“It’s just… it’s just that… it’s just that if you can’t deal with people, you have to make a start somewhere. WITH ANIMALS!”
The statement from the play “The Zoo Story” by Edward Albee is very interesting because of the many components which draw the reader’s attention to it. The many techniques Albee acquires to describe what the main character, Jerry, is feeling help the scene gain meaning. Both the rhetorical and literary devices Edward Albee practices amplify the purpose of this line.
The author of the play accommodates various devices in this statement to emphasis to the reader to pay attention to the theory Jerry describes. The reader realizes early on in the play that Jerry is lonely but cannot hold a normal conversation. This event then lets Jerry learn about himself and makes the connection that he prefers relationships with animals rather than with humans. Albee builds this correlation to further demonstrate Jerry’s detachment from society. The repetition of the phrase “it’s just” displays Jerry’s embarrassment towards the situation and his inability to admit it fully to himself. The “start” that Jerry illustrates is a metaphor for the relationship Jerry wishes to form with other human beings which is also displayed when Jerry states earlier in the play that he likes to just sit and get to know someone in the park each day. Edward Albee wishes to emphasis the desperate need for compassion and someone to talk to that all humans have. Another important literary technique is the capitalization of the “with animals.” This syntactical style literally grabs the attention of the reader and shows Jerry’s substitution for human companionship with animal companionship. These techniques help Edward Albee display to the reader the significance of this quote to the play as a whole.
Therefore, Edward Albee uses many literary and rhetorical devices in this statement. The incorporation of these devices gives the reader more incentive to pay attention to the scene and to understand the themes that Albee presents. This line contributes to the play by adding to the plot and existentialist meaning of the play.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Zoo Story post2
“…and a small strongbox without a lock which has in it…what? Rocks! Some rocks…sea-rounded rocks I picked up on the beach when I was a kid.”
The quote chosen from the play “The Zoo Story” by Edward Albee is very important to the story for many reasons. This statement not only holds incredible symbolic and metaphorical context but opens interpretations for the reader to learn about one for the main characters, Jerry. These literary and rhetorical devices help emphasize the importance of this statement to the play as a whole.
The character who said this line, Jerry, is so far known to the reader as a very interesting character who drives the plot forward and brings a large amount of existentialist ideas to the play. These components make the reader wonder what Jerry’s motivation for such actions can be and what lies beneath his wild character. The quotation reveals why Jerry could act the way he does and Edward Albee does this by using symbolic and metaphorical devices. The strongbox Jerry describes symbolizes his pride and dignity which covers up his past issues which are substituted with “rocks.” Also the fact that Jerry says the strongbox does not have a lock on it indicates that Jerry does in fact want to express his feelings somebody just has to “open him up.” The rocks Jerry portrays symbolizes both his past and innocence. The rocks that were found as a child represent his childhood innocence and simplicity. Albee includes these devices to foreshadow what the reader will find out next and to draw attention to the statement.
Another very important device used in this sentence is syntax. The structure of the quote encourages the reader to pay special attention to the sentence. Edward Albee does this by using repetition of the word “rocks” and by switching between long and short sentences. The variation between long and short sentences draws attention to the statement which therefore emphasizes to the reader the significance of the line. Also, the breaks between the phrases and lines in the sentence give the statement a dramatic effect to keep the reader interested. All these syntactical techniques draw the reader to this sentiment and increases their attention which will help them notice the significance of the quote.
Therefore, the quotation from the play “The Zoo Story” by Edward Albee has important meaning which contributes to the play as a whole. Albee includes various devices such as symbolism and syntax to emphasis the importance of the statement. The reader obtains a better understanding of Jerry’s past and character which can help them foreshadow what will happen next in the play.
The quote chosen from the play “The Zoo Story” by Edward Albee is very important to the story for many reasons. This statement not only holds incredible symbolic and metaphorical context but opens interpretations for the reader to learn about one for the main characters, Jerry. These literary and rhetorical devices help emphasize the importance of this statement to the play as a whole.
