Well, Winston finally has "the book" in his posession. When he finally gets a chance to read it, it's not at all what I was expecting. I was expecting some sort of book of plans and rules of the brotherhood but it wasn't. At first the book appeared to be some sort of brainwashing book, but then, as Winston read further, I didn't even know what to call it. It's not a guide line for how to be in the Party or Brotherhood, it just tells how the Party came about and why things are the way they are. Informative? Yes. Interesting? Not really. Winston makes the comment that "the best books are those that tell you what you know already." I must say that I disagree with his thinking. While some instances were new, most of the book consisted of what I (and Winston) had already concluded.
One of the things that the book did teach me which I found interesting was the reason why war was happening. It's a way to oppress the people and gain control over labor power. I was also surprised to hear that Eastasia, Eurasia, and Oceania were all allies. I had been confused about the triangle all throughout the book and I hadn't even imagined that it was a conspiracy/plan of the three countries.
The book also helped me to better understand the slogan: IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH. The book says that people will never rebell because they are given no reason to. By not allowing the people to even know that there's a better life, they have no reason to rebell because they think what they have is as good as it gets.
Within the IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH chapter, the perfect Party member is described as one who can tell a blatent lie and actually believe it. It also says that at age 16 teenagers will be evaluated to see where they fall in the party. This makes me wonder why Julia isn't an Inner Party member. She appears to have been leading the life of a model party member for many years and it seems kind of strange that she wouldn't be an Inner Party member.
Something that I took as foreshaddowing throughout "the book" was the emphasis on the high, middle, and low classes. It is explained that the only way the 'high' can be overthrown, as shown in history, is when the middle class feels oppressed enough to rebell. It also illudes to the fact that the Proles (Low class) could never rebell because they are too dumb. However, I think that the Proles are planning something. For example, the woman singing is comparable to a free bird. She must have a reason to be feeling free. The Proles make up 85% of the population and I don't find it inconceivable that they could overthrow the Party.
After reading the IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH chapter to Julia aloud, Winston discovers that she was asleep most of the time. After taking a nap he wakes her and they go stand by the window watching the Prole woman sing. It is here that the telescreen speaks back to them. It repeats everything they say and then the picture falls off the wall and it's revealed that the telescreen has actually been behind it the entire time. Police men begin barging into the room where Winston and Julia have been staying for so long now.
The picture that Orwell creates in this scene is absolutely horrible for me. The police are so bestial and violent, yet Winston and Julia can't do anything about it. It's been obvious that this moment was coming for a long time, but I didn't want it to. There was definite foreshaddowing in the room that day in the way everything was so calm and Julia's remark about the cold (death). In my opinion, the worst part of the attack was when they carried Julia away and Winston said he never saw her again. For some reason I figured they would meet up later, but I guess the police don't have a reason to put them together.
As Winston is being drug down the stairs Mr. Charrington is staring back at him, though his appearance has completely changed. Winston finally realizes that he's actually a member of the thought police. I have been pulling for Winston throughout the entire book, but I kind of questioned his stupidity. Did he really think that he everything was going to be easy because he found a secret room? I suppose it is possible that he knew something was't right with the antique shop and wanted to die, but I really believe he was clueless about the situation.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
1984 pages 157 - 179 week 5
"At last they were face to face, and it seemed that his only impulse was to run away." The 'they' being spoken of here is Winston and O'Brien. The day finally came that O'Brien approached Winston. He brings up the topic of Winston's Newspeak skills and how he writes it very elegantly. O'Brien then invites Winston into his office where he actually gives directions to his house to pick up a Newspeak dictionary. The entire time, Winston is incredibly nervous about what it could possibly mean. As of this point the reader does not know that O'Brien is indeed a member of the Brotherhood and his motives are still questionable. However, from the feelings Winston gives off, it's easy to draw a conclusion that O'Brien is indeed a good man.
In the next section, Winston wakes up with tears in his eyes from a dream he's had. This time, his dream is much more specific and the reader gets to learn about his past. In the period of Winston's dream, the Revolution is just starting. It is a time prior to food rations and total control. It is revealed that Winston's father left at a young age and that his mother, though she fulfilled her duties, became quite depressed. However, Winston was at an age where he was selfish and ignorant to the feelings of others around him. I partly understand young Winston's point of view because he was at a naive age and had grown up with an okay life prior to the war. However, I also agree with Julia and think him to be a "swine" for the way he behaved with his mother and how he treated his sister.
Winston recalls how his mother would hold his sister and "give her love because that's all she had to give" and this sparks an epiphany within Winston. The main lesson Winston, as well as the reader, learns is that the government may be able to control what the Party members do, but the government cannot control their thoughts. I thought this was a very powerful "A-ha" moment that Winston had. I've been thinking the same thought through the entire book and I'm glad Winston finally realized the true power of the party.
I feel that one of the most significant parts of this epiphany is when Winston actually breaks through to Julia. She's beginning to follow him on another level than the one she's been taught by the party. Her accepting the fact that the party can never make her believe their skewed views is almost touching. At the same time, though, I still don't buy that she's been completely converted to Winston's views.
In the next section, we find Winston and Julia at O'Brien's house. When they first enter the house , O'Brien acts oddly disinterested in them, but then the telescreen goes off. As of this moment, Winston doesn't even know what to say. Still, nothing has been confirmed to him that O'brien is a Brotherhood member. The tension and fright of this awkward silence made me really feel the nervousness that Winston was going through. Finally Winston just put everything out in the open about who he thought O'Brien truly was. It turns out that Winston has been right all along and that he was actually accosted for the purpose of joining the Brotherhood.
