses. When he describes working at the Ministry of Truth, he notes that “his work consisted in the falsification of records and the obliteration of inconvenient facts.” This quote shows that Winston is well aware of the lies the government is imposing on the

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