The character who said this line, Jerry, is so far known to the reader as a very interesting character who drives the plot forward and brings a large amount of existentialist ideas to the play. These components make the reader wonder what Jerry’s motivation for such actions can be and what lies beneath his wild character. The quotation reveals why Jerry could act the way he does and Edward Albee does this by using symbolic and metaphorical devices. The strongbox Jerry describes symbolizes his pride and dignity which covers up his past issues which are substituted with “rocks.” Also the fact that Jerry says the strongbox does not have a lock on it indicates that Jerry does in fact want to express his feelings somebody just has to “open him up.” The rocks Jerry portrays symbolizes both his past and innocence. The rocks that were found as a child represent his childhood innocence and simplicity. Albee includes these devices to foreshadow what the reader will find out next and to draw attention to the statement.
Another very important device used in this sentence is syntax. The structure of the quote encourages the reader to pay special attention to the sentence. Edward Albee does this by using repetition of the word “rocks” and by switching between long and short sentences. The variation between long and short sentences draws attention to the statement which therefore emphasizes to the reader the significance of the line. Also, the breaks between the phrases and lines in the sentence give the statement a dramatic effect to keep the reader interested. All these syntactical techniques draw the reader to this sentiment and increases their attention which will help them notice the significance of the quote.
Therefore, the quotation from the play “The Zoo Story” by Edward Albee has important meaning which contributes to the play as a whole. Albee includes various devices such as symbolism and syntax to emphasis the importance of the statement. The reader obtains a better understanding of Jerry’s past and character which can help them foreshadow what will happen next in the play.
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Zoo Story post1
“There are…there are two parakeets. One…uh…one for each of my daughters.”
This statement in the play, “the Zoo Story” by Edward Albee introduces a specific animal motif that reoccurs throughout the story. Edward Albee uses several literary and rhetorical devices in this simple statement which highly contributes to the play as a whole.
Edward Albee utilizes a very important literary device in this sentence to emphasize the importance of this sentence. Albee uses symbolism to represent each of the daughters as parakeets. The fact that the narrator, Peter, hesitates to describe that one parakeet is for each of his daughters indicates Peter’s comparison of his daughters to parakeets. This theory can give the reader evidence to support that Peter is unhappy with his family life because he compares his children to such an unintelligent animal and does not speak with a fatherly tone to Jerry about his daughters. This lack of affection also foreshadows to the reader the possibility that there is as underlying story about Peter and his children. The use of symbolism and various other devices contributes to the significance of this line.
Another important trait of this sentence is the obvious introduction of an animal motif throughout the play. Edward Albee compares Peter’s daughters to parakeets and earlier in the conversation Peter considered himself a “guinea pig” because Jerry wanted to get to know someone. This reoccurring idea con hold evidence that Albee believes that human beings are like animals. The assimilation between animals and humans demonstrates how Edward Albee views the way human beings interact and react to one another. The statement can be considered included to bring an existentialist effect to the play because it repeats a reoccurring motif which has existentialist properties. The quote gives the reader an idea of Edward Albee’s opinion towards humans and existentialism.
Therefore, the statement in question has various literary and rhetorical devices which greatly contribute to the play as a whole. It introduces a reoccurring animal motif and displays symbolism which supports this motif. These characteristics reinforce the importance of this quote and how it provides for the play as a whole.
This statement in the play, “the Zoo Story” by Edward Albee introduces a specific animal motif that reoccurs throughout the story. Edward Albee uses several literary and rhetorical devices in this simple statement which highly contributes to the play as a whole.
Edward Albee utilizes a very important literary device in this sentence to emphasize the importance of this sentence. Albee uses symbolism to represent each of the daughters as parakeets. The fact that the narrator, Peter, hesitates to describe that one parakeet is for each of his daughters indicates Peter’s comparison of his daughters to parakeets. This theory can give the reader evidence to support that Peter is unhappy with his family life because he compares his children to such an unintelligent animal and does not speak with a fatherly tone to Jerry about his daughters. This lack of affection also foreshadows to the reader the possibility that there is as underlying story about Peter and his children. The use of symbolism and various other devices contributes to the significance of this line.
