KaileeTanner

RESPONCE TO FIRST BOOK OF 1984: After reading and discussing the first book of the story 1984 by George Orwell I have many thoughts and opinions. After reading just the first chapter I was impressed with how Orwell portrayed the scenery of the story. Not only did he describe it outright but in nearly everything that was mentioned, be it the attitude of the people or the dust in the creases of a womens face, the feeling of Oceania was clearly communicated. I can almost feel the dingnes, darkness, and unease that the people in the book would feel. Not many books I've read have a similar effect for most authors use a different methode, Orwell demonstrates great ability for writing this way. I did have one issue, however, when we first began reading. I didn't really like Winston. I felt like he was a weak protagonist. In truth he is weak I mean he's whinny, unfriendly, humorless, physically weak, and to be honest that ulcer was a real turn off. When I think of main characters I usually imagine a hero who's brave and bold and usually the opposite of what Winston initially appeared to be. He wasn't exactly main character materiaunion my mind. Now, however I feel a lot differently. Winston may still be all those things I mentioned however he has proved himself to be brave, determined, and intelligent. Winston is a beacon of hope in a world that has forgotten to hope. I suppose by depicting him as a physically weak character Orwell is once again showing how in a society such as Oceania a hero isn't someone who will be expected to swoop in and save the day, but instead a mind bent on obtaining the truth. Oceania is a place in much need of saving too. I continue to me shocked and amazed at how this society works. I still can't seem to wrap my head around that fact that all of these people can mindlessly praise a man who is oppressing them and how they can believe so many lies without even a question. Everyone is blind, even the proles who are more or less free cant even realize their potential. In the beginning I didn't understand the slogan "Slavery is Freedom" but after reading about the proles and discussing it in class I can see how it makes sense. By giving the proles enough freedom to make them believe they are free the government is keeping them ensaved and at bay. Another thing that shocked me about the society is how desensitized everyone is to violence. Even Winston isn't above kicking a bodyless hand into the gutter with no feeling at all. It's startling to think that people could maybe become this way. A place where children betray their own parents, people find entertainment in the sights of death, and everyone is brainwashed, kind of sounds like North Korea. To be Winston, the only thoughtful person in a sea of brainwashed fools, must feel extremely lonely.