We will post a required response for both 1984 and SUNS so that everyone can start to really think about the significance of these novels before classes begin. If you have any questions or feel confused about parts of the novel, you should absolutely include that in your response. The purpose is to help guide you through this reading (and for some to save you from yourselves and encourage you to get that required reading finished on time). The TWO parts of this required response are listed below.
1) Please respond to one of the following using supporting details from the novel to support your answer.
2) Please respond to the comments of another student. What specifically about their comments interest you? Do you agree or disagree, and most importantly….why?
****YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH 1) AND 2) ABOVE! A FEW SENTENCES ARE SUFFICIENT.
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING FOR RESPONSE
I. Besides Winston, whom do you think is the most significant/ interesting character? Why?
II. What do you think is the significance of the novel’s ending? What is Orwell’s message by ending this way?
III. Compare some aspect of the society in the novel to American society today (or in the last decade)? Are there any surprising similarities? (Differences are plentiful and obvious, so if you choose this question focus on similarities).
PLEASE AVOID REPETITION. IF OTHERS HAVE ALREADY SAID WHAT YOU ARE THINKING, CHOOSE A DIFFERENT QUESTION FOR RESPONSE, CHOOSE A DIFFERENT ANGLE ON THAT QUESTION, OR COME UP WITH A TOPIC OF YOUR OWN FOR RESPONSE. (THESE QUESTIONS ARE JUST A GUIDE…..IF YOU WISH TO RESPOND TO ANTOHER ASPECT OF THE NOVEL, FEEL FREE TO INTRODUCE A NEW TOPIC.)
FROM CASSIE WEISS:
ReplyDeleteI think the significance of the way Orwell ended 1984 was to reiterate the idea that it is possible to break a human down so much that they believe whatever they are told. They will believe what they are told whether it is that 2 + 2 = 5 or that Big Brother has total control of their life. Orwell wrote this book to show the world what a free country would be like if it were to be taken under the wing of a totalitarian government. In all aspects he wanted to reiterate the loss of freedom that man would have under such tyranny.
I think that Julia was the most interesting character. She held firmly to any beliefs that were against the Party yet she never believed that the Party could be defeated. She accepted a life where the Party was ultimately in control and she was able to break a few harmless rules now and again. She reminds me of a teenager who, at the end of the day, is a good kid but still breaks the rules every once in a while.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Cassie's post. She put into words what was running through my mind when I finished the book. The whole 2 + 2 = 5 concept was the perfect example of people believing what they are told, no matter how ridiculous it is.
ReplyDeleteI also find the idea interesting that you can make someone believe almost anything. It makes us question our own beliefs and how we came to believe those things. Was it simply because that is what we were told? How do we evaluate information we are given?
ReplyDeleteI think that the most significant character is Big Brother himself. Although he may not even be real, he is the most influential figure in this book. He rules all thought and his face is everywhere. No person can have their own thoughts, they must think what Big Brother wants them to think. They must do what Big Brother wants them to do. It is absolutely crazy how much influence one figure can have on a nation. Big Brother runs the lives of every person and that is why i think he is the most significant character.
ReplyDeleteI cannot think of an example from American society, but one worldy example would be the Communist government in China. The government representatives of China demand all the citizens to conform to the way of life they see fit. This is the same way in the book. In the novel people are forced to live a way of life that they would not live otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Alyssa said about Big Brother being on of the main characters. Even though he is not seen he is all controlling. I feel this is one of the main reasons Big Brother is such a significant character in this novel.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I agree that there are similarities between the society in 1984 and other prominent countries in the world. The reason I asked for comparisons to OUR society (not necessarily just our government) is because those examples require more self-examination and scrutiny. Because these possible similarities are less obvious, more thought and examination of our day to day existence are required of the responder. My challenge to you is to find a similarity (not necessarily "exact") between the 1984 society and ours, a society that initially would seem completely different.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alyssa that Big Brother is a very influential character because the citizens did not have a choice but to listen to the regulations given by Big Brother. I think that Mr. Charrington was an interesting character. While reading the book I found it somewhat odd that someone would knowingly let another person rent a room from them to have an affair. It would seem especially odd sense it was someone that Mr. Charrington did not know very well. He was the character that influenced the ending. He could have kept it quiet even though he was part of the Thought Police or do what he chose to do by turning them in.