Another important trait of this sentence is the obvious introduction of an animal motif throughout the play. Edward Albee compares Peter’s daughters to parakeets and earlier in the conversation Peter considered himself a “guinea pig” because Jerry wanted to get to know someone. This reoccurring idea con hold evidence that Albee believes that human beings are like animals. The assimilation between animals and humans demonstrates how Edward Albee views the way human beings interact and react to one another. The statement can be considered included to bring an existentialist effect to the play because it repeats a reoccurring motif which has existentialist properties. The quote gives the reader an idea of Edward Albee’s opinion towards humans and existentialism.
Therefore, the statement in question has various literary and rhetorical devices which greatly contribute to the play as a whole. It introduces a reoccurring animal motif and displays symbolism which supports this motif. These characteristics reinforce the importance of this quote and how it provides for the play as a whole.
Friday, January 16, 2009
"1984" post 5
“I hate purity, I hate goodness. I don’t want any virtue to exist anywhere. I want everyone to be corrupt to the bones.”
George Orwell’s 1984 examines many controversial topics in the text, including that of the bible. Orwell uses specific references to such topics to further demonstrate his theme of questioning governmental leaders and their motives. The main character, Winston Smith, unearths an issue of biblical importance on present society and governmental rule. The statement also contributes greatly to the novel as a whole by using many other literary and rhetorical devices.
Winston Smith’s evident opinions on society and his statement of his ideal world distinguish many interesting topics. The quotation exposes an unusual reference to the bible and its importance on society. When Winston states that he “wants everyone to be corrupt to the bones” he wants the people to rebel against their government. In this novel, however, Orwell demonstrates how sometimes a governmental body can become treacherous and does not make logical decisions. Orwell emphasizes this event in the text by including an ironic motif that when reality seems like insanity and untruthfulness then, “insanity” is truthfulness and reality. This quotation is an example of this motif. When Winston believes that corruption is rebellious it is really rebellion which leads to purity and wholesomeness. This obvious example of irony is also referring to a biblical reference of original sin. According to the Bible, all humans are born with original sin so God may forgive them and therefore be let into Heaven when they die. Winston’s Utopia of humans being corrupt to the bone alludes to Orwell’s ironic motif of corruption leading to purity. If humans are born with original sin, they will find happiness and truth. Orwell includes these significant references and other devices to emphasize both the extortion of the government and the rebellious momentum of Winston.
Another important aspect of the quotation is the syntactical structure and tone of the statement. Winston spoke in short, simple sentence to emphasize his passion and need for change. The repetition of “I hate” in the beginning of each idea Winston describes in the first sentence not only reiterates the emotion he feels, but directly conveys to the reader Winston’s opinion and disregard for to essential qualities of the human race. This viewpoint is ironic since it is such a strong negative emotion with two necessary qualities. Each opinion in the quotation lengthens in structure as Winston drills deeper into his aspirations. George Orwell’s use of this apparent syntactical structure keeps the reader entertained and wanting to continue to learn about Winston’s convictions. Orwell includes these devices to both emphasize and entertain the reader when reading his novel and to keep them wanting to read on.
Therefore, George Orwell uses various literary and rhetorical devices in this short quotation. Orwell makes references to the Bible, extenuates his ironic motif, and includes interesting syntactical structure in this statement. He accommodates these devices into the text to give the reader a better understanding of the theme of the novel.
George Orwell’s 1984 examines many controversial topics in the text, including that of the bible. Orwell uses specific references to such topics to further demonstrate his theme of questioning governmental leaders and their motives. The main character, Winston Smith, unearths an issue of biblical importance on present society and governmental rule. The statement also contributes greatly to the novel as a whole by using many other literary and rhetorical devices.
