" How easy it all was! Only to surrender, and everything else followed. It was like swimming against a current that swept you backwards however hard you struggled, and then suddenly deciding to turn round and go with the current instead of opposing it. He hardly knew why he had ever rebelled." (Orwell 291)
This quote was chosen because of the powerful imagery that's being used. The way that Orwell is comparing Winston's struggle to swimming against a current that is flowing the opposite way is a very intriguing way of comparing the two different situations. The comparison also enables the reader to sympathize with Winston's choice of submitting to the Party's beliefs. Because just like swimming against a current wears one out and eventually leaves them with no other option than to go with the flow; Winston is also left with no other option than to accept the Party's beliefs and adopt them.
This quote also signifies a very important change in the way that Winston is thinking. It signifies the first, and final step that he takes towards becoming one with the crowd, because his previous fight for individuality has come very close to its end. It is a crucial part in Winston's change of beliefs because until this moment his most valuable possessions were his vivid memories of the past and the hope that someday the proles will rebel, and the ability to have individualistic thoughts and a private life will be reestablished. But now by abandoning those beliefs and adopting the ones that belong to the party, Winston is not only starting to believe that the party has been right all along, but also that his memories of the past are "false," and that Big Brother will never be defeated and the society of Oceania will always remain the same way as it is at this present moment.
Through this quote Orwell's intention is to show that one individual cannot achieve something by themselves, because the rest of the people will outnumber them and "hold them back", which will result in that one person losing trust and confidence in their ability to change whatever they wished to; just like Winston did.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Amazing and comprehensive "wrap up" of the novel.
Just one thing, and I know I'm being a picky English teacher in pointing this out but.. By stating this quote Orwell's intentions are to show...
Orwell did not state a quote; this is what he wrote, so it should read: Through this quote Orwell's intention is to show...
Oh,ok. I'll change that right now. :)
Ever-diligent as usual! Kudos Eliza! Your dedication is admirable.
Eliza, I have posted the archetypes and the assignment on the main blog. Make your selection there. As there are fewer archetypes than people just choose any one other than 8, 11, or 19.
Post a Comment