1984 Practice - IRIEOHFIVHFIODSHOISH - How are the complexities of the human experience explored by

How are the complexities of the human experience explored by Orwell

in 1984?

George Orwell, in his dystopian satire 1984, discusses the human experience through his

protagonist, Winston, through his outward suppression of human qualities, and his inward

struggle with his moral and cognitive strength. Winston is constantly challenged to suppress his

expression of individuality and personal feelings in favour of expressions of love and support for

“Big Brother”. This suppression of personal identity is reflected by Orwell during the “2 minutes

hate”, where Winston is directed by social conditions to “shouting with the others and kicking his

heel violently against the rung of his chair.”. Orwell’s expression of the influence of social norms

on the behaviours of people, such as Winston, reflects the universal human experience of

conformity. Furthermore, the societal capacity to invoke emotion is expressed by Orwell during

the “2 minutes hate”, as he describes Winston’s “hideous ecstasy of fear and vindictiveness, a

desire to kill, to torture, to smash faces in with a sledgehammer”. Conversely, George Orwell

explores the complicated human psyche through the inner turmoil of Winston, as a result of his

non-conformitate principles. Winston’s fear of his own “thoughtcrime” being discovered is

represented through the symbol of the “telescreen” which represents the constant surveillance

of citizens. Orwell’s use of “telescreens” represents the threat of surveillance, and therefore

arrest or death for the citizens within the novel, but also observes the tendency of totalitarian

governments to abuse technology. Furthermore, Winston’s sexual interest in Julia embodies the

natural human desire for affection, which is stifled by the state, as described by his relationship

with his ex-wife; “As son as [Winston] touched her she seemed to wince and stiffen.”

Furthermore, WInstons’s desire for sexual satisfaction and affection reflects his inclination to

defy the state, describing the act of sex as “a blow struck against the party”. Orwell expresses

the human incapacity to contain one’s emotions within through WIsnton’s outburst during the 2

minutes hate, in which he redirects the hatred which is drawn from him toward “Big Brother, the

Party and the Thought Police.” WInston's incapacity to control his inward emotions as an

outward expression is reflected through his fornication with the Proles and with Julia. Although

the party encourages the stifling of one’s sexual desires as a member of the party, Winston’s

emotions and desires overrule the word of the party, therefore highlighting WIsnton’s

individuality. Ultimately Orweel reflects the human response to oppression as the outward

suppression of emotion and inward turmoil, and how they interconnect through WInston’s plights

and struggles.

1984 Practice - IRIEOHFIVHFIODSHOISH