Winston Smith’s evident opinions on society and his statement of his ideal world distinguish many interesting topics. The quotation exposes an unusual reference to the bible and its importance on society. When Winston states that he “wants everyone to be corrupt to the bones” he wants the people to rebel against their government. In this novel, however, Orwell demonstrates how sometimes a governmental body can become treacherous and does not make logical decisions. Orwell emphasizes this event in the text by including an ironic motif that when reality seems like insanity and untruthfulness then, “insanity” is truthfulness and reality. This quotation is an example of this motif. When Winston believes that corruption is rebellious it is really rebellion which leads to purity and wholesomeness. This obvious example of irony is also referring to a biblical reference of original sin. According to the Bible, all humans are born with original sin so God may forgive them and therefore be let into Heaven when they die. Winston’s Utopia of humans being corrupt to the bone alludes to Orwell’s ironic motif of corruption leading to purity. If humans are born with original sin, they will find happiness and truth. Orwell includes these significant references and other devices to emphasize both the extortion of the government and the rebellious momentum of Winston.
Another important aspect of the quotation is the syntactical structure and tone of the statement. Winston spoke in short, simple sentence to emphasize his passion and need for change. The repetition of “I hate” in the beginning of each idea Winston describes in the first sentence not only reiterates the emotion he feels, but directly conveys to the reader Winston’s opinion and disregard for to essential qualities of the human race. This viewpoint is ironic since it is such a strong negative emotion with two necessary qualities. Each opinion in the quotation lengthens in structure as Winston drills deeper into his aspirations. George Orwell’s use of this apparent syntactical structure keeps the reader entertained and wanting to continue to learn about Winston’s convictions. Orwell includes these devices to both emphasize and entertain the reader when reading his novel and to keep them wanting to read on.
Therefore, George Orwell uses various literary and rhetorical devices in this short quotation. Orwell makes references to the Bible, extenuates his ironic motif, and includes interesting syntactical structure in this statement. He accommodates these devices into the text to give the reader a better understanding of the theme of the novel.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
1984 post4
“Until they become conscious they will never rebel, and until after they have rebelled they cannot become conscious.”
This is a very important observation made by the main character, Winston Smith, in George Orwell’s 1984. The statement helps the reader better understand how Winston feels trapped by the government and is desperately searching release. The author uses specific literary devices to emphasize the meaning of this quote and to draw the reader’s attention toward the sentence.
One very important technique displayed by George Orwell is the syntax of the segment. In the line prior the sentence in question, Orwell asks the reader a rhetorical question to spark their personal judgment of the proles with an underlying comedic tone. “Why was it that they could never shout like that about anything that mattered?” This question gives the reader a comedic way to look at the situation and still understand what Winston was trying to say. Then Orwell “answers” his rhetorical question by adding the above statement, which then lets the reader comprehend the frustration Winston experiences. Orwell syntactically arranged these two sentences in this order precisely for this reason and to help the reader feel what Winston is feeling.
Another key literary device is irony. This passage explains how the proles have the power to overthrow the Party but they do not have the mindset, or the organizational skills, required to do so. This is an extremely ironic situation since the hope for Big Brother to be overthrown rests in the hands of people who do not have the mindset to do such a thing. The irony of the statement helps illustrate the views of the Party and displays to the reader how the government controls the people. This statement is also ironic because it also happens to foreshadow the proles rebelling against the government. Orwell added this line to help foreshadow the proles defying the government and uprooting Big Brother. It is evident that it is foreshadowing this because it is as though this is their only hope to escape Big Brother and the government. It is ironic that this foreshadows this because Winston is saying that it will be impossible for the proles to rebel since they don’t comprehend doing something of that nature. Orwell uses irony to help foreshadow the proles rebelling against the government.
Therefore, George Orwell uses various literary devices in this sentence to help the reader understand the plot. After reading this line, the reader can relate to Winston because they feel his frustration and desperate quest for hope. The reader can also wonder if the proles will defy their expectations and uproot Big Brother and the Party. George Orwell inserts these techniques to emphasize the importance of this sentence.
