Question

Following his capture in Mr. Charrington's spare room, Winston undergoes a process of "philosophical cleansing" and re-education against which he valiantly, but unsuccessfully, fights. Discuss Winston's "capitulation" at the hands of O'Brien. How is Winston brought to "love Big Brother?" In sacrificing Julia, how has Winston, in essence, signaled his own end?

Answer 1

Winston's capitulation in '1984' occurs through intense re-education at the hands of O'Brien, resulting in psychological torture and the betrayal of Julia, representing his complete surrender to Party ideology and his forced acceptance of loving Big Brother.

Step-by-step explanation:

Winston's capitulation in George Orwell's dystopian novel '1984' is a significant aspect of his transformation and ultimate acceptance of Big Brother's doctrine. Regarded as a philosophical cleansing process, Winston is subjected to intense re-education at the hands of O'Brien. This involves psychological manipulation, torture, and the breaking down of his personal beliefs, until he reaches the point where he betrays his love, Julia, signaling his complete surrender to the Party's ideology. His journey towards loving Big Brother is forced and psychologically tormenting, showing the Party's relentless effort to not only control actions but also thoughts and emotions. The narrative reflects a society trapped under totalitarian rule, demonstrating an extreme example of power over individual freedom and truth.