ReplyDeleteFROM CARI CARNES:
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, Julia was the most interesting character because she was such a contrast to Winston. They both shared the same sexual desire and hate for the Party but all of their other traits were contradictory. Julia was content living in the moment and breaking small rules as long as she stayed under the radar. She would like to believe that the Brotherhood could change the future but ultimately saw no hope in it."
"I agree with what Katy said about Julia being like a teenager who just likes to break the rules sometimes. She is so young and I think she just likes to have something bad to talk about and rebel against even if she doesn't exactly understand what is going on."
Besides Winston I thought O'Brien was the most interesting character. As I was reading the book my opinion on him changed a lot. At one point when Winston went to O'Brien's house and they talked I thought O'Brien was a good guy and on the same page as Winston. But as I continued reading I started thinking the opposite. O'Brien tortured Winston in the cell and made Winston believe everything he said was the truth. O'Brien's actions are what made him so interesting and as I was reading I kept wondering what he would do next.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cassie's post! I am still shocked how people can believe some of the things that the party made the people believe. The whole 2+2=5 blows my mind, and it is the perfect example to show how people believed whatever the party told them to believe even if there was a way to prove them wrong.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Cassie said.That is why i said Big Brother was one main character because of the way he was able to control everything, like Cassie said. He could make anyone believe anything that he wanted them too. I thought that the 2+2+5 was a perfect example of this.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading 1984 I believe Julia is the most significant character. She was not going to change her negative beliefs about the Party but knew it would never be stopped. Both Winston and Julia had a passion for sex and the hate of the party. She always did stuff when she wanted and lived in the present. She would break rules here and there but never get caught.
ReplyDeleteJulia is a significant character because she is strong in what she believes in. She is stubborn in the way that nobody will be able to change the way she looks at things.
ReplyDeleteI liked what Alyssa said about how people don't even get to think for themselves anymore. They must think of what Big Brother wants them to do or what he wants them to like. Can you imagine not being able to make choices for yourself? I am the type of person who must be in control of what is about to happen. I get uncomfortable if somebody else is in charge, so i would hate this.
ReplyDeleteI believe Big Brother is another major character. Even though he never appears physically in the novel, Big Brother is seen everywhere. He is on the poster and is controlling the community physically and psychologically.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with what Cari said about Julia and her part in the story. The fact that both Winston and her have similar feelings and desires, their outlook on their path ahead and how things will play out are totally different.
ReplyDeleteI like what Katie said about Julia on how nobody can change the way she looks at things because it is defiantly true. She will not let anyone change her thinking.
ReplyDeleteThe interesting character to me was O'Brien. He was by far the most complex of the characters and I felt as though I could never get inside of his mind. He was also very interesting in the way he got inside of your head and knew you intimately. He was also interesting in the way he played Winston for so long.
