What Are The Similarities Between The Awakening And 1984

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1984 TIMED ESSAY The similarities between Edna Pontellier in The Awakening by Kate Chopin and Winston Smith in George Orwell’s 1984 are very evident. Both subjects find themselves conforming to society even though their inner feelings are far fetched and ridiculous compared to what is seen as normal. However, in 1984 the sense of outward conformity is less of a choice, and more of a survival tactic. The style of government seen in the story requires society to obey the leader, Big Brother, without hesitation or resistance. Even with this strict way of life, a small number of people slip through the brainwashing of the party and internally rebel against Big Brother. The story’s protagonist, Winston, gives a great example of inward questioning and outward conformity to create brilliant tension amongst himself and the society in which he lives. In the beginning of the story, Winston is seen hiding from a telescreen as he writes in a journal. This action in itself is prohibited in order to prevent individual idea from being formed, and besides that, Winston is writing “DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER” repeatedly. The reader is also exposed to Winston’s idea of a separate group of people who internally rebel against the party and introduced to O’Brien, Winston’s coworker, who is …show more content…

He vaguely remembers his childhood and family from before the revolution which created The Party. This, along with his occupation of destroying the past and creating an all Big Brother loving society, forces him to be aware of the lies being told. This is also a leading factor to Winston’s inner questioning. Throughout the story, Winston meets more people like himself and learns the true results of the thoughtcrime he is committing- vaporization. The inner questioning that Winston takes part in as well as the consequences that come with it creates a suspenseful and rebellious tone for 1984 all

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