Writing Prompt #2 9/19/08

In George Orwell's 1984, Winston Smith Struggles to conquer freedom over himself. He lives in a controlled society in which he feels trapped. Under the power of Big Brother, Winston faces challenges to try and overcome this lack of freedom.

When Winston realized he can speak his voice on paper, he takes the courageous act of doing so. Winston knows what he is doing is wrong under the eyes of Big Brother, but feels writing his thoughts can make him understand himself. When Winston writes all of these things that come to his head, he starts to question Big Brother. If London was not always like this, he wonders what is was like before. This diary is a symbol for Winston and his freedom. He is not sure how all of these thoughts are relating to him, but he knows they all have to do with the big picture. By writing in this diary, Winston is gaining back a little freedom each time. He starts to thikn his own thoughts and questions the communism he is under.

Orwell's use of descriptive and meaningful words ulitmately help him influence the reader to believe the big picture. The irony Orwell uses helps the reaser understand how horrible Oceania really is and how borrible the world could be. It's ironic that Winston lives in a place called "Victory Mansions" yet it is described as a place that smells liek cabbage and has broken down things everywhere. People in society today want to live in this perfect, equal world that is not realistic, Orwell tries to show the reader this. Only under communism could everything be "equal," but really that would not be the kind of equal everyone dreams of. The descriptive irony shows the reader that there is no such thing as a "perfect world."

Orwell also shows the reaser in detail what the world would be like without freedom. If people do not stand up for themselves, they could be forced to have a job like Winston, re-writing history. In 1984 there is really no track of time in Winston's head. Since Winston does not remember the past, he doesn't really know what the future can hold. The only evidence of what has happened in teh past is the records, which are not even accurate. If people don't take a stand for themselves they may not even know where they have come from and where they are heading. The past, present and future ultimately add up to a persons freedom.

Orwell does a wonderful job of painting a picture for the reader. He uses symbolic, descriptive meaning words to show the reader the big picture. He uses power struggle in a way to talk to the reader. He tries to show the reader that freedom is precious and even through struggle it can be gained.