Character Sketches of Winston Smith and Julia in "1984"

Categories: Dystopia

Essay, Pages 5 (1028 words)

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George Orwell's novel "1984" features two central characters, Winston Smith and Julia, each with distinct personalities and traits that shape the narrative. This essay provides an in-depth analysis of these characters, exploring their beliefs, actions, and reactions within the dystopian world of "1984."

Winston Smith: The Rebel with Strong Convictions

Winston Smith is the novel's protagonist, a man with unwavering beliefs and a fierce determination to resist the oppressive regime of the Party. Winston's defining characteristic is his stubbornness when it comes to accepting the Party's lies and conforming to their ideologies.

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He possesses a deep-seated skepticism, making it exceptionally challenging for anyone to sway his convictions.

Winston's paranoia about surveillance is a prominent aspect of his character. In the dystopian society depicted in "1984," the government constantly monitors its citizens through telescreens. Due to his mistrust of authority, Winston has identified a concealed corner in his apartment where he can sit without being observed. This corner becomes his sanctuary, allowing him to engage in forbidden activities like keeping a diary, where he writes thoughts that could lead to his execution if discovered.

Despite his reserved nature, Winston possesses a fervent desire for truth and justice. He has a profound belief in the importance of honesty and authenticity, even in a world saturated with deceit. Winston's quiet demeanor conceals his inner rebellion against the Party's lies and oppression.

An illustrative passage from the novel exemplifies Winston's character: "Just now I held up the fingers of my hand to you. You saw five fingers. Do you remember that?" O'Brien held up the fingers of his left hand, with the thumb concealed.

"There are five fingers there. Do you see five fingers?" "Yes." And he did see them, for a fleeting instant, before the scenery of his mind changed. He saw five fingers, and there was no deformity. Then everything was normal again, and the old fear, the hatred, and the bewilderment came crowding back again.

This passage showcases Winston's unwavering commitment to truth, even when subjected to psychological manipulation by O'Brien. Winston briefly surrenders to the Party's deception but quickly reverts to his quest for clarity and reality.

Julia: The Quiet Rebel with a Love for Simplicity

Julia, in contrast to Winston, possesses a more subdued and pragmatic approach to rebellion. While she shares Winston's disdain for the Party, her resistance manifests differently. Julia is skilled at evading the Thought Police and maintaining a low profile.

Julia is characterized by her quiet nature, often preferring to contemplate the past and future rather than focus on the present. She finds solace in the simplicity of small pleasures and treasures items from the past. Her appreciation for the natural world and animals sets her apart in a society devoid of such simple joys.

An excerpt from the novel exemplifies Julia's character: "She fell to her knees, threw open the bag, and tumbled out some spanners and a screwdriver that filled the top part of it. Underneath was a number of neat paper packets. The first packet that she passed to Winston had a strange and yet familiar feeling. It was filled with some kind of heavy, sand-like stuff which yielded wherever you touched it. 'It isn't sugar?' he said. 'Real sugar. Not saccharine, sugar. And here's a loaf of bread - proper white bread, not our bloody stuff - and a little pot of jam. And here's a tin of milk - but look! This is the one I'm really proud of. I had to wrap a bit of sacking round it because...' But she did not have to tell him why she had wrapped it up. The smell was already filling the room, a rich, hot smell which seemed like an emanation from his early childhood, but which one did occasionally meet with even now, blowing down a passageway before a door slammed, or diffusing itself mysteriously in a crowded street, sniffed for an instant and then lost again. 'It's coffee,' she murmured, 'real coffee.'

This passage illustrates Julia's appreciation for simple pleasures, such as sharing contraband coffee with Winston. It reflects her longing for a time when life was uncomplicated and devoid of Party restrictions.

Comparative Traits and Reactions

While Winston and Julia both rebel against the Party's oppressive regime, their methods and personalities differ significantly. Winston's convictions are unyielding, and he openly challenges the Party's lies, even at the risk of his life. In contrast, Julia adopts a more cautious approach, avoiding unnecessary attention and focusing on her personal happiness.

Winston's response to adversity is marked by anger and defiance. When confronted by a bully, he initially reacts with rage but assesses the situation and, if overpowered, resorts to submission in an attempt to avoid harm. Winston's resistance to authority is evident in his acts of rebellion, such as writing in his diary or engaging in an affair with Julia.

If Winston were faced with mundane tasks like changing a flat tire or washing dishes, his approach would be characterized by a lack of enthusiasm. He might prioritize his writing in the diary or other forms of resistance over such tasks. His dedication to the cause would overshadow his ability to perform these everyday chores efficiently.

Conversely, Julia would likely approach these tasks with practicality and efficiency, not allowing them to hinder her pursuit of personal happiness. She would prefer to complete them quickly, allowing more time for her and Winston to enjoy stolen moments together.

In a grocery shopping scenario, Winston would likely aim for a swift and pragmatic approach. His focus would be on obtaining the necessities rather than indulging in choices or deals. Winston might also attempt to delegate this responsibility to someone else, prioritizing his resistance efforts.

Conclusion

Winston Smith and Julia are complex characters in George Orwell's "1984," each contributing a unique perspective to the novel's themes of resistance and oppression. Winston's unyielding commitment to truth and defiance of the Party's lies contrast sharply with Julia's pragmatic and secretive rebellion. Their characters serve as a lens through which readers can explore the multifaceted nature of resistance in a dystopian world where the individual's desire for truth and freedom clashes with an all-encompassing regime.