Appearance vs. Reality - O'Brien

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Throughout George Orwell's 1984 the general theme of Appearance vs. Reality is explored deeply through the character of O'Brien. It is most evident throughout the discussion between O'Brien and Winston taken place in O'Brien's house, also at the beginning of the novel when the two first meet and lastly when in The Ministry of Love pursuing the torture of Winston Smith. When Winston and Julia go to see O'Brien concerning the underground organization opposed to Big Brother, the intellectual discussion in O'Brien's house and the events that shortly follow reflect the Appearance vs. Reality theme. To Winston, O'Brien appears to be a significant member of this underground organization. He is instantly charmed by O'Brien's charisma and believes that he is on his side; as a result Winston confesses his hatred towards the party and how he and Julia are desperately willing to overthrow Big Brother. It is found in subsequent events, that O'Brien is ambiguous in regards to being on Winston's side " 'They've got you too!' he cried. 'They got me a long time ago,' said O'Brien with a mild, almost regretful irony" (238). This quotation provides significance to the theme of Appearance vs. reality; questions are raised in regards to who O'Brien really is, who he is working for and what side he is on. O'Brien's character at this point in the novel essentially is a blur to the reader, as O'Brien is the root cause of Winston being placed in The Ministry of Love, he still appears friendly and almost sympathetic towards Winston as he was in the beginning of the

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