From there, O'Brien goes into an entire list of questions - some expected some morbid. For example: "If, for example, it would somehow serve our interests to throw sulphuric acid in a child's face - are you prepared to do that?" Winston's reply: "Yes." I suppose it just shows the desperation that Winston has been facing all these years for a way out of the Party life.
Another question posed to Winston is if he and Julia would be able to seperate from each other if the conditions imposed. Julia quickly answers no which I find kind of intriguing. She's been with numerous men prior to Winston, so it almost shocked me to find out she loved him that much - especially considering that she falls asleep whenever Winston talks about something that interests him. What I find most interesting about this, though, is that I belive Winston would have answered yes to the question. I think he is so desperate to be apart of the Brotherhood that he would not say anything which would possibly risk not getting in.
Following the previous question, O'Brien explains that some Brotherhood members actually end up having to undergo a reconstructive surgery for protection and survival. They then start over a new life with their appearance and voice unrecognizeable. One thought popped into my head (and I realize you probably think I'm crazy already) is that maybe Julia is actually Katherine. The way he was bringing Katherine up around Julia followed by this surgery revelation actually does lead me to wonder if Julia is really Katherine with a new outlook on life...
O'Brien then goes on to tell what the Brotherhood is all about. Obviously it is extremely secretive, but it is also untraceable. Each member only knows of 3 or 4 other members so it can never be diminished. It is also revealed that Goldstein is a real man who is alive and is the leader of the Brotherhood. It only adds to the irony of "Big Brother is Watching You." First off, the Party knows that Big Brother does exist. Second, they use it as negative propaganda when really they're the ones watching people, not Big Brother.
After a couple glasses of wine, which Winston doesn't even enjoy, (because the party's heavy gin is the only thing which will put him in a haze) Winston leaves the house. O'Brien turns on the telescreen and everything goes back to normal. What I wonder is if, other than reading the Brotherhood book, Winston will actually be apart of something bigger. How much will being in the Brotherhood change his life if he has to keep it a secret and continue to life among the Party members? Never-the-less, he still has a new perspective on his life which will continue to give him hope as he goes on with his life.
In the next section, Winston wakes up with tears in his eyes from a dream he's had. This time, his dream is much more specific and the reader gets to learn about his past. In the period of Winston's dream, the Revolution is just starting. It is a time prior to food rations and total control. It is revealed that Winston's father left at a young age and that his mother, though she fulfilled her duties, became quite depressed. However, Winston was at an age where he was selfish and ignorant to the feelings of others around him. I partly understand young Winston's point of view because he was at a naive age and had grown up with an okay life prior to the war. However, I also agree with Julia and think him to be a "swine" for the way he behaved with his mother and how he treated his sister.
Winston recalls how his mother would hold his sister and "give her love because that's all she had to give" and this sparks an epiphany within Winston. The main lesson Winston, as well as the reader, learns is that the government may be able to control what the Party members do, but the government cannot control their thoughts. I thought this was a very powerful "A-ha" moment that Winston had. I've been thinking the same thought through the entire book and I'm glad Winston finally realized the true power of the party.
I feel that one of the most significant parts of this epiphany is when Winston actually breaks through to Julia. She's beginning to follow him on another level than the one she's been taught by the party. Her accepting the fact that the party can never make her believe their skewed views is almost touching. At the same time, though, I still don't buy that she's been completely converted to Winston's views.
In the next section, we find Winston and Julia at O'Brien's house. When they first enter the house , O'Brien acts oddly disinterested in them, but then the telescreen goes off. As of this moment, Winston doesn't even know what to say. Still, nothing has been confirmed to him that O'brien is a Brotherhood member. The tension and fright of this awkward silence made me really feel the nervousness that Winston was going through. Finally Winston just put everything out in the open about who he thought O'Brien truly was. It turns out that Winston has been right all along and that he was actually accosted for the purpose of joining the Brotherhood.
From there, O'Brien goes into an entire list of questions - some expected some morbid. For example: "If, for example, it would somehow serve our interests to throw sulphuric acid in a child's face - are you prepared to do that?" Winston's reply: "Yes." I suppose it just shows the desperation that Winston has been facing all these years for a way out of the Party life.
Another question posed to Winston is if he and Julia would be able to seperate from each other if the conditions imposed. Julia quickly answers no which I find kind of intriguing. She's been with numerous men prior to Winston, so it almost shocked me to find out she loved him that much - especially considering that she falls asleep whenever Winston talks about something that interests him. What I find most interesting about this, though, is that I belive Winston would have answered yes to the question. I think he is so desperate to be apart of the Brotherhood that he would not say anything which would possibly risk not getting in.
Following the previous question, O'Brien explains that some Brotherhood members actually end up having to undergo a reconstructive surgery for protection and survival. They then start over a new life with their appearance and voice unrecognizeable. One thought popped into my head (and I realize you probably think I'm crazy already) is that maybe Julia is actually Katherine. The way he was bringing Katherine up around Julia followed by this surgery revelation actually does lead me to wonder if Julia is really Katherine with a new outlook on life...
O'Brien then goes on to tell what the Brotherhood is all about. Obviously it is extremely secretive, but it is also untraceable. Each member only knows of 3 or 4 other members so it can never be diminished. It is also revealed that Goldstein is a real man who is alive and is the leader of the Brotherhood. It only adds to the irony of "Big Brother is Watching You." First off, the Party knows that Big Brother does exist. Second, they use it as negative propaganda when really they're the ones watching people, not Big Brother.
