Totalitarianism In 1984

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Most individuals are guided on a day-to-day basis by fundamental, self-determined beliefs and values – those values constantly being refined and becoming more deeply entrenched in life. But, however firm one’s moral compass is, depression and trauma permanently alters one’s consciousness. In the dystopian novel “1984”, the author, George Orwell, reveals the sadistic consequences that can be the ultimate result when thoughts intrinsic to human nature are persecuted. The novel illustrates a negative utopian picture, a society ruled by rigid totalitarianism. The protagonist in this novel is Winston Smith, an editor in the Ministry of Truth who is responsible for rewriting history. Winston does not completely accept the ideology that is fed to …show more content…

It is a powerful symbol manifest of Winston’s relationship with Julia, along with his hopes and aspirations. Inside the paperweight, the coral seems to be larger than life. This signifies that Winston’s small hopes were magnified; like how the opulence of the glass paperweight made the object seem magical – alienated from the mundane nature of Ingsoc. Winston, with a dogmatic fervor, believes that the mind is solely commandeered by the individual. This is encapsulated through the nature of the paperweight. The “strange, pink, convoluted object” that is encased and protected by glass represents the complex intricacies of the human mind and Winston’s belief that the mind is tenable against external forces. This idea is further reinforced when Winston, through Orwell, states, “Nothing was your own except the few cubic centimeters inside your skull,” (Orwell 29). Despite this belief, the paperweight is also delicate – well depicting the fragility of humans. When the Thought Police arrest Winston, the paperweight is smashed. This foreshadows the breaking of Winston’s spirit and mind, as well as depriving him of his humanity. When the paperweight is destroyed, it marks the last time that Winston and Julia hold mutual feelings of love for each other. Winston realizes his enlarged dream of a non-totalitarian Ingsoc was hopeless and futile. When the paperweight shatters, it literally depicts the shattering of Winston’s