ReplyDeleteI think that some similarities between Orwell's 1984 and today are such things as issues of privacy and of propaganda. There's video surveillance out everywhere and the government can know a lot about you just by looking up your social security number. They can also monitor your phone calls. Issues with propaganda would be like how the media can can biased and manipulate you.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alyssa's comment about Big Brother being an important role in the story. He controls everything and it's impossible to escape him.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cassie's post. The world that we perceive is all in our minds. Human nature is to follow the crowd in action and belief. People can also be forced into believing and it does make you question the world. How to we know that the north pole is actually at the top of the world and not the bottom? It is perceived that way because the Europeans at one time ran the world and were in the Northern Hemisphere. They wanted to be on top, and so they are.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the significance of theending to 1984 was to reveal the true motive of the Party, to receive genuine submission of all Party members through techniques such as propaganda, brainwashing, and torture in order to maintain the Party’s tyrannical power and its control over the minds of its member. Orwell ended the novel by Winston loving Big Brother to show that anyone could believe absurdities such as 2 + 2 = 5 and willingly submit to others such as Big Brother through intense brainwashing of the heart and mind. The ending’s message was to reinforce that a tyranny ultimately obtains complete power by stripping freedom and pursuing submission of its people through evil, corrupt acts such as torture and brainwashing; thus, Orwell warns us of tyrannical powers in our world.-Ethan Lehmann
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alyssa's statement that Big Brother is a significant and influential character in 1984. Despite that he makes no physical appearance in the novel and that Winston even questions Big Brother's existence, he is the most prominent and influential figure in Oceania as he is the head and commander of the Party. It is astonishing that millions of people in Oceania have trusted the words, values, and orders of a man who may actually not even exist. I find it remarkable that in our society a figure, such as the President, can have an immense influence on us similar to the influence of Big Brother on Oceania. It makes me question if we put our trust and loyalty on the values and ideas of major societal figures more than our own values and ideas. -Ethan Lehmann
ReplyDeleteTo me, Mr. Charrington seemed to be the most interesting character. While he always seemed somewhat esoteric to me, he also had this nuanced amiability about him. For example, he helped Winston recall the old nursery rhyme, he sold him antiquated goods, and he loaned Winston and Julia the upstairs bedroom. Then, all of sudden, Orwell reveals Charrington to be a member of the Thought Police working under O'Brien. This completely shocked me as it seemed to contradict the whole development of the story. - Tony Huang
ReplyDeleteI liked the point that Ethan tried to make, but I would have to say that I disagree with him. The facet of the book that makes it slightly uninteresting to me is its complete pessimism. It portrays a dystopian world with absolutely no escape from tyranny. However, when we look back through history, there has been not one case in which totalitarianism has effaced all dissent. In the end, dissenters become the majority and succeed to overthrow tyranny in their attempt to instill egalitarianism.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the significance of the novel's ending is that it truely has no ending. The way in which Orwell shows the changing of feelings toward Big Brother make one feel that there is no ending. Big Brother will continue to live which, in my opinion, is not a proper ending to a book. It makes me feel that there is and never will be an ending to the story. Big Brother changed has changed the people by taking away their personal identity, making the society one person working for the party. I believe the ending of the book is just the significance that one more person has fallen into the Party's control.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tony's post saying that Charington is the most interesting character in the book. Charington seemed to be a link to a forgotten world. A world without with Big Borther and the Party. He seemed to be one of the last people who wanted to preserve the Legacy of the past and what it stood for. He blind-sided me with his betrayal because I genuinly felt that he cared about the past and what it had to offer.
ReplyDeleteI believe that, apart from Winston, O'Brien was the most interesting character in the book. He was made to play several roles throughout and I found it very interesting how he and Winston became intertwined. When the book talked about "meeting again in the place where there is no darkness" and then actually finding out what the full concept of that meant, I found it quite compelling. O'Brien could be labeled as a traitor to Winston, but in a world of mind control and conforming I feel O'Brien was more of his guardian.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Tony's assessment of Charrington. He was definitely a shady figure throughout the novel, but his loyalties seemed to never be in question. Like Tony, when I found out he was actually a member of the thought police I was dumbfounded. He seemed like someone who Winston could trust in a world of lies and deceit.
ReplyDeleteI think that a lot of aspects in this book are very similar to things that actually happen in real life. Not necessarily the government, but the media has more control over us than we think. Also everything that happened reminded me a lot of Hitler, and how he wanted to take over the world.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Vivian's comment about privacy, and how the government can really see anything that we're doing at any time, just like in the book.
ReplyDeleteTo me I think that the most interesting person in the story was O’Brien because to me he was the hardest for me to understand, and took up most of my time trying to get me to understand what he was thinking. With most all characters I could catch on to what they were trying to do, but never really got that from O’Brien. He was such a mystery to me and had my attention through out the whole story because I didn’t know what he would do next.
ReplyDeleteI think Julia is the most interesting character next to Winston. She conforms to what everyone is supposed to, but in reality she hates it and is trying to go against it and she likes going against the rules. Winston on the other hand breaks the rules at times, but is so afraid of being caught and turned in to the thought police.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Kelsey said because i had to sit there and really focus on what O'brien was trying to mean. I never knew what was coming next, and it took me forever to figure out where he was coming from.