After a couple glasses of wine, which Winston doesn't even enjoy, (because the party's heavy gin is the only thing which will put him in a haze) Winston leaves the house. O'Brien turns on the telescreen and everything goes back to normal. What I wonder is if, other than reading the Brotherhood book, Winston will actually be apart of something bigger. How much will being in the Brotherhood change his life if he has to keep it a secret and continue to life among the Party members? Never-the-less, he still has a new perspective on his life which will continue to give him hope as he goes on with his life.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
1984 pages 117 - 151 (Week 4)
This section begins with Winston going to the place Julia gave him directions to. It is their first private meeting together and Winston is truly excited about it. At this point in the relationship, I don't know if Winston is as in love with Julia as she claims to be with him, though. I think he still feels that sexual desire toward her and that is why he's so elated. It might sound crazy, but I'm pretty sure even the nature around him is pointing to a sexual desire. For example, "The 'bluebells' were so thick underfoot that it was impossible not to tread on them." (bluebells = blue balls) As he is picking the flowers for her, she comes up behind him and takes him through a path in the woods.
While they are navigating, Winston realizes that she's never actually seen him up close in the light before and he starts to become nervous about what she'll think of him - so nervous that he's hardly able to speak to her once they reach the clearing. However, after some small talk he moves closer to her actually says something romantic, "Would you believe that till this moment I didn't know what color your eyes were?" We've never seen this side of Winston before, but it just shows that the loving side of him hasn't been completely stripped away.
Following that line, we see the more insecure side of Winston when he asks if Julia can even bear to look at him and then lists his multiple faults. However, Julia doesn't care that he's not perfect and in the next instant, they are kissing! I was almost elated for Winston when I read this passage because finally, he's getting something he wants in life and this is the first step towards happiness. Then, after I thought about it a little more, I realized that it might not be such a good thing for Winston to become happy because that is the first step toward vaporization. I don't know if it's really foreshaddowing or not, but I don't believe anything good is coming for Winston.
What's somewhat ironic about the situation is that Winston has wanted to have sex with Julia since the first time he saw her and now he finally has his chance and he lacks the desire to. This means little to Julia at this point who is already calling him 'dear' as if they've known each other and been together for a long time. (another ironic instance considering he doesn't even know her name until a few lines later) What's really nice about the relationship is that Winston feels no need to tell any lies to her. He's so open as to say that he wanted to "rape her and murder her afterwards." It's humorous to me because she actually laughs delightedly at this. I probably wouldn't be laughing if, on our first date, a man told me he wanted to rape and kill me - that's more of a third date revelation...It just shows the world they are living in is so incredibly warped. If they were given freedom I don't think they'd even know what to do with it because their minds aren't even alarmed with many things that they probably should be.
As Winston and Julia are talking, she gives him a piece of chocolate which she bought on the black market. She then goes on to describe what a good party member she makes herself appear to be. In essence, she's involved in everything, but doesn't believe in any of it; it stands only only for protection. I wonder how many people are like Julia. She can't be the only one doing this, just as Winston can't be the only one with partial memories of the past.
After conversing, they decide it's time to leave the clearing. On their way, Winston can't help but feel he's seen this place before. When they get to the end of their path, he asks if there is a river and there is! It's like his dream. Suddenly a bird comes flying by and Winston and Julia stop to watch it sing. Obviously this bird is meant to represent a freeing of Winston's sexuality (HTRLLAP: birds = flying, flying = freedom) because they are soon kissing with a softness which was not there the first time. They then go back into the clearing to do the deed. Julia, it turns out, is definitely not a good model for the Jr. Anti-Sex League because she reveals that she's done it scores of times with other party members. This actually turns Winston on even more because its such a difference from his previous wife Katherine.
Before they actually do it, Winston makes a statement which screams irony: "I hate purity, I hate goodness. I don't want any virtue to exist anywhere. I want everyone to be corrupt to the bones." In reality, nothing about the party is pure or good. He wants true human nature which is considered to be a virtueless thing to the party.
The next section begins with Julia awakening from her slumber. She soon becomes business like and starts planning their next meeting place. I almost wonder, seeing as how she's been with many men prior to Winston, if he actually means as much to her as she says. Is Winston just another notch on her belt? Will she see him for a while and then break up with him? Anyway...after she gives Winston the plan she takes off to hand out leaflets for the Anti Sex League, which I must say is quite humorous.
As the section moves on, we find out more about Julia's character as they talk in an old church. She's 26 years old which makes her 13 years Winston's junior. I think this is part of the reason why she is so lively. She has had to live 13 years less as a party member and has no real reccolection of the past before the revolution. One thing that kind of strikes me about her character is that she doesn't believe that any organized revolt against the party could ever take place. She just accepts the party for what it is and is satisfied with breaking the rules. This is another reason why I feel she wouldn't know what to do with freedom if she got it. And, not to get all personal / political, but I think this is part of the reason why we aren't having much of a success rate in Iraq. The people have grown up with those views their entire life and just accept them for what they are. To try and give them freedom is to try changing their culture and what they've always known.
Still in the church, Winston tells Julia of Katherine and how she would always make him do "his duty to the party." This does not shock Julia, for she has had it taught to her her entire life. She says that it works in most cases but you can't always tell because people are "such hypocrites." Another strong instance of irony here because she preaches anti sex to others and yet she's had numerous affairs.
Winston's mind drifts back to him and Katherine in the early part of their marriage. They were lost on a community hike and Winston noticed flowers growing below a cliff and even Katherine came over to look at them. Something I find interesting about this book is that Orwell creates such a dark and grim picture of what London looks like and I get like a sense that everything lacks color and beauty because the party controlls everything. However, the one thing the party cannot control is the universe and nature around them. It's spring and the sky is blue and sunny, flowers are around them, things are blossoming. Early on I made a comment that the leaders of the party were looked at as gods. But really they are no more powerful than any other party member and they can't stop natural beauty from occurring.
