Orwell’s 1984: Characterization, Background, and Symbolism

Winston, the main character in 1984, distinguishes himself as a rebel member of Oceania (one of the three battling superstates in this time period). He refuses to accept the ideals of the government, “doublethink,” and the sovereignty of Big Brother. Winston refuses to allow the Party to stifle his individuality or his ability to reason about his resistance. He commits various crimes throughout the novel, varying from writing “DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER” in his journal (the possession of which is an act of “crimethink” in itself) to his love affair with Julia, to secretly indoctrinating himself into the anti-Party Brotherhood. Winston’s attempt to achieve freedom in all respects and independence ultimately underscores the Party’s devastating power. By the end of the novel, after O’Brien’s spell of physical and psychological torturing, Winston’s rebellion transforms him into a loyal and revering subject of Big Brother. The proof of Winston’s tragic metamorphosis is summarized in the last four words of the book: “He loved Big Brother.

One year before his death in 1950, George Orwell published a book entitled 1984. Since then, the novel has become a foresight and warning to people all over the world. Orwell made obvious warnings to America and other countries about the control of totalitarian governments. The inevitable triumph of the government over its subjects (and over the main character, Winston) has made the book a political tragedy that will remain timeless. Orwell’s novels are notably impressive, and his work in 1984 will always be regarded as not only historical, but also prophetic. The book reminds the reader of the dangers of a supreme government. It is because of this political and social insight that 1984 is noted as one of the best books of all time.

George Orwell used symbolism a variety of times in his novel, 1984. The paperweight that Winston buys in the old junk shop represents the fragile little world that Winston and Julia have made for each other. Orwell states, “The coral was Julia’s life and his own, fixed in a sort of eternity in the heart of the crystal.” When they were alone, it created a small world of safety, security, and love.

The common reference to the “Golden Country” represents a place where Winston can never be hurt. It is where Julia and he first meet, and is exactly like the “Golden Country” of his dreams.

The nursery rhymes were initially songs of romantic value. The Party distorted and manipulated them to suit the ideals of Party orthodoxy. One rhyme ends with the line, “I sold you and you sold me,” foreshadowing the eventual betrayal between Julia and Winston. The proles were the only ones heard singing these rhymes, symbolizing the lack of freedom given to the Party members.

Orwell divides the fictional superstates in the book according to the division that can be found in our own history’s Cold War. Oceania stands for the United States of America, Eurasia for Russia, and Eastasia for China. The two socialistic countries, Eastasia and Eurasia, were at war with each other in the novel, corresponding to the presence of war between Russia and China.