Winston Smith's Rebellion

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There are only a select few who are tenacious enough to go against the rules of conformity which hinder growth and freedom. In 1984 this is exemplified through the main character, Winston Smith’s various acts of rebellion against the totalitarian government he lives under. The Party is a totalitarian regime that fearful citizens must pledge allegiance to, which keeps the same fearful citizens ignorant through large quantities of misinformation. Big Brother, the mysterious ruler whose central objective is to control every aspect of a civilian's life, brainwashing them into blind acceptance. The brainwashing is what Smith rebels against. Dictionary.com characterizes a rebel as a person who resists any authority, control or tradition. While projecting …show more content…
Smith's love for Julia is expressed when he says "’Julia! Julia! Julia, my love! Julia!’" (293). Relationships are forbidden in the 1984 society, because they constitute to individual loyalties and devotions. A citizen must put their absolute faith and trust in the Party. “There will be no love, except love of Big Brother” (280). Relationships get in the middle of the loyalty and love given to the Party therefore are not allowed. Both Smith and Julia choose to think for themselves when pursuing their relationship opposed to heeding to the orders of the government. Oceanic citizens are taught that love is incorrect, which Smith ignores despite being aware of the consequences. Smith chooses to exercise his ability of individual thought, without obeying Big Brother's directives which is the ultimate act of rebellion. While having a relationship that involves feelings is already a criminal act, "Sexual intercourse was to be looked on as a slightly disgusting minor operation, like having an enema." (69). Having sex for pleasure and not as a way of procreating for the Party is a very meaningful action in Smith’s rebellion. The Party depersonalizes sex and refers to is as “duty to the party”. Marriage is comparable to a contract between two people for the purpose of bearing an offspring that would …show more content…
Winston rebels through his use of a diary, his relationship with Julia and lastly through his hatred of Big Brother. The tight grasp of Big Brother’s in hand around his neck was enough for Winston to start his own rebellious movement. The oppression was altered into a burning desire for freedom which subsequently developed into rebellion. Ultimately, it becomes clear that the real fuel for Winston's rebellion is the government, specifically the oppression which is meant to be used as a method to keep people in check and to maintain total
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