In the next section we are taken back to the little room above the antique shop. Winston has struck a deal with Mr. Charrington to use the room for his affair in exchange for money. When Julia gets to the room, she is carrying a bag of goodies for her and Winston to share such as real coffee, sugar, tea, and chocolate. But the real treat is the makeup she has. She is just as excited about it as Winston is. She says in the room she will be a woman who wears heels and dresses and makeup! As of now, this room is a complete escape from the grim world they are living in and they must take full advantage! Of course Winston is wondering where she found everything and she says it came from the inner party members. Proof they are living the high life while the people below them suffer.
As they are laying in bed together, a rat runs across the room and they begin to discuss the unsanitary conditions of London. Attention then is turned toward the picture of the church. Mrs. Hurlbert kind of gave it away that there's something behind it, but there is definite foreshaddowing here. Julia states "I bet that picture's got bugs behind it," referring to actual bugs. What she doesn't realize is that there's a different type of bug, a microphone, behind it.
In the next section preparations for Hate Week have begun. A new 'Hate Song' has been released and banners have been placed everywhere. Even a new propaganda poster has appeared and effigies of Goldstein have been burnt. Really, though, it's all in vein. Who are they hating? Are they even at war or does the party just want them to think that?
As the section continues, we find out that Winston is no longer drinking heavily, he's stopped having coughing fits, and his ulcer has subsided. I guess the Beatles were right when they sang "All You Need is Love." Love and companionship really are necessary for a human to live properly. What I wonder is how long will it be before people start to pick up on Winston's sudden changes?
Another thing I find quite interesting about Julia is that she does not care about what propaganda the party is putting out and what lies they are telling. She knows that things aren't true and therefore she doesn't feel a need to be concerned with them. In some ways I agree with this because obviously her life has been much more pleasant than Winston's because she doesn't get caught up in what's true or false. However, she knows nothing other than lies so subconsciously her life will always be centered around them.
While they are navigating, Winston realizes that she's never actually seen him up close in the light before and he starts to become nervous about what she'll think of him - so nervous that he's hardly able to speak to her once they reach the clearing. However, after some small talk he moves closer to her actually says something romantic, "Would you believe that till this moment I didn't know what color your eyes were?" We've never seen this side of Winston before, but it just shows that the loving side of him hasn't been completely stripped away.
Following that line, we see the more insecure side of Winston when he asks if Julia can even bear to look at him and then lists his multiple faults. However, Julia doesn't care that he's not perfect and in the next instant, they are kissing! I was almost elated for Winston when I read this passage because finally, he's getting something he wants in life and this is the first step towards happiness. Then, after I thought about it a little more, I realized that it might not be such a good thing for Winston to become happy because that is the first step toward vaporization. I don't know if it's really foreshaddowing or not, but I don't believe anything good is coming for Winston.
What's somewhat ironic about the situation is that Winston has wanted to have sex with Julia since the first time he saw her and now he finally has his chance and he lacks the desire to. This means little to Julia at this point who is already calling him 'dear' as if they've known each other and been together for a long time. (another ironic instance considering he doesn't even know her name until a few lines later) What's really nice about the relationship is that Winston feels no need to tell any lies to her. He's so open as to say that he wanted to "rape her and murder her afterwards." It's humorous to me because she actually laughs delightedly at this. I probably wouldn't be laughing if, on our first date, a man told me he wanted to rape and kill me - that's more of a third date revelation...It just shows the world they are living in is so incredibly warped. If they were given freedom I don't think they'd even know what to do with it because their minds aren't even alarmed with many things that they probably should be.
As Winston and Julia are talking, she gives him a piece of chocolate which she bought on the black market. She then goes on to describe what a good party member she makes herself appear to be. In essence, she's involved in everything, but doesn't believe in any of it; it stands only only for protection. I wonder how many people are like Julia. She can't be the only one doing this, just as Winston can't be the only one with partial memories of the past.
After conversing, they decide it's time to leave the clearing. On their way, Winston can't help but feel he's seen this place before. When they get to the end of their path, he asks if there is a river and there is! It's like his dream. Suddenly a bird comes flying by and Winston and Julia stop to watch it sing. Obviously this bird is meant to represent a freeing of Winston's sexuality (HTRLLAP: birds = flying, flying = freedom) because they are soon kissing with a softness which was not there the first time. They then go back into the clearing to do the deed. Julia, it turns out, is definitely not a good model for the Jr. Anti-Sex League because she reveals that she's done it scores of times with other party members. This actually turns Winston on even more because its such a difference from his previous wife Katherine.
Before they actually do it, Winston makes a statement which screams irony: "I hate purity, I hate goodness. I don't want any virtue to exist anywhere. I want everyone to be corrupt to the bones." In reality, nothing about the party is pure or good. He wants true human nature which is considered to be a virtueless thing to the party.
The next section begins with Julia awakening from her slumber. She soon becomes business like and starts planning their next meeting place. I almost wonder, seeing as how she's been with many men prior to Winston, if he actually means as much to her as she says. Is Winston just another notch on her belt? Will she see him for a while and then break up with him? Anyway...after she gives Winston the plan she takes off to hand out leaflets for the Anti Sex League, which I must say is quite humorous.