ReplyDeleteI believe Julia is the most interesting character next to Winston. She does what it takes to not be suspected and fit in with society, but in reality she hates everything about her society. She acts like the perfect person, but breaks the rules and does as she pleases. Unlike Winston, she isn't afraid to break the rules.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Alyssa. Big Brother has never appeared in the story as a real person, but somehow still has a strong hold on all the people. He influences people through his words and posters, but never actual meetings. He has people thinking and doing anything he wants.
ReplyDeleteI think Julia is the most interesting character. She is the only person who can be completely trusted by Winston. They are completely different and that's why i think she is interesting, that he and Winston are so good together.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ella. I like what she compared the book with in the real world. I never really thought of it that way until reading her post and thought it made complete sense.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Vivian, I do believe that the government can access any infomation that they need just by our social security numbers. I like how she noted that there are issuse of privacy and of propaganda, because I feel the same way as her.
ReplyDeleteI think Julia is one of the most interesting characters, besides Winston. Julia wears a red sash around her waist as a symbol of celibacy because she is a member of the Junior Anti-Sex League. She is also one of the loudest people during the Two Minute Hate. But it turns out Julia really feels the exact opposite of these things; she hates Big Brother and the Party. She is interesting because she is basically two different people.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Zoie when she said Big Brother was a very important figure in the book, even though he is not seen. He is the leader of the whole Party and everything that is going on.
ReplyDeleteI thought Mr. Charrington is one of the most interesting characters because Winston thought he could trust him but Charrington betrayed him because he was part of thought police.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Ellie, that Julia is an interesting character in the way that she does everything the way she's supposed to do but actually hates it.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Mr. Charrington was a very significant character. All along I thought he supported Winston in his love affair with Julia and his rebelious side towards the party. But in the end, he turned out to be a member of the Thought Police, which I never saw coming. This really shocked me and made me dislike Mr.Charrington. I found Mr. Charrington very significant, so when I found this out, it was even a greater shock.
ReplyDeleteI found Zoie's comment about Big Brother very interesting and made a very good point. I agree with her when she says that it's amazing to see how someone never really appears in the novel, but he's seen everywhere and has sort of control over everyone. That is a very interesting, and I believe really makes Big Brother another significant character.
ReplyDeleteBesides Winston, I believe that O'Brien is the most interesting character. I liked how he got inside your head. It was like you didn't know what he was going to do next. I also thought it was interesting how he had played Winston for so long.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Laran said about Mr. Charrington. Winston really trusted him, and then Mr. Charrington let him down when Winston found out he was a member of the Thought Police. It was very wrong of Mr. Charrington to do that to Winston.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the novel the characters battle what would be considered privacy infringements today. However, there are many privacy issues in the modern day that are similar to those in 1984. As Americans we may not have to deal with "two-way telescreens" but we are under surveillance on a daily basis. We have cameras monitoring many intersections and highways. Also, the internet is monitored by huge databases that "sniff" every piece of information that passes through. Our privacy may not be an extreme issue when compared to the novel, but the gap between Orwell's work of fiction and our modern day reality may be closer than we think.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Courtney's comment on O'Brien being an interesting character. He was clever, confident, and unpredictable.
ReplyDeleteI believe that O’Brien is one of the most interesting characters in the book. In the beginning of the book, Winston did not really know much about O’Brien, but for some reason he felt like he could trust him. He really did believe that O’Brien was involved in the underground movement against Big Brother. However, O’Brien is actually working for the party in the Ministry of Love. I think O’Brien was a clever man to be able to deceive others into thinking he was a traitor while in reality he was loyal to the Party.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Ella said about the media having control over how we think. The media likes to keep people ignorant on important issues in order to try to sway their opinions and influence their judgment.
