This one time, in 1984

1970. Choose a character from a novel or play of recognized literary merit and write an essay in which you (a) briefly describe the standards of the fictional society in which the character exists and (b) show how the character is affected by and responds to those standards. In your essay do not merely summarize the plot.

In his novel 1984, George Orwell creates a society referred to as a dystopia: the opposite of a utopian society. The Party is always watching, always right, and completely in control. Winston Smith, the main character of the novel, has generally accepted these truths until the point in his life where the novel begins. As the novel progresses, Winston goes from an upstanding member of society to a recurring rule breaker and back again.

To prevent a revolution, the Party monitors the thoughts of the citizens. Thinking about breaking the rules is breaking the rules. In fact, thinking badly about the Party or Big Brother is considered the worst crime one can commit. At the beginning of the novel, Winston has decided to write a diary, even though the act could get him killed. He finds ways to be out of view of monitors and hides his diary in case the Party searches his apartment. Winston hates the Party and the rules they set forth and defies the standards of the society he lives in by recording these thoughts in a diary.

As part of their reign, the Party outlaws sex for any purpose other than creating children. The Party chooses who each person will marry to ensure there is no physical attraction between them that could lead to breaking this rule. Winston, however, finds himself more and more frustrated with the Party and its rules. After receiving a note from a girl at work, Julia, that had the word “I love you” written on it, Winston begins an affair. Constantly finding new places to meet so the Party won’t catch them, Winston and Julia form a relationship based on the physical attraction and love the Party tries so hard to prevent. Although both are members of the Outer Party, Winston and Julia go against the societal norms to be together.

As his big act of rebellion, Winston attempts to join the Brotherhood. The Brotherhood is a group no one seems to know much about, other than they work to overthrow the Party and Big Brother. The Party emphasizes that the leader of the Brotherhood is the most dangerous man alive, and as a general rule, society believes this. The standard in the society is to fear the Brotherhood and distrust anyone who seems affiliated with them. However, Winston thinks the Party is lying. He does not believe the Brotherhood is dangerous, and even seeks out O’Brien, whom he believes to be a member of this mysterious organization.

Throughout 1984, George Orwell paints a picture of the many different ways Winston Smith defies societal standards and goes his own way. Whether it is having a forbidden relationship, recording his criminal thoughts, or attempting to join the Brotherhood, it is clear that Winston has had enough of the standards his dystopian society holds.