1976. The
conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the
majority is the recurring theme of many novels, plays, and essays. Select the
work of an essayist who is in opposition to his or her society; or from a work
of recognized literary merit, select a fictional character who is in opposition
to his or her society. In a critical essay, analyze the conflict and discuss
the moral and ethical implications for both the individual and the society. Do
not summarize the plot or action of the work you choose.
In George Orwell's 1984 the main character, Winston Smith, is constantly striving to oppose the majority. In his society, Oceania, the government has the ultimate say--they dictate his history, actions, and even his thoughts. The government, also knows as the Party, prohibits free thought or any expression of individuality. Winston decides to join the Brotherhood, a rebel that wants to overthrow the Party, in hopes of fighting their oppression.
From Winston's point of view, the society that he lives in has no right to control his life. He meets a beautiful woman, Julia, at the Ministry of Truth, where he works, and falls in love. However, it is illegal to love in Oceania, and the two must continue their affair in secret. He knows he is taking a risk by seeing Julia, so he decides to start a journal to record his thoughts, just in case he taken away by the police, in hopes that he may share them one day to inspire others to join the fight against the Party. Winston's happiness is limited by having to keep his relationship a secret, and bottling his opinions and emotions toward the government. He believes that the Party is not entitled to directing his opinions and his right to happiness.
The Party, on the other hand, stands by their actions. They believe what they are doing is right. They have changed Oceania's past by telling their citizens what other countries they are at war with, and altered their history records to fit their needs. The start of all conflict is a difference of opinions, they say, and by unifying and implementing only one "right" opinion, they have eliminated conflict, and ultimately brought about world peace. By controlling society down to the individuals' thought, the Party believes they are creating a better place.
In George Orwell's 1984 the main character, Winston Smith, is constantly striving to oppose the majority. In his society, Oceania, the government has the ultimate say--they dictate his history, actions, and even his thoughts. The government, also knows as the Party, prohibits free thought or any expression of individuality. Winston decides to join the Brotherhood, a rebel that wants to overthrow the Party, in hopes of fighting their oppression.
From Winston's point of view, the society that he lives in has no right to control his life. He meets a beautiful woman, Julia, at the Ministry of Truth, where he works, and falls in love. However, it is illegal to love in Oceania, and the two must continue their affair in secret. He knows he is taking a risk by seeing Julia, so he decides to start a journal to record his thoughts, just in case he taken away by the police, in hopes that he may share them one day to inspire others to join the fight against the Party. Winston's happiness is limited by having to keep his relationship a secret, and bottling his opinions and emotions toward the government. He believes that the Party is not entitled to directing his opinions and his right to happiness.
The Party, on the other hand, stands by their actions. They believe what they are doing is right. They have changed Oceania's past by telling their citizens what other countries they are at war with, and altered their history records to fit their needs. The start of all conflict is a difference of opinions, they say, and by unifying and implementing only one "right" opinion, they have eliminated conflict, and ultimately brought about world peace. By controlling society down to the individuals' thought, the Party believes they are creating a better place.
Vivian- this is a really solid example for this prompt! The only thing I would recommend is maybe cut back on the plot summary and offer more analysis of the characters or their situation. Put in some opinions, or just delve into the deeper topics like ethics and morals; just add a little analysis and this is perfect!
ReplyDeleteHey Vivian, I'm with Katie on this one. As someone who's never read 1984, the plot was helpful, but I felt like you needed to create more warrants to break up all this evidence you have. For example, when you talk about how Winston's love for Julia goes against the will of the party, I'd suggest you come out and say how this is an individual working against the masses of society. I think you have plenty of analysis, you just need to explicitly tie it back to a main claim about how Winston goes about subverting the majority belief.
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