As the section moves on, we find out more about Julia's character as they talk in an old church. She's 26 years old which makes her 13 years Winston's junior. I think this is part of the reason why she is so lively. She has had to live 13 years less as a party member and has no real reccolection of the past before the revolution. One thing that kind of strikes me about her character is that she doesn't believe that any organized revolt against the party could ever take place. She just accepts the party for what it is and is satisfied with breaking the rules. This is another reason why I feel she wouldn't know what to do with freedom if she got it. And, not to get all personal / political, but I think this is part of the reason why we aren't having much of a success rate in Iraq. The people have grown up with those views their entire life and just accept them for what they are. To try and give them freedom is to try changing their culture and what they've always known.
Still in the church, Winston tells Julia of Katherine and how she would always make him do "his duty to the party." This does not shock Julia, for she has had it taught to her her entire life. She says that it works in most cases but you can't always tell because people are "such hypocrites." Another strong instance of irony here because she preaches anti sex to others and yet she's had numerous affairs.
Winston's mind drifts back to him and Katherine in the early part of their marriage. They were lost on a community hike and Winston noticed flowers growing below a cliff and even Katherine came over to look at them. Something I find interesting about this book is that Orwell creates such a dark and grim picture of what London looks like and I get like a sense that everything lacks color and beauty because the party controlls everything. However, the one thing the party cannot control is the universe and nature around them. It's spring and the sky is blue and sunny, flowers are around them, things are blossoming. Early on I made a comment that the leaders of the party were looked at as gods. But really they are no more powerful than any other party member and they can't stop natural beauty from occurring.
In the next section we are taken back to the little room above the antique shop. Winston has struck a deal with Mr. Charrington to use the room for his affair in exchange for money. When Julia gets to the room, she is carrying a bag of goodies for her and Winston to share such as real coffee, sugar, tea, and chocolate. But the real treat is the makeup she has. She is just as excited about it as Winston is. She says in the room she will be a woman who wears heels and dresses and makeup! As of now, this room is a complete escape from the grim world they are living in and they must take full advantage! Of course Winston is wondering where she found everything and she says it came from the inner party members. Proof they are living the high life while the people below them suffer.
As they are laying in bed together, a rat runs across the room and they begin to discuss the unsanitary conditions of London. Attention then is turned toward the picture of the church. Mrs. Hurlbert kind of gave it away that there's something behind it, but there is definite foreshaddowing here. Julia states "I bet that picture's got bugs behind it," referring to actual bugs. What she doesn't realize is that there's a different type of bug, a microphone, behind it.
In the next section preparations for Hate Week have begun. A new 'Hate Song' has been released and banners have been placed everywhere. Even a new propaganda poster has appeared and effigies of Goldstein have been burnt. Really, though, it's all in vein. Who are they hating? Are they even at war or does the party just want them to think that?
As the section continues, we find out that Winston is no longer drinking heavily, he's stopped having coughing fits, and his ulcer has subsided. I guess the Beatles were right when they sang "All You Need is Love." Love and companionship really are necessary for a human to live properly. What I wonder is how long will it be before people start to pick up on Winston's sudden changes?
Another thing I find quite interesting about Julia is that she does not care about what propaganda the party is putting out and what lies they are telling. She knows that things aren't true and therefore she doesn't feel a need to be concerned with them. In some ways I agree with this because obviously her life has been much more pleasant than Winston's because she doesn't get caught up in what's true or false. However, she knows nothing other than lies so subconsciously her life will always be centered around them.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
1984 pages 81 - 117 Week 3
This section opens with Winston walking through a strange new place. It's stated that he has walked several kilometers to get there and as he continues walking, it doesn't take long to figure out that he is among the proles. When his surroundings are described (the smell of real coffee, people without uniform, etc) it's as though he has entered into a completely different world - one which reminds him of his childhood. While he walks through the streets of the proles, everyone keeps an eye on him because of his blue uniform. The thing which causes him to blend in with the rest of his peers in one place does the exact antithesis here. As far as the proles are concerned, little Winston is a threat.
By being in this different territory Winston is risking his life, not only because he could get caught, but also because of the bombings that occur. It kind of gets me wondering if this country really at war with Eurasia or if they're just saying that. Though, it's clear that they're at war with their own people. After the bomb hits, Winston gets up and keeps on walking. As he goes, he sees a hand severed at the wrist and kicks it into the gutter. In many ways, I don't think that Winston is any different than the rest of the party members. Yes, he tries to avoid the public hangings, but at the same time, he shows the same lack of regard for human life as the rest of the party members.
As Winston continues to explore, he comes across an elderly man whom he thinks could give him some real answers about the past. Unfortunately this man is quite old and quite drunk. The answers that Winston receives are basically meaningless because they don't pertain to society in general.
After speaking with the old man, Winston leaves the bar and sees the antique shop where he purchased the diary. With a nervousness inside himself he enters the shop where the man recognizes him almost instantly. The man begins showing him some of his antiques from before the war. I believe that many of Winston's answers to the past lie within this shop if something could possibly trigger him. After perusing for a while and finding an item, Winston is taken upstairs by the owner. What he finds looks like a paradise. A complete bedroom set up with no telescreen. Something that strikes me is that the owner says he's never had a telescreen because he could never afford one and never saw a need for it. This is another reason why I think Winston is on the same level as the rest of the party members. At one point, he obviously felt a need for the telescreen or else he wouldn't own one. For a moment, Winston contemplates living there, but the idea is shut out of his mind when he realizes that it would be impossible to do so without getting caught.
When Winston leaves the shop he's somewhat fearful because of the item he has brought back with him. What he sees as he's walking home is quite terrifying. The girl who's been following him and watching him has followed him here. The first thought that comes to Winston's mind is killing her and the only reason he doesn't is because she's probably stronger than him. That night he arrives home and describes what it's like to be vaporized. The gov. doesn't just come and take you and kill you, they torture you prior to death. Winston contemplates suicide, but he doesn't go through with it because there's nothing that would make his death easy. Winston doesn't end up vaporized and the next time we see him is at work a few days later.
