Question

Why does Winston not believe that he is human? How has his views of the Proles changed in this chapter? Has the Party been successful in its attempts to dehumanize citizens? Use evidence from the text to support your response. (Refer to "1984, Chapter 7")

Answer 1

In Chapter 7 of 1984, Winston's lack of belief in his own humanity is a result of the Party's successful dehumanization of its citizens. His views of the Proles have also changed as he realizes their inability to rebel against the Party. The Party achieves dehumanization through various methods such as mind manipulation, surveillance, and the suppression of emotions.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Chapter 7 of 1984, Winston does not believe that he is human because the Party has successfully dehumanized citizens by stripping away their individuality and manipulating their thoughts and emotions. He sees himself as a broken and subhuman creature due to the constant surveillance and control imposed on him by the Party. His views of the Proles, the working class, have changed in this chapter. Initially, he saw the Proles as a potential force to overthrow the Party, but he now realizes that they are too ignorant and apathetic to rebel. The Party has effectively dehumanized citizens by manipulating their minds and erasing their individuality. For example, the Party controls people's thoughts through Newspeak and Thought Police, monitors their actions through surveillance, and suppresses their emotions through fear and punishment.