Firstly, it represents the past that Winston desperately seeks to comprehend, as it serves as a “little chunk of history they’ve forgotten to alter,” something from the past that Winston yearns to uncover. This paperweight holds multiple meanings in relation to Winston. Charrington’s store, the same place where he acquires his diary. This symbol is the “Coral Glass Paperweight” that Winston purchases from Mr. Among the numerous symbols associated with Winston, one stands out in its ability to reveal more about his character. Through the various symbols employed by Orwell, readers are able to gain deeper insights into Winston’s dreams and beliefs. The development of Winston Smith in George Orwell’s novel is greatly influenced by the use of symbolism as a literary device. These External Characteristics stimulate the reader’s imagination. Winston Smith’s External Characteristics engage the reader in the book by allowing them to visualize him more vividly during his journey. Orwell employs these attributes to elicit emotions from the reader, as it is natural for one to sympathize with an older, emaciated, and sickly man enduring torturous death. Understanding his external attributes aids in visualizing the vividly dramatic scenes of his electrocution and torture, leading to a more realistic reading experience. Despite his unremarkable physical appearance, Winston’s astonishing deterioration at the end of the novel leaves a lasting impact on readers. Additionally, he holds a minor role as a record’s assistant at the Ministry of Truth. He suffers from a worsening varicose ulcer on his ankle, which exacerbates with sexual repression. Instead, he is a frail and thin thirty-nine-year-old with poor health and fitness. Winston Smith, unlike the typical male protagonist, lacks strength, youth, heroism, intelligence, handsomeness, popularity, and a prestigious position. Orwell’s portrayal of Winston’s internal traits significantly shapes the reader’s perception of him.Įxternal characteristics play a dual role in character development and reader comprehension in the novel. He is deeply paranoid about his fate, as evidenced when he anxiously awaits arrest by the “Thought Police” after expressing his defiance towards “Big Brother” in his diary. If one believes their destiny is death, rebelling becomes a logical choice. Throughout the novel, Winston remains rebellious due to his fatalistic outlook. Winston derives pleasure from engaging in activities that he knows “the Party” would disapprove of. This is illustrated by his constant inscription of “down with big brother” in his diary, his love affair with Julia, their participation in clandestine gatherings where smuggled goods are shared, and ultimately Winston refusing to betray Julia, a defiant act of rebellion. As the story progresses, it becomes evident how rebellious he is. Throughout the novel, the reader witnesses Winston’s profound loathing for “the Party” and its actions. Although Winston acknowledges that “the Party” restricts intellectual freedom, he fails to grasp the underlying motives driving their quest for absolute power.

Similarly, he is intrigued by “the Party” and its agendas, striving to comprehend the reasons behind their exercise of absolute power. Despite having some knowledge about the Ministry of Truth, he remains intensely curious about its inner workings. Throughout the book, he demonstrates a keen interest in various topics. Winston Smith, the protagonist, possesses curiosity as one of his internal characteristics. They offer insights into the character’s personality, beliefs, and motivations. Internal Characteristics play a major role in shaping a main character and exploring related ideas. Through the utilization of both internal and external traits, symbols and noteworthy quotes, Orwell skillfully constructs Winston’s character in 1984. Although he may initially appear to be a straightforward individual, Winston introduces several intricate concepts to this renowned work of literature. In George Orwell’s novel 1984, Winston Smith plays a significant role in various ways.

Winston smith character analysis