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Dystopian Literature Analysis

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Literature often reflects the society we live in. Similarly, dystopian literature explores the unpleasant and overlooked components of society. 1984 was written by George Orwell in the year 1949 to reflect on the possibility of a totalitarian government in the near future. Furthermore, the book examined the harsh reality of living under total control of the government. It also demonstrated Winston Smith’s, the protagonist, efforts in challenging the whole system. Therefore, an analysis of Winston’s attempt in defeating his government and its outcome illustrates the manner in how to handle atrocities and evil under authoritarian rule.
Winston’s decision to challenge the Party was more important to him than preserving his safety and dignity …show more content…
Winston corrupted the system when he fell in love with Julia. In the eye of the Party, love and sex were forbidden as attachments could be formed through this kind of relationship (Kmj23, 2013). Instead people were encouraged to focus on being loyal to the Party and to direct their frustration onto hating Goldstein (Sparknote Editors, 2007). By abolishing love, it was ensured that a bond could not exist to threaten the Party (Kmj23, 2013). Therefore, when Winston and Julia fell in love, they committed the worst crime. By forming loyal ties to each other, they became bolder and stronger. For instance, they daringly asked O’Brien to join the Brotherhood to bring down the Party (Orwell, 2008, pp. 35-39). Without Julia’s agreement that O’Brien also hated the Party, Winston would not have done this. Their actions demonstrated that under the Party’s image of total control, there was a weak link which was the unity of people formed through mutual love that could threaten the Party. Unfortunately, their actions could only show but could not change the system. Even though Winston and Julia were united, their love was not strong enough to withstand the torture they were put through. In fact, the abuse and torment that the Party subjected to Winston and others who committed crimes were extremely cruel that it was not surprising for people to eventually succumb to the Party’s doctrines (Orwell, 2008, pp. 51-68). In the end, the Party crippled Winston’s efforts to challenge the system and completely transformed

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