I think this quote can signify the process in which the average Oceania citizen lives their life. The quote mentions how all of the activities listed, were what occupied their minds. They had no other room to think and/or do what pleased them, since the Thought Police was always being vigilant. I think the need for them to feel like their own person is extremely important and what also lead to Winston rebellion is various forms. What I find to be interesting is, how they are considered to be middle ages at 30 years old. Typically, someone is considered to be middle ages between 45-65.
Book 2, Chapter 1 Quote: "At the sight of the words I love you the desire to stay alive had welled up in him, and the taking of minor risks suddenly seemed stupid." (pg 110-11)
I believe this quote to be significant because once he realized that someone out there actually cared for him, his will to live greatened. He no longer wanted to act irrationally, he wanted to show that he could live without making impulsive decisions. In a way, Winston has changed because he has fell in love with Julia, who has taught him how to enjoy the smaller things in his life.Book 2, Chapter 2 Quote: "Not merely the love of one person, but the animal instinct, the simple undifferentiated desire: that was the force that would tear the Party to pieces." (pg 127)
This quote is explaining that humans are what can take down the Party. To successfully do so, they can continue to rebel and show that the Though Police in fact, do not own their thoughts. The instincts that are in us- love, pleasure, remorse- cannot be taken away like the Though Police think. This could be a reason why Winston left his ex-wife, Katherine. He instead sought out pleasure with Julia, who he truly seemed to love.
All three quotes and explanation are really good! It'nice how you brought up how the Party controls it's citizen thoughts by keeping them busy so they wouldn't think about any rebellion. Also the comment you made about the middle age was nice. The last two quotes were really similar in a sense that you are talking about feelings. How Winston have his feelings as a source of power to be able to keep his rebellion going and think and feel freely.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your second quote that he finally had the will to live was greatend since he found someone who loves him and cares about him.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about Winston's change. I feel that this change will definitely make him think harder about his decisions because he might think about how they will impact Julia. Do you think that he might care about her if he gets in trouble? Or will he just let her do what she wants?
ReplyDeleteI believe that the government controls them by using their sexual frustration against them. For example, Winston's wife didn't like sex because she didn't love Winston, she just wanted to help the party by reproducing. So I completely agree with the way you see the raw desire he has for Julia.
ReplyDeleteI liked your first quote because I also believe that the citizens of Oceania basically have their lives planned out. However, people still have feelings and their own ideas of life and I also think that this encourages Winston's rebellion.
ReplyDeleteYour first quote is good because it shows how people in Oceania live their lives. It makes us think about how we live our lives differently than the people in Oceania. I also liked how you talked about what you would think middle ages were and what Oceania says that middle ages are.
ReplyDeleteI liked your explanation of your last quote because although the government forbids things such as sexual acts, it cant be taken away and people can use it as a way to rebel.
ReplyDeleteI really like the quotes that you chose and your explanation for each of them. In the second one you mentioned that Winston's will to live increased when he realized that someone actually cared for him and I completely agree.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is really great!