Analysis of Narrative Devices

1. Analysis of Narrative Devices 1984 by George Orwell – Chapter 5 of Book 2 By Caitlin Low, 11N

2. Character • Winston Smith is portrayed as perceptive and slightly rebellious. • He is intent in bringing down Big Brother’s tyrannical regime, or at least playing a part in its downfall. • At this point in the novel, Smith has overcome his doubt and accepted the Party’s deceptive ways. • ‘Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book has been rewritten, every picture has been repainted... And that process is continuing day by day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present where the Party is always right’ (p. 162).

3. Character • From Winston’s description of Party propaganda such as the Hate Song - “It had a savage, barking rhythm which could not be exactly called music” (p. 155) - the reader is aware of Winston’s discontent yielding to Big Brother’s harsh command. • He views the world differently to his fellow ‘comrades’. • By remaining steadfast to his memories, he develops a sense of isolation and self-doubt. This creates momentum, as the reader yearns for a sense of resolution. • Julia, Winston’s love interest, is depicted as “far more acute than Winston, and far less susceptible to Party propaganda” (p. 160). • As she tells Winston, “'I’m not interested in the next generation, dear. I’m interested in us’” (p. 163). Regardless of Winston’s attempts to make her see otherwise, “the difference between truth and falsehood did not seem important to her” (p. 160).

4. Dialogue • Winston and Julia’s contrasting beliefs are demonstrated through their verbal exchanges. • At the beginning of the novel, such conversations are rare, due to the Party’s unnerving surveillance. Once Winston and Julia find private seclusion at MrCharrington’s antique shop, their conversations becomes much less inhibited. • As Winston is the most inquisitive of the pair, his dialogue is more verbose. He frequently makes witty comments, evident when he tells Julia that she is “only a rebel from the waist downwards”  (p. 163). • On the other hand, Julia’s little contribution towards their conversation regarding the Party demonstrates her lack of interest on the topic.

5. Setting • Another narrative device used to generate momentum, whilst highlighting the corrupt nature of totalitarian rule is the setting. • The in-depth descriptions of Airstrip One’s dingy settings are partially accountable for 1984’s compelling qualities. • Descriptions such as “In the labyrinthine Ministry the windowless, air-conditioned rooms kept their normal temperature, but outside the pavements scorched one’s feet...” (p. 154) instill a sense of uneasiness upon the reader, emphasising the despotic conditions experienced by those under a totalitarian regime. • Although such language may be discomforting, the reader is compelled to continue until a more positive conclusion is reached.