Conflict In 1984 Essay

Internal conflict is a regular occurrence in human existence. The way this conflict is handled shapes the character of that individual and opens the mind to the world around them. In 1894, by George Orwell, Winston lived in a world where the lives of all the people were controlled by the government. They were told where they work, what to do and even what to think. At first Winston feared being caught when he quietly rebelled against the Thought Police, but his fatalistic character believed there was no hope for him and he continued to rebel on a larger scale until he was caught and tortured. Winstons conflict with Big Brother was sparked by his rebellion, which caused him to take unnecessary risks and realize that the Party was greedy for power.

This conflict was brought about because Winston was smart, aware of his surroundings, and understood that he could be happier if he were free. His first act of rebellion, or thoughtcrime, was when he purchased a journal and wrote Down with Big Brother in it. This act brought out a fatalistic quality in Winston, he was sure the Party would kill him. From that point on, Winston thought he was doomed, whether he went on in the diary, or whether he did not go on with it, made no difference. The Thought Police would get him just the same. (Pg 19) Here, Winston gave up hope that his crimes would go unnoticed. He was sure he would be caught, so he thought it wouldnt matter if he committed more crimes. Later Winston stated Thoughtcrime does not entail death: thoughtcrime is death." (Pg 27) This further proves his grim outlook on his future and how he was certain of his death.

When Winston met Julia, his view of the world and the Party greatly changed. His emotional connection with Julia sparked childhood memories that made him understand the great oppressions placed on the society. While talking to Julia, Winston said, the proles are human beings, we are not human. (Pg 65) Winston began to realize that the Party members were brainwashed into being loyal to the Party. They had no free will and couldnt think for themselves. Winston knew that unlike himself, other Party members didnt know a world without laws restraining thought, therefore were oblivious a better life. Winstons neighbor, Parsons, was described as one of those completely unquestioning, devoted drudges on whom, more even than on the thought police, the stability of the Party depended. (Pg 22) Winston understood that he was different from other Party members, that he thought freely, sometimes even against the Party, and he knew that he had changed into more of an individual.

Winstons quest to understand why the Party oppressed its people led Winston to blindly trust OBrien, who betrayed him to the Thought Police. While Winston was being tortured, OBrien tells him the reason the Party is so oppressive isnt for wealth or luxury or long life or happiness; only power, pure power.(Pg 236) Winston then understood why the Party abused its people so much. He realized now that the Party exercised ultimate power over the whole continent and that the people were too ignorant to realize it. Winston came to the conclusion that the people that had the ability to over come this government were the lower class or, proles, and that Until they become conscious they will never rebel, and until after they have rebelled they cannot become conscious. (Pg 61) Not only did he come to the grim conclusion that the Party had full control of its people, he also realized that the people being ignorant of the oppressions was the factor that kept the Party running smoothly. The mental and physical torture broke Winston down into a plain, loyal subject of the Party.

Winston discovering the Partys selfish nature, his fatalistic view of his future and his rebellion caused his struggle with Big Brother. Winstons conflict began when he realized how oppressed his society was and how he hoped to lessen it himself when he rebelled. He came to understand how Party members were blind to the abuses they received. Ultimately, he knew the Partys greed for power was not going to be stopped by one freethinking man. Before his will was broken Winston had placed his hope in the everyday Party members. He said people who had never learned to think but were storing up in their hearts and bellies and muscles the power that would one day overturn the world." (Pg 181) Winston discovered that his world was not ready to change yet, but one day maybe it will. One man can start a revolution but it takes a population to work together and carry it out.