Final answer:
Winston Smith feels dehumanized by the Party's totalitarian control in '1984', leading him to question his humanity. His initial hope for the Proles' rebellion shifts to disillusionment as he sees their inability to resist oppression.
Step-by-step explanation:
In George Orwell's 1984, Winston Smith grapples with the sensation of being dehumanized by the pervasive totalitarian regime of the Party. This sensation is rooted in the Party's control over nearly every aspect of individual life, manifesting in Winston's loss of connection to his own humanity and past. The Party's manipulation of history and reality combined with the oppressive surveillance undermines Winston's sense of self and autonomy, leading him to question even his human status.
In earlier chapters, Winston views the Proles as the only hope for rebellion and change, believing they retained the essential qualities of humanity. However, as Winston's character develops, there is a shift in his perception. Over time, he becomes disenchanted with the Proles potential to overthrow the Party, recognizing that they are largely oblivious to their oppression and incapable of organized resistance.
The Party's attempt to dehumanize its citizens is, in many ways, successful. Through psychological manipulation, strict regulation of thought and behavior, and the creation of a pervasive sense of fear, they have been able to suppress the individualism and critical thinking that are hallmarks of humanity. The propaganda, central to their control, simplifies complex ideologies, ensuring the public's passive acceptance and involvement in their own subjugation.
Winston's character arc and shifting view of the Proles reveal the elegant horror of Orwell's dystopia, where the very essence of what it means to be human is under attack. The Party's strategies in creating a controllable, uniform society illustrate the dangers of unchecked governmental power and the importance of preserving individual liberties and human dignity.