This is a very important observation made by the main character, Winston Smith, in George Orwell’s 1984. The statement helps the reader better understand how Winston feels trapped by the government and is desperately searching release. The author uses specific literary devices to emphasize the meaning of this quote and to draw the reader’s attention toward the sentence.
One very important technique displayed by George Orwell is the syntax of the segment. In the line prior the sentence in question, Orwell asks the reader a rhetorical question to spark their personal judgment of the proles with an underlying comedic tone. “Why was it that they could never shout like that about anything that mattered?” This question gives the reader a comedic way to look at the situation and still understand what Winston was trying to say. Then Orwell “answers” his rhetorical question by adding the above statement, which then lets the reader comprehend the frustration Winston experiences. Orwell syntactically arranged these two sentences in this order precisely for this reason and to help the reader feel what Winston is feeling.
Another key literary device is irony. This passage explains how the proles have the power to overthrow the Party but they do not have the mindset, or the organizational skills, required to do so. This is an extremely ironic situation since the hope for Big Brother to be overthrown rests in the hands of people who do not have the mindset to do such a thing. The irony of the statement helps illustrate the views of the Party and displays to the reader how the government controls the people. This statement is also ironic because it also happens to foreshadow the proles rebelling against the government. Orwell added this line to help foreshadow the proles defying the government and uprooting Big Brother. It is evident that it is foreshadowing this because it is as though this is their only hope to escape Big Brother and the government. It is ironic that this foreshadows this because Winston is saying that it will be impossible for the proles to rebel since they don’t comprehend doing something of that nature. Orwell uses irony to help foreshadow the proles rebelling against the government.
Therefore, George Orwell uses various literary devices in this sentence to help the reader understand the plot. After reading this line, the reader can relate to Winston because they feel his frustration and desperate quest for hope. The reader can also wonder if the proles will defy their expectations and uproot Big Brother and the Party. George Orwell inserts these techniques to emphasize the importance of this sentence.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
"1984" post3
“Don’t you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought? In the end we shall make thought-crime literally impossible, because there will be no words in which to express it. “
This quote in the novel, “1984” by George Orwell, refers to a recurring theme throughout the story. George Orwell describes the central theme of how society in a totalitarian government can affect a person’s way of thinking. Orwell illustrates this theme by using multiple literary devices, such as irony and tone. Orwell’s use of literary techniques in this passage helps express the theme of the novel.
The tone in the text is a very important component which helps add to the general meaning. The tone of the speaker is very enthusiastic and sincere which demonstrates how he believes that his life work of Big Brother’s theories do good for society. Although Syme, the speaker, explicitly said that they are “narrowing the range of thought,” he still doesn’t realize the hypocrisy of the situation. George Orwell use of Syme is the novel was to demonstrate to the reader how people in this society think towards their government. At this point in the story the reader wonders how the people can conform to this kind of society and totalitarian government. Syme and his viewpoints represent the community as a whole and act as a foil to Winston. This representation then gives the reader a comparison between two ideas throughout the novel. The reader will then be able to better relate to Winston since he is so detached from conformity and society, because he pronounces the absurdity of the community. The tone of this quote lets the reader characterize the speaker and therefore draw conclusions of his purpose in the novel.
Another very important aspect of this particular passage is irony. Since Syme’s tone is very explanatory and enthusiastic, his attitude hence becomes dominant and authoritive. This extra emphasis is ironic because he is trying to explain his viewpoints to Winston as if Winston was the one who is not making sense. In the reader’s point of view, however, Syme is considered the one who does not make any sense and who is brainwashed by Big Brother. It is also ironic that the government is the organization funding this argument. In today’s world, countries tend to prosper when the people are happy and better educated, but in this society, the people are “vaporized” for being too smart and the government actually attempts to make the community unintelligent. This ironic approach is used by George Orwell to better establish to the reader how the government is ridiculous and unfair to the citizens. Also, the speaker believes that Big Brother and he are doing positive acts for the community by “eliminating thought-crime.” It is ironic that they think this because thinking can not be considered a crime in itself. This concept of “thought-crime” in the novel encourages the absurdity of the government and the manipulation of the people to accept this as being a crime. The use of irony in this passage further emphasis’ how a government can conduct a community in a way that desensitizes their way of thinking.
