Final answer:
The glass paperweight in 1984 is a symbol of hope, resistance, and the fragility of individuality. It is used at different times during the story to represent Winston's desire for the past and his futile resistance against the Party.
Step-by-step explanation:
In George Orwell's novel 1984, the glass paperweight is a symbol that represents the fragility of individuality and the destruction of personal freedom. The glass paperweight is used at different times during the story to symbolize Winston's desire for a connection to the past and his futile attempts to resist the oppressive regime of Big Brother.
One example of the glass paperweight's symbolism is shown when Winston purchases it from an antique shop in the Prole district. The paperweight becomes a symbol of hope and resistance, as it represents a connection to history and the past, which the Party is trying to erase. However, the destruction of the paperweight by the Thought Police symbolizes the crushing of Winston's hopes and the complete control of the Party over individual thought and expression. This event also foreshadows Winston's eventual downfall and loss of identity.
Another example of the glass paperweight's symbolism is its association with the character of Julia. When Winston and Julia first meet in the countryside, they use the paperweight as a symbol of their secret love and rebellion against the Party. The glass paperweight represents their desire for a world outside of the oppressive regime and their shared belief in the importance of personal freedom and individuality. However, when Winston is captured and tortured by the Party, the paperweight is used as a tool to break his spirit and force him to betray Julia.