Writing Prompt 2 - 9/22/08

In the novel 1984, by George Orwell, the desire for power is found in the party. The party, which is the tyrannical leadership overall, seeks to gain power for it's own well-being. The character, Winston, demonstrates his desire and struggle to free himself of the power hungry party.

Winston, also known as Smith, is not the typical protagonist; however, his actions in the story prove that he is. He is the only character in the story that truly fights against the party. While others may be against the party and its power, they stand back and do nothing. Winston does many things that are against the party's rules. He does not watch the telescreen when it comes on, he writes in a diary, and he has an affair with Julia.

The actions Winston takes in trying to go against the party are part of his struggle. Winston's struggle deals with the fact that he is alone in going against the party, besies Julia who is his lover. He wants to go against the party so bad that he tries to join the Brotherhood but is caught in the end. Another of Winston's struggles shows the importance at the end when he is threatened to be killed by rats. He deeply struggles to maintain hope of bringing down the party, but it is shut off when he realizes he cannot deal with his fear.

The author enhances 1984 through Winston's character by making him the protangonist. In Winston's struggles, the readers see sides of Winston never shown. He displays a true love interest for Julia as well as a making himself a failure at the end. Winston's power struggle gives meaning to the work because he is the lone soldier fighting against the party and therefore, without Winston's character there would never be any struggles just more people being hypnotized by the party.

The author gives more meaning to the work, with Winston's struggles, by making everyone realize how strong the party really is. Winston does make an effort to go against the party, but by the end he is nothing more than the common man and Oceania stays the same.

Winston's character could be viewed as the "hero" for his bravery shown in his struggle against the party. He does not succeed in freeing himself but truly adds meaning to the story.