Therefore, the various literary devices used in “1984” by George Orwell stimulate the vivid theme throughout the novel. Tone and irony are just two techniques displayed in this passage to define the theme of a totalitarian society and its effects on an individual. The tone helps illustrate the conformist side of the story which then lets the reader relate more to Winston. Also the irony in the quote displays the absurdity of the government’s opinions and theories which therefore shows how the government manipulates the people. These literary devices stimulate the distinction of the theme in the novel.
This quote in the novel, “1984” by George Orwell, refers to a recurring theme throughout the story. George Orwell describes the central theme of how society in a totalitarian government can affect a person’s way of thinking. Orwell illustrates this theme by using multiple literary devices, such as irony and tone. Orwell’s use of literary techniques in this passage helps express the theme of the novel.
The tone in the text is a very important component which helps add to the general meaning. The tone of the speaker is very enthusiastic and sincere which demonstrates how he believes that his life work of Big Brother’s theories do good for society. Although Syme, the speaker, explicitly said that they are “narrowing the range of thought,” he still doesn’t realize the hypocrisy of the situation. George Orwell use of Syme is the novel was to demonstrate to the reader how people in this society think towards their government. At this point in the story the reader wonders how the people can conform to this kind of society and totalitarian government. Syme and his viewpoints represent the community as a whole and act as a foil to Winston. This representation then gives the reader a comparison between two ideas throughout the novel. The reader will then be able to better relate to Winston since he is so detached from conformity and society, because he pronounces the absurdity of the community. The tone of this quote lets the reader characterize the speaker and therefore draw conclusions of his purpose in the novel.
Another very important aspect of this particular passage is irony. Since Syme’s tone is very explanatory and enthusiastic, his attitude hence becomes dominant and authoritive. This extra emphasis is ironic because he is trying to explain his viewpoints to Winston as if Winston was the one who is not making sense. In the reader’s point of view, however, Syme is considered the one who does not make any sense and who is brainwashed by Big Brother. It is also ironic that the government is the organization funding this argument. In today’s world, countries tend to prosper when the people are happy and better educated, but in this society, the people are “vaporized” for being too smart and the government actually attempts to make the community unintelligent. This ironic approach is used by George Orwell to better establish to the reader how the government is ridiculous and unfair to the citizens. Also, the speaker believes that Big Brother and he are doing positive acts for the community by “eliminating thought-crime.” It is ironic that they think this because thinking can not be considered a crime in itself. This concept of “thought-crime” in the novel encourages the absurdity of the government and the manipulation of the people to accept this as being a crime. The use of irony in this passage further emphasis’ how a government can conduct a community in a way that desensitizes their way of thinking.
Therefore, the various literary devices used in “1984” by George Orwell stimulate the vivid theme throughout the novel. Tone and irony are just two techniques displayed in this passage to define the theme of a totalitarian society and its effects on an individual. The tone helps illustrate the conformist side of the story which then lets the reader relate more to Winston. Also the irony in the quote displays the absurdity of the government’s opinions and theories which therefore shows how the government manipulates the people. These literary devices stimulate the distinction of the theme in the novel.
Friday, November 21, 2008
"1984" post 2
“He was out in the light and air while they were being sucked down to death, and they were down there because he was up here. He knew it and they knew it, and he could see the knowledge in their faces.”
The main character, Winston Smith, in “1984” by George Orwell reveals a past regret in his childhood against his family. George Orwell uses irony and symbolism to discuss Winston’s feelings on the situation, which reveals a lot about his character.
