The Final Submission: Interpreting the Conclusion of "1984"

Categories: 1984

Essay, Pages 3 (614 words)

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George Orwell’s "1984" is renowned not just for its bleak portrayal of a dystopian society, but also for its haunting and thought-provoking ending. As readers navigate the oppressive world of Oceania, they often hold out hope for the protagonist, Winston Smith, hoping he might find a way to rebel successfully against the Party. Yet, the novel’s conclusion offers no such respite. Instead, it delivers a chilling message about the nature of totalitarianism and the resilience of the human spirit under its weight.

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Winston’s journey in "1984" is a tragic one. From the beginning, his quiet acts of rebellion, such as keeping a diary and engaging in an illicit affair with Julia, provide glimmers of hope. We witness his small victories, his moments of clarity, and his aspirations to overthrow the omnipotent Party. However, as the narrative progresses, Orwell paints a grim picture of the true extent of the Party's power.

By the end, Winston’s resistance is crushed in the most personal way possible: within the walls of the Ministry of Love.

The Party doesn’t merely seek obedience; they want to invade the inner sanctum of the mind, eradicating even the thought of rebellion. Tortured, brainwashed, and confronted with his deepest fears in Room 101, Winston's will is shattered. The novel culminates in his release, but he emerges a changed man—broken, submissive, and paradoxically in love with Big Brother, the very symbol of his oppression.

The ending leaves many readers unsettled and perplexed.

Some may interpret it as a message of despair, suggesting that resistance against such an overpowering regime is futile. Others may see it as a testament to the Party's terrifying efficacy, showcasing their capability to conquer the most rebellious of spirits. In both readings, Orwell seems to be highlighting the extreme lengths to which totalitarian governments might go to maintain control.

However, there’s another layer to consider. Orwell's choice of ending serves as a powerful cautionary tale. Instead of offering a comforting or optimistic conclusion, he forces readers to confront the horrifying realities of unchecked power. By denying Winston a triumphant end, Orwell emphasizes that the price of complacency in the face of authoritarianism is the very essence of our humanity.

Moreover, the conclusion of "1984" raises poignant questions about identity and autonomy. What does it mean to be truly free? Can one be said to have a genuine sense of self when every thought, emotion, and belief can be manipulated? Winston's transformation from a subversive individual to a loyal Party member underscores the fragility of human identity under extreme duress.

In a broader sense, the novel’s conclusion also invites reflection on the nature of history and reality. Throughout "1984", the Party's manipulation of the past and its grip on the present remind us that reality, as perceived by the masses, can be molded by those in power. Winston's eventual acceptance of the Party's version of truth, no matter how contradictory or absurd, is a testament to this malleability of perception.

In the end, "1984" does not offer solace or a neat resolution. Instead, it stands as a stark warning, urging readers to remain vigilant and cherish the freedoms they possess. The novel's bleak ending is not merely a narrative choice, but a deliberate, unsettling reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of resisting any force that seeks to undermine our fundamental rights and freedoms.

In sum, the ending of "1984" is a masterstroke by Orwell, serving as a chilling commentary on the extents of totalitarian control. By forcing readers to grapple with its uncomfortable resolution, Orwell ensures that the novel's message lingers long after the final page is turned.