It is here that he sees the girl again. Her arm is in a sling and as they are walking toward each other, she falls down. Winston actually helps her up despite who he thinks she is and after she walks away, he realizes that she's stuck a note in his hand. Carefully he takes it back to his desk and waits diligently so he can read it without being discovered. When he does finally read it, the words written are a shock to him and also myself. It says "I love you" and Winston doesn't even know what to think about it. He's so stunned that he has to read it multiple times to make sure he's correct. Instantly the wheels start turning in his head and he wonders if it's a set up or if she really does like him. He decides to take the chance and try to talk to her again but it's many days before this chance comes.
Every day in the canteen, Winston wants to go sit by her, but he can't seem to get to her first. I find myself rooting for this poor guy, but nothing goes well for him. Finally Winston gets a moment to sit with her alone, but when he reaches her, he can't speak. Luckily she takes charge and they develop a way that they can meet.
It is in the public square that they get to meet up with each other. They have to wait for precisely the right moment when the crowd is heavy so that they won't be picked up by a telescreen. Their time comes when a convoy of Eurasian prisoners (I guess they are fighting the war) are being driven by and a crowd forms and begins booing at them. It is here when Winston is fighting through the mob that we see a stronger side of Winston, one which is more assertive and willing to fight for what he wants. For a breef moment his meekness is gone. Once he finally reaches the girl, they can't even look at each other, but she gives him directions for a place they can meet up. As they continue to look straight ahead, their hands clasp in the bestial crowd and they share a moment which is all their own. It only took 117 pages for something nice to happen to Winston.
By being in this different territory Winston is risking his life, not only because he could get caught, but also because of the bombings that occur. It kind of gets me wondering if this country really at war with Eurasia or if they're just saying that. Though, it's clear that they're at war with their own people. After the bomb hits, Winston gets up and keeps on walking. As he goes, he sees a hand severed at the wrist and kicks it into the gutter. In many ways, I don't think that Winston is any different than the rest of the party members. Yes, he tries to avoid the public hangings, but at the same time, he shows the same lack of regard for human life as the rest of the party members.
As Winston continues to explore, he comes across an elderly man whom he thinks could give him some real answers about the past. Unfortunately this man is quite old and quite drunk. The answers that Winston receives are basically meaningless because they don't pertain to society in general.
After speaking with the old man, Winston leaves the bar and sees the antique shop where he purchased the diary. With a nervousness inside himself he enters the shop where the man recognizes him almost instantly. The man begins showing him some of his antiques from before the war. I believe that many of Winston's answers to the past lie within this shop if something could possibly trigger him. After perusing for a while and finding an item, Winston is taken upstairs by the owner. What he finds looks like a paradise. A complete bedroom set up with no telescreen. Something that strikes me is that the owner says he's never had a telescreen because he could never afford one and never saw a need for it. This is another reason why I think Winston is on the same level as the rest of the party members. At one point, he obviously felt a need for the telescreen or else he wouldn't own one. For a moment, Winston contemplates living there, but the idea is shut out of his mind when he realizes that it would be impossible to do so without getting caught.
When Winston leaves the shop he's somewhat fearful because of the item he has brought back with him. What he sees as he's walking home is quite terrifying. The girl who's been following him and watching him has followed him here. The first thought that comes to Winston's mind is killing her and the only reason he doesn't is because she's probably stronger than him. That night he arrives home and describes what it's like to be vaporized. The gov. doesn't just come and take you and kill you, they torture you prior to death. Winston contemplates suicide, but he doesn't go through with it because there's nothing that would make his death easy. Winston doesn't end up vaporized and the next time we see him is at work a few days later.
It is here that he sees the girl again. Her arm is in a sling and as they are walking toward each other, she falls down. Winston actually helps her up despite who he thinks she is and after she walks away, he realizes that she's stuck a note in his hand. Carefully he takes it back to his desk and waits diligently so he can read it without being discovered. When he does finally read it, the words written are a shock to him and also myself. It says "I love you" and Winston doesn't even know what to think about it. He's so stunned that he has to read it multiple times to make sure he's correct. Instantly the wheels start turning in his head and he wonders if it's a set up or if she really does like him. He decides to take the chance and try to talk to her again but it's many days before this chance comes.
Every day in the canteen, Winston wants to go sit by her, but he can't seem to get to her first. I find myself rooting for this poor guy, but nothing goes well for him. Finally Winston gets a moment to sit with her alone, but when he reaches her, he can't speak. Luckily she takes charge and they develop a way that they can meet.
It is in the public square that they get to meet up with each other. They have to wait for precisely the right moment when the crowd is heavy so that they won't be picked up by a telescreen. Their time comes when a convoy of Eurasian prisoners (I guess they are fighting the war) are being driven by and a crowd forms and begins booing at them. It is here when Winston is fighting through the mob that we see a stronger side of Winston, one which is more assertive and willing to fight for what he wants. For a breef moment his meekness is gone. Once he finally reaches the girl, they can't even look at each other, but she gives him directions for a place they can meet up. As they continue to look straight ahead, their hands clasp in the bestial crowd and they share a moment which is all their own. It only took 117 pages for something nice to happen to Winston.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
1984 pages 37 - 81 (9/2/08) Week 2
This section begins with Winston at work in the Ministry. It quickly becomes apparent that Winston plays a key role in rewriting history. He receives old articles of the "Times" then rewords them with newspeak to fit the story the Party wants to tell. Work is described as Winston's greatest pleasure which I find kind of crazy. He absolutely despises the party, but takes slight joy in rewriting history. He's even pleased that his story will probably be printed instead of one of the guys' working next to him. I almost wonder if he was a writer before all of this happend. Did the Party just put him at this job because he was good at it? (kind of like what China does)
As the section moves forward, we quickly realize that the Party not only erases people, they create them as well. The story turns to Comrad Ogilvy a man who was deeply dedicated to Oceania. He was a stand out at the age of three because he was already refusing all toys other than ones related to war! As he got older, he came to be one of the best spies for the Party and was considered a role model because he was cellibate and did not smoke. However, this man, is not real. The party created him out of thin air to give the people of Oceania somebody to look up to and respect. What I wonder is this: do the true devotees of the party look up to this man? Do they know they are being wronged? My guess is that they have not the slightest clue that Ogilvy is only a manifestation of the Party.