In the previous chapter, Winston speaks about his disliking for children who “rat” on their parents and turn them in to the thought police. The children don’t understand what they are doing at the time because they believe they are doing the right thing, since they are following the rules of their government. The children are pronounced a “child hero” and they get an article in the newspaper while their parents and family members are “disappeared.” Winston unearths a traumatic childhood memory that implies that he had been like one of the children who betrayed their family. This occurrence is ironic because Winston was once one of those children and now he hates them.
The fact that Winston hates those children reveals that he expresses extreme regret for what he had done to his family. He now realizes the consequences of his actions and dislikes what he used to believe and how he used to act. This regret reveals a lot about Winston’s character. He has a lot of guilt and low self esteem because he still resents those who make the same mistake he made. However, since Winston does nothing to stop the children who turn in their parents, he is also cowardly and nonassertive. If he had tried to show the other children what happens and attempt to reach out to them then he would be more heroic. Therefore, Winston’s character is labeled as cowardly and guilty for his lack of being proactive.
George Orwell’s uses symbolism in this passage to exhibit how Winston feels about the situation. Water’s connotation can be of purity and truth. Winston’s mother and sister sinking into the water symbolize how they found truth beneath the government’s lies and they are being punished for it. Orwell describes the mother and sister to be in a saloon of a sinking ship. The saloon and the ship could signify the government and its imperfections and the family members feel trapped by them and feel as though it is killing them. It is not the ship that is drowning the people; it is the government who is pulling them down deeper and deeper over their head. Orwell illustrates how the mother and sister are so close to purity and truth but the ship (government) drags them down and kills them before they can escape.
Therefore, George Orwell uses Winston’s memory to convey and very important symbol in the story and to reveal significant details of the main character’s childhood. Orwell unearths these memories so the reader can understand the main character on a more personal level. The irony used in the passage is used to illustrate how Winston currently feels on the situation and foreshadows how he will act when he regrets doing something.
The main character, Winston Smith, in “1984” by George Orwell reveals a past regret in his childhood against his family. George Orwell uses irony and symbolism to discuss Winston’s feelings on the situation, which reveals a lot about his character.
In the previous chapter, Winston speaks about his disliking for children who “rat” on their parents and turn them in to the thought police. The children don’t understand what they are doing at the time because they believe they are doing the right thing, since they are following the rules of their government. The children are pronounced a “child hero” and they get an article in the newspaper while their parents and family members are “disappeared.” Winston unearths a traumatic childhood memory that implies that he had been like one of the children who betrayed their family. This occurrence is ironic because Winston was once one of those children and now he hates them.
The fact that Winston hates those children reveals that he expresses extreme regret for what he had done to his family. He now realizes the consequences of his actions and dislikes what he used to believe and how he used to act. This regret reveals a lot about Winston’s character. He has a lot of guilt and low self esteem because he still resents those who make the same mistake he made. However, since Winston does nothing to stop the children who turn in their parents, he is also cowardly and nonassertive. If he had tried to show the other children what happens and attempt to reach out to them then he would be more heroic. Therefore, Winston’s character is labeled as cowardly and guilty for his lack of being proactive.
George Orwell’s uses symbolism in this passage to exhibit how Winston feels about the situation. Water’s connotation can be of purity and truth. Winston’s mother and sister sinking into the water symbolize how they found truth beneath the government’s lies and they are being punished for it. Orwell describes the mother and sister to be in a saloon of a sinking ship. The saloon and the ship could signify the government and its imperfections and the family members feel trapped by them and feel as though it is killing them. It is not the ship that is drowning the people; it is the government who is pulling them down deeper and deeper over their head. Orwell illustrates how the mother and sister are so close to purity and truth but the ship (government) drags them down and kills them before they can escape.
Therefore, George Orwell uses Winston’s memory to convey and very important symbol in the story and to reveal significant details of the main character’s childhood. Orwell unearths these memories so the reader can understand the main character on a more personal level. The irony used in the passage is used to illustrate how Winston currently feels on the situation and foreshadows how he will act when he regrets doing something.
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