Open Prompt 11/11

1980. A recurring theme in literature is the classic war between a passion and responsibility. For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive may conflict with moral duty. Choose a literary work in which a character confronts the demands of a private passion that conflicts with his or her responsibilities. In a well-written essay show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work.

            Love sometimes causes people to do crazy things.  It’s almost like a drug that causes people to forget all reasoning and common sense and instead, do whatever they desire.  For the main character, Winston Smith, in the novel 1984 by George Orwell, this is exactly what happens.  Winston lives in a country that is controlled by a totalitarian government.  Everyone is monitored and if the government senses you are out of line, you disappear.  Winston lives a life dutifully going to his job changing the records and doesn’t question the government, containing his rebellious thoughts for fear of being killed by the government.  He falls in love with Julia, a woman he meets and begins to rebel.  Winston’s love of Julia causes him to forget his responsibilities required to survive and creates the main conflict of the novel.

            Winston Smith, a worker for the outer party, falls in love with Julia, a worker for the inner party.  Both Winston and Julia decide to have a relationship even though it is dangerous.  They sneak out to spend time together in the woods, they find a room above an antique shop where they think there is no telescreen and have gatherings and talk about overthrowing the government.  Unfortunately, all of the things they do together are illegal; even talking to each other is illegal.  Despite this, Winston and Julia continue to meet because they love each other so much.  They take risks that eventually lead to their downfall.

            For Winston, this relationship allows him to become bolder and more assertive about his feelings.  He remembers a time when Big Brother didn’t rule over everyone and things were less terrifying.  He remembers a time when thinking a rebellious thought wasn’t illegal.  However, because he works for the government, he must keep these thoughts private and cannot show even a glimpse of what he is thinking.  In order to stay alive, no one can know that he is committing “Thoughtcrime.”  Instead, he just writes them in a journal.  When he meets Julia, he begins to open up and talk about his thoughts.  He also begins committing more crimes as he meets with Julia.  He knows that he is risking his life, but this passion causes him to forget reason and pursue his love. 

            This love between Winston and Julia becomes the main conflict of the book.  They sneak away somewhere, hoping not to get caught by the Thought Police.  There is an uncertainty of whether they will get caught and what will happen when they do.  Winston and Julia are constantly trying to contain themselves and act normal when they know they are committing treason.  When finally caught, they are told to betray their lover.  At first they resist, but in the end, they betray each other and become loyal followers of Big Brother.  The passion of Winston and Julia creates a conflict with their responsibilities as members of society.