Open Prompt Revision #4

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. By fighting against this controlling form of rule, Winston makes a huge statement that ultimately persuades others to join in the fight for equality and let others know that they aren't alone. However, the government believes that any type of political resistance is the result of the downfall of society.

The government, also knows as the Party, prohibits free thought or any expression of individuality. Winston decides to join the Brotherhood, a rebel group 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. By being with Julia and joining in the fight against the government, Winston is showing his society that he has the strength to stand up for what he believes in, and carry out the dream that others like him have for the world they live in--equality for all.

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.