Prompt

George Orwell’s dystopian novel, 1984 depicts a struggle between influence and desire. Winston Smith exemplifies this struggle through his writing and disobedience.

The government demands loyalty and obedience from its citizens. This demand pressures the citizens of Oceania to live in fear of individual though. The rest of society also pressures other citizens to follow and believe the government. This peer pressure results in non-believers participating in events such as hate week and forgery. On the other hand, Winston Smith had individual memories and thoughts that contradict the words of the government. His desire for knowledge, individual though, and freedom tugs his mind away from obedience and belief.

Winston is conflicted between governmental belief and his personal belief. The governmental belief causes Winston to try to obey and participate. He wants to conform and be “normal”. The personal beliefs of Winston cause him to lose respect and confidence in the government. Winston is caught between what he thinks is “right” and what the government tells him is “right”.

This conflicted mind of Winston’s causes him to rebel. Winston rebels through writhing against the government in a diary, following and talking to and old man about the past, having an affair, and attempting to join The Brotherhood. Winston’s rebellion leads him to the realization that to survive one must conform. Also, if a person shows individuality, society will reject them.

The two conflicting directions pulling on Winston Smith’s mind causes him great confusion. This confusion led to his disobedience and finally death. Before his death, Winston realized the indifference of society.