Open Prompt revision 3/17

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 controlled by a totalitarian government where everyone is monitored and if the government senses you are out of line, you disappear.  Winston lives his life dutifully and contains his rebellious thoughts for fear of being killed by the government.  However, when he falls in love, he becomes conflicted over whether to defy the government and continue the relationship or to do what he is supposed to do and terminate it.  This illegal relationship changes the way Winston lives his life and the problem becomes the main conflict of the whole novel. 

            Winston is a worker for the outer party and he falls in love with Julia, a worker for the inner party.  At first, Winston is uncertain whether to continue with the relationship.  He knows that this is against the law and he could be killed for being with Julia, but he wants to be with her.  In the end, Winston decides their love is worth the risk of punishment.  This risk eventually leads to their downfall.

            For Winston, this relationship allows him to become bolder and more assertive about his feelings.  He begins to let his true thoughts about the government come out.  He has been trained to hide his thoughts from the government so he doesn’t commit “thoughtcrime” but with Julia, he allows himself to think about overthrowing the government or escaping someplace where Big Brother isn’t in charge.  He starts to take risks, such as going to remote fields to spend time with Julia or renting a secret bedroom to spend time 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.