Appearance Versus Reality In George Orwell's 1984

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Appearance Versus Reality in 1984 The theme of appearance versus reality occurs consistently throughout George Orwell’s “1984.” A person's life is a lie, and the reality of the world is hidden behind the god-like figure Big Brother. “Reality exists in the human mind, and nowhere else. Not in the individual mind, which can make mistakes, and in any case soon perishes: only in the mind of the Party, which is collective and immortal.” Reality is defined by what the leaders tell the commoners it is, and they are too oblivious and blind to believe anything otherwise. Orwell uses irony to highlight the theme by describing the names of the ministries and how the characters act completely opposite of how they really are. The names of the ministries…show more content…
It is his need to reconcile what he knows with the Party’s version of reality that leads to his arrest. The Party cannot allow people to have a perception of reality that is different from theirs. A quote to show this is when Winston writes in his diary, “Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.” This shows just how controlling the Party was over what the commoners were allowed to think. Although Julia is a party member, she, like Winston, participates in activities banned by the Party. An example of this is her affair with Winston. ‘“Well then, I ought to suit you dear. I’m corrupt to the bones.”’ P.132 This quote, among many others, reveals Julia’s real opinion of the Party. This contrast in her character not only shows how unhappy some people are, but also the rebellious nature of Winston. O’Brien’ is portrayed to be a friend to Winston until the third book, where he is revealed as a zealous Party leader who has analyzed Winston for years. During Winston’s imprisonment, O’Brien says "You are a difficult case. But don't give up hope. Everyone is cured sooner or later. In the end we shall shoot you." His true colours are unmasked when he tortures Winston and tries to “cure” him from his
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