ReplyDeleteThe ending of 1984 was designed to reiterate the perils of a totalitaian government. Although it is known that Orwell's goal was to show the dangers of a completely powerful governing body, one still subconsciously expects Winston to be able to somehow undermine Big Brother's power. When this does not happen, it goes to further highlight how powerful and dangerous the government is. If someone such as Winston, who seemed to be steadfast in his hatred for Big Brother, could abruptly become yet another drone in the system, then the government obviously could project their dominance onto anyone. The ending of 1984 set about to prove that any dissent or free thought could be, and ultimately would be, crushed by a totally powerful goverment.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Tony said about Mr. Charrington. I found him to be the most interesting and complex character. He was the only character that I trusted completely, and I was also shocked whenever he was revealed as a member of the Thought Police.
ReplyDeleteI didn't think that we had to do anything else about this. D:
ReplyDeleteThe novel's ending, to me, is Orwell's final statement portraying the shocking extent of the Party's power. Winston is cognizant that his execution will occur when he truly loves Big Brother, but at the moment when he does so, he is quite happy to die in his elated, "enlightened" state. Such a punishment for thought-criminals is admirably airtight and beautifully constructed. Orwell's visualization of an absolute dystopia is only completed by the full obliteration of hope in the final scene.
ReplyDeleteAs powerfully as Orwell concluded, though, I ultimately agree with Tony: the dystopia of Nineteen Eighty-Four is so extreme as to be unrealistic. Despite Big Brother's supreme control and ability to live eternally, despite Orwell's illustration of a hell on Earth with no end in sight, I must believe that human nature simply doesn't allow tyranny to continue perpetually.
ReplyDelete(On a more speculative note, the tone and tense of the Appendix seem to hint at a more hopeful future. This may, of course, have been nothing more than an arbitrary stylistic decision.)
FROM ASHLEE POWERS:
ReplyDeleteJulia is the most interesting character besides Winston. Julia almost always contradicts Winston's personality by her careless actions. She thinks in the moment and only cares about being caught by the Party.
I agree with Alyssa when she says that Big Brother is a very influential part of the novel. Usually when characters are not actually ever seen they do not have a major role, but Big Brother is equally important as any of the other characters.
FROM REHAN RAHMAN:
ReplyDeleteI think that the significance of the ending of the novel is that if society wills the change of the people within it, the society can and will overcome obstacles. The end of the novel was a realization to the reader that with torture comes change in not only a person's physical health, but in their mental condition as well. Winston's mind was completely overcome with what "Big Brother" was trying to do the whole time. The Thoughtpolice fulfilled their duties and Winston's beliefs had actually been changed to what they wanted.
I understand what Jacob is saying. I too got the feeling that the book could have kept going on and he stated what i believed in a different way. I agree with what he said about society taking over and making one more person in the party entirely.
FROM KODY JOHANN:
ReplyDeleteI think Julia is an interesting character because she has a rebellious personality like Winston; however, her rebellion is on a smaller scale and is more for her personal enjoyment. This was demonstrated by her enjoyment for sex and breaking small rules which she never got caught doing.
I agree with what Blake said about Julia wanting to live in the present. She was a teenager who wanted change in the future, but really saw no hope so she lived like a normal teenager with a rebellious personality.
FROM MARIAH BRADLEY:
ReplyDeleteCompared to the American society today, the society portrayed in the novel 1984 definitely had some drastic differences; but, by looking back and analyzing the two contrasting societies there were some similarities. One of those similarities was that in both groups there were two main types of people: those that accepted things how they were, or liked/ “put up with” their circumstances, and those that rebelled, or were not content with their present conditions. Although how these types of people were treated falls into the “differences” category the basic underlying principle of opposing sides and personal opinion did exist in both societies. Also, I definitely agree with Alyssa because I felt that Big Brother was always the prominent character throughout the novel. It seemed like he was always watching everyone’s actions, observing every detail of everyday, and making sure his strict rules were followed, or the characters in the novel believed him of doing so which ‘made’ it truth.