The next section continues on in the fairly drab lunch room. Right away it is made known that thee cafeteria is serving Victory Gin to its inhabitants. Right there is a big red flag against the Party. They know the conditions are so horrible that they are keeping their citizens / workers intoxicated almost all through the day! I guess something has to keep them going, right?
As he's standing in the lunch room, Winston meets up with his "friend," Syme. I don't know that Winston really considers Syme to be a friend, but it's as close as he's got. Syme is a man who wreaks of intelligence. He's playing a key part in compiling the 11th edition of the Newspeak Dictionary and follows it whole heartedly. He's doing his part to erase every extra needed word that they already have. For instance, why have words such as splendid and excellent when one could use a word like plusgood? That's clearly better! Syme believes that taking the excessive details out of language is a plusgood thing which will only make the people of Oceania sound more intelligent. Really, though, the only thing it's succeeding in doing is making the people sound the exact antithesis. By using simple words for everything, the people will be reduced to just slightly above the level of a caveman. In a way it reverses the evolutionary process of man; if the first step is language, what's the next, actions? Eventually, Oceania could become a basic, underdeveloped civilization. Never-the-less, Syme still referres to the destruction of words as a "beautiful thing."
The whole time that Syme is talking to Winston about the Newspeak Dictionary, Winston can't help but let his mind wander. All he can think about is Syme being vaporized. Winston has a divine and knowledgeable instinct about who will be vaporized and he knows that Syme will be within a couple of years. Simply, he's just too intelligent.
While Winston is still eating lunch, his fellow tennant Mr. Parsons comes to join. Neither Winston nor Syme are excited about this, for Parsons is a fairly foolish man. Upon sitting down, Parsons apologizes to Winston for what his son did to him. However, he then goes on to commend his son and daughter for being keen and able to spot thought criminals. I think this could easily be foreshaddowing that his son or daughter will turn him into the thought police, but I could be wrong.
Not long after Parsons sits down, they are interrupted by a voice on the telescreen. This voice is quite excited and is telling of how the living standards in Oceania have increased. One remark she makes in particular is that chocolate rations have risen to 20 grams per week. Winston right away recognizes this as untrue, but the rest of the people around them don't even realize that just a week ago it was dropped from 30. Winston is quite flustered by this and it makes him question what else has the government changed. However, he should know, he's taking a part in making these changes. I still don't understand how he can love his job yet get angry at how brainwashed people, and partially himself, are. It's a gargantuous contradiction. Still, after the woman disappears, he pretends that he's happy about the great lifestyle and goes along with Parsons and Syme. Winston does make an excellent point, though. He feels that if someone is feeling like their living conditions are wrong, shouldn't that mean that at one point they were better? I agree with this and I wish that he could conjur up some memories to prove that it's true.
Section 6 begins with Winston writing in his diary again. He's writing of a time when he visited a prostitute. It's almost too painful for him to put down on paper. Normally visiting a prostitute isn't something that I would condone, but in Winston's case, I can understand why he did it. He wanted more than just sex, he wanted a release from his current mindframe. As he's trying to write down his incident with the prostitute, we learn that Winston once had a wife named Katherine. In a sense, their marriage was ruined by the Party. Once celibacy was being promoted, Katherine no longer wanted to even be touched by Winston. This made for many awkward times in the union and eventually they seperated. However, Winston doesn't appear to be too upset about the ordeal at all. He appears to be sadder about visiting a prostitute than leaving his wife. When he finally gets his experience down on paper, he's almost more disappointed in himself than before he started because his therapy didn't work.
In the final section of reading, winston begins talking of the proles. The proles consist of 85% of Oceania's population and therefore, they could actually cause a forceful rebellion against the Party. The proles are described to be living in worse conditions than the other 15% but I think it sounds like a much better way of life. Only a few thought police move among them and their lives are much less strict than everyone elses. What I don't understand is why Winston doesn't just go to live with them. How does one become a prole and what's stopping him?
As the section continues, the focus again moves to the changing of history. The Party has created text books which describe capitalists as horrible people and London as dark and miserable. Something that I've been questioning is how the party came to be in control. How did they change the lives of everyone and brainwash them? They obviously know that the past was a much better place for the majority of the citizens yet they chose to change it completely. I'm just curious who is doing it and how they managed to accomplish it.
Eventually the topic is turned to three men who were said to have committed many crimes under Goldstein's party. These men were charged with extreme crimes and they even confessed to them. One day at work, though, Winston found an old article of the Times placing the men at a different place than they said they were at the time of the crimes. However, instead of keeping the article, Winston chooses to burn it. I think that this incident almost haunts Winston. He knows he could have kept it. If not for a rebellion, for his own personal sanity.
