1984 #13

In its entirety, I very much enjoyed Orwell's 1984. I thought this section was particularly interesting, because it stated with Winston in minilove and ended with him back in civilization. Toward the very end of the novel, Winston recognizes Julia and follows her, although Orwell never particularly mentions Julia's name at this time. After he follows her, the two talk about how they betrayed each other during their torture in the Ministry, and how each of them only cared about his or herself throughout the entire process. When Winston is at the Chestnut Tree Cafe after they talk, the book reads, "And then-- perhaps it was not happening, perhaps it was only a memory taking on the semblance of sound-- a voice was singing: 'Under the spreading chestnut tree I sold you and you sold me--'" (Orwell 293). In this particular case, love did not conquer all, but Big Brother does. This is because at the end of the novel, the Party still reigns supreme over all.