The ending of 1984 was Orwell's final demonstration of how government can ultimately gain control of a country when the people are unable to speak, act, or think for themselves. It shows how the power of politicians can be evil and out of control when it is corrupt. This corruption leads to the use of torture and brainwashing in order to maintain the order that the government has created. I believe that Orwell's purpose was to exemplify the motives behind totalitarian government in order to protect the liberties that were being established in Western Europe at the time. In 1949, the year 1984 was published, NATO was form. NATO was set up to discourage an attack by the Soviet Union on the non-Communist nation. It is evident in the novel 1984 that Orwell was amongst those who stood firm against totalitarianism.
ReplyDelete(I was unaware of the post until somebody informed me once I returned from vacation. Please accept my response tardy.)
Ethan Lehmann did an excellent job interpreting the ending. I completely agree with his statements on how torture and other evil techniques were used in order for the Party to convince the people of absurdities.
ReplyDeleteOther than Winston, I think the most interesting character is Big Brother. I think this is a very interesting character because he is everywhere in the novel. He pretty much controls everything that happens so that is why he is a very interesting character.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Jacob said about the ending of the novel. I also felt the ending of the book didn't have a meaningful ending.
ReplyDeleteBy far the most interesting character in the novel is the mysterious "Big Brother." Everyone's life seems to be a piece in the puzzle that Big Brother plays. Everyone follows the orders that Big Brother gives. Any person that looks like they have doubt is immediately noticed. It is amazing to think about how a government set up like that can control so many different aspects in people's lives.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Ethan's statement. It goes back to what we all learned in Mrs. Harmon's class. It shows that our minds can be twisted to thinking pretty much anything. With continued repetition and extreme pain, our minds will eventually give into anything. Orwell definitely wanted to warn society of complete control of the government.
ReplyDeleteI think the most interesting character in the novel is Mr. Charrington. He plays a big role in showing Winston how peaceful life away from the Party is. He's a quiet, old man who lives life very simply, yet he manages to live it the complete opposite way than what the Party wants.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Simon said. Although our privacy is not in as much jeopardy as the people in 1984, our privacy is still invaded in many ways. There are ways to record private phone conversations or text messages. Almost any information about a person's private life can be bought at the right price. There are even people that specialize in finding out everything they can about a person.
ReplyDeleteAside from Winston, I feel that O'Brian is the most important character. In the later part of the novel, namely during Winston's imprisonment and "reeducation" O'Brian represents a physical embodiment of the oppressive power. Not only does he represent the government, he also seems to out think and out smart Winston, giving feeling of hopelessness. It is the seemingly unbeatable character he portrays that brings the reality of the total control Big Brother has to bearing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Thomson's perspective on the ending. The submission of Winston to Big Brother brings everything together. For it more than just his submission it is the submission of the human spirit after beaten and broken. This ends the story in one final victory for Big Brother and the utter defeat of hope.
ReplyDeleteWhat surprised me was the similarities in war propaganda and presentation. It shocked me at first that the war propaganda and campaign there of does not waver much from tactics used in today's society. For instance, after 9/11 news reels often showed terrorist bombings and attacks on our allies and ourselves, but rarely showed the other end of the spectrum. This combined with association of patriotism and hate for terrorist bred a feeling that to be against the war was to be against your country. This is done in 1984 as well (albeit much more intensely) with the Two-Minute Hate and other related activities.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ethan's comment. I feel that the loss of freedom and desire to be free was the Party's ultimate goal. Ethan made a point that, through brain washing and other torturous method's, everyone can be broken and lose their freedom.
ReplyDeleteI think American society today is becoming more and more strict. In 1984 the people were being controlled by the higher powers, and they were being forced to act, do, and think certain ways. By no means is todays American society like it was in 1984, but I think we are heading that way. America claims to be a free country, but the government and media are so liberal that it's hindering the freedom of this country. The government wants the people of America to be liberal and biased. They are trying to get us to act and think like liberals! This definitely resembles what was going on in 1984.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Ella said because she can see the truth about todays society. Like me, she saw that America and 1984 have a lot in common. These two governments and very similar; one is just a simpler, and less harsh.