At the very end of the section, Winston writes this fragment: "Freedom is the freedom to say two plus two make four. If that is granted all else follows." This is a very powerful statement for him and I hope that he does something to regain the ability have freedom and know the truth.
As the section moves forward, we quickly realize that the Party not only erases people, they create them as well. The story turns to Comrad Ogilvy a man who was deeply dedicated to Oceania. He was a stand out at the age of three because he was already refusing all toys other than ones related to war! As he got older, he came to be one of the best spies for the Party and was considered a role model because he was cellibate and did not smoke. However, this man, is not real. The party created him out of thin air to give the people of Oceania somebody to look up to and respect. What I wonder is this: do the true devotees of the party look up to this man? Do they know they are being wronged? My guess is that they have not the slightest clue that Ogilvy is only a manifestation of the Party.
The next section continues on in the fairly drab lunch room. Right away it is made known that thee cafeteria is serving Victory Gin to its inhabitants. Right there is a big red flag against the Party. They know the conditions are so horrible that they are keeping their citizens / workers intoxicated almost all through the day! I guess something has to keep them going, right?
As he's standing in the lunch room, Winston meets up with his "friend," Syme. I don't know that Winston really considers Syme to be a friend, but it's as close as he's got. Syme is a man who wreaks of intelligence. He's playing a key part in compiling the 11th edition of the Newspeak Dictionary and follows it whole heartedly. He's doing his part to erase every extra needed word that they already have. For instance, why have words such as splendid and excellent when one could use a word like plusgood? That's clearly better! Syme believes that taking the excessive details out of language is a plusgood thing which will only make the people of Oceania sound more intelligent. Really, though, the only thing it's succeeding in doing is making the people sound the exact antithesis. By using simple words for everything, the people will be reduced to just slightly above the level of a caveman. In a way it reverses the evolutionary process of man; if the first step is language, what's the next, actions? Eventually, Oceania could become a basic, underdeveloped civilization. Never-the-less, Syme still referres to the destruction of words as a "beautiful thing."
The whole time that Syme is talking to Winston about the Newspeak Dictionary, Winston can't help but let his mind wander. All he can think about is Syme being vaporized. Winston has a divine and knowledgeable instinct about who will be vaporized and he knows that Syme will be within a couple of years. Simply, he's just too intelligent.
While Winston is still eating lunch, his fellow tennant Mr. Parsons comes to join. Neither Winston nor Syme are excited about this, for Parsons is a fairly foolish man. Upon sitting down, Parsons apologizes to Winston for what his son did to him. However, he then goes on to commend his son and daughter for being keen and able to spot thought criminals. I think this could easily be foreshaddowing that his son or daughter will turn him into the thought police, but I could be wrong.
Not long after Parsons sits down, they are interrupted by a voice on the telescreen. This voice is quite excited and is telling of how the living standards in Oceania have increased. One remark she makes in particular is that chocolate rations have risen to 20 grams per week. Winston right away recognizes this as untrue, but the rest of the people around them don't even realize that just a week ago it was dropped from 30. Winston is quite flustered by this and it makes him question what else has the government changed. However, he should know, he's taking a part in making these changes. I still don't understand how he can love his job yet get angry at how brainwashed people, and partially himself, are. It's a gargantuous contradiction. Still, after the woman disappears, he pretends that he's happy about the great lifestyle and goes along with Parsons and Syme. Winston does make an excellent point, though. He feels that if someone is feeling like their living conditions are wrong, shouldn't that mean that at one point they were better? I agree with this and I wish that he could conjur up some memories to prove that it's true.
Section 6 begins with Winston writing in his diary again. He's writing of a time when he visited a prostitute. It's almost too painful for him to put down on paper. Normally visiting a prostitute isn't something that I would condone, but in Winston's case, I can understand why he did it. He wanted more than just sex, he wanted a release from his current mindframe. As he's trying to write down his incident with the prostitute, we learn that Winston once had a wife named Katherine. In a sense, their marriage was ruined by the Party. Once celibacy was being promoted, Katherine no longer wanted to even be touched by Winston. This made for many awkward times in the union and eventually they seperated. However, Winston doesn't appear to be too upset about the ordeal at all. He appears to be sadder about visiting a prostitute than leaving his wife. When he finally gets his experience down on paper, he's almost more disappointed in himself than before he started because his therapy didn't work.
In the final section of reading, winston begins talking of the proles. The proles consist of 85% of Oceania's population and therefore, they could actually cause a forceful rebellion against the Party. The proles are described to be living in worse conditions than the other 15% but I think it sounds like a much better way of life. Only a few thought police move among them and their lives are much less strict than everyone elses. What I don't understand is why Winston doesn't just go to live with them. How does one become a prole and what's stopping him?
As the section continues, the focus again moves to the changing of history. The Party has created text books which describe capitalists as horrible people and London as dark and miserable. Something that I've been questioning is how the party came to be in control. How did they change the lives of everyone and brainwash them? They obviously know that the past was a much better place for the majority of the citizens yet they chose to change it completely. I'm just curious who is doing it and how they managed to accomplish it.
Eventually the topic is turned to three men who were said to have committed many crimes under Goldstein's party. These men were charged with extreme crimes and they even confessed to them. One day at work, though, Winston found an old article of the Times placing the men at a different place than they said they were at the time of the crimes. However, instead of keeping the article, Winston chooses to burn it. I think that this incident almost haunts Winston. He knows he could have kept it. If not for a rebellion, for his own personal sanity.
At the very end of the section, Winston writes this fragment: "Freedom is the freedom to say two plus two make four. If that is granted all else follows." This is a very powerful statement for him and I hope that he does something to regain the ability have freedom and know the truth.
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