ReplyDeleteO'Brien is one of the most significant characters in the novel besides Winston. This is because an air of mystery always seems to surround him. I think O'Brien instills a wide range of emotional diversity in readers due to his ever-changing roles in the novel. From the beginning, O'Brien has an intimidating, looming presence, yet still gives off a simultaneous feeling of protection and comfort to those around him. Then, he tortures Winston in the Ministry of Love and the reader is filled with disgust and revulsion. However, at the end of the novel, I still felt sympathy for O'Brien. He had been through the exact routine years ago that Winston was going through now. The only reason he was complying with the Party's orders was to save his own life from being terminated.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Tony's opinion of Mr. Charrington being a significant character. Up until his unveiling as a member of the Thought Police, I always thought he was an old man that cherished the past before the Party's takeover and who was truly happy to be helping Winston and Julia's affair.
ReplyDeleteI know this is late- but better late than never, right?(:
ReplyDeleteOne of the biggest similarities of the society in the novel to the American society today is the fact of losing control over yourself. I know, I know, the "communism bell" has already been repeatedly rung in American society; however, I do find some similarities. In 1984, it set a scene of a world where you could not have free will, even your thoughts were controlled by the "thought police". I find this to be similar to what is happening in American society. Although there are no "thought police", we do live in a world that is becoming more and more controlled. In fact, In a recent article released by the Government, it said that our military now has spy drones that are the size of insects. To me, this poses a striking similarity to the society described in 1984.
I would say that I can agree wit Ella's comment. It is very similar to mine in saying that the government is most definitely gaining more and more control over our society. Much like the society in 1984.
ReplyDeleteBesides Winston, I found Julia to be the most interesting character. I found her interesting because she was careful, yet took enormous risks at the same time. For example, she had no idea whether or not Winston was on "her" side or not, yet she approached him anyway with the note that could have condemned her had Winston wanted to. Although she took risks such as this, she was also careful and knew how to work her way around the Thought Police. That is especially evident when she and Winston meet privately for the first time. Besides being somewhat interesting, I found her to be a very significant character in the novel as well. Her significance is due not only to her presence throughout much of the novel, but also to the effect she has on Winston and the events surrounding him. An example would be when Winston is caught by the thought police. Julia is significant because she is a main reason he is finally caught, forming one of the main plot twists in the book.
ReplyDeleteI can agree with Simon's comment. Although we are obviously not at the same point regarding loss of privacy and rights as the book, ever-advancing technology is beginning to close some of that gap. As technology advances and expands, it will be very important for our society to ensure the line is not crossed in terms of our privacy and rights.
ReplyDeleteBesides Winston, O'Brien is one of the most significant characters in the novel. I think O'Brien is related to readers due to his character in the novel. He had been through the same problems that Winston was going through years ago. The reason he was agreeing with the Party's doings was to save his own life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with cassidy jones because I think the society in 1984 is more controlled than the "normal" american way. There's more a robotic feel to the society. Also, America back then was more open to others belifs and in 1984 there could only be one way of thinking or the 'thought police' would get you.
ReplyDeleteI think that other than Winston, Julia is one of the most significant characters. Julia and Winston both had a mutual enjoyment of sex and a strong driving hatred of the Party. The risks she takes of being caught and trusting Winston before she knew he was on her side kept me interested. I liked how she never changed her views of the Party even if the Party would never change to fit her views.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Cassie's post. I completely agree with what she said about how the book was written to show what a free world would be like if it were to be taken over. I also liked what she mention about the 2+2=5 concept and how it shows that they believe what they are told.
ReplyDeleteOther than Winston, i believe that Obrien was a pretty significant character. From the beginning he was a shadowy symbol and we never really knew much about him. As the reader we thought we could trust him a little and would just read on to find out more about him. In the end, it left me feeling like i learned less about him! As if what i assumed his character was before all unraveled and was falsified. I feel that he had a lot of hidden meaning that added on to the novels overall message.
ReplyDeleteAnd in regards to Adriana Q's comment i have to agree and then again disagree. I think yes, he can relate but also cannot. I can not come up with whether he went through the same thing that Winston did or not. I say this because when Winston asked him "They've got you too?" and he replied "They got me a long time ago" it leaves you with was he tortured just as he was doing to Winston or was he the mastermind behind it.
ReplyDelete