The Assault by Harry Mulisch, The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro and 1984 by George Orwell

The Assault by Harry Mulisch, The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro and 1984 by George Orwell

In the three novels studied, The Assault by Harry Mulisch, The Remains

of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, and 1984 by George Orwell, the

protagonists are controlled by outside influences that force them to

confront their pasts and memories. However, each character handles

their memories in juxtaposing ways. While all three characters

experience epiphanies towards the end of the novels, both constructive

and damaging results come of their revelations. Orwell and Ishiguro

choose to have their characters ignore the realizations they encounter

to show how one’s career or government influence can control a

person’s life. On the other hand, Mulisch creates a more positive

outcome, having Anton face his past and grow from his experiences.

Anton Steenwijk’s life is altered after his family is murdered and the

life he once knew was destroyed. Anton’s present and future are

controlled by the memory of his family and the loss of his innocence.

Throughout his life after “the assault”, his actions and decisions are

unconsciously affected by his past. Anton’s relationships with other

characters are short-lived and unemotional. He brings a different girl

home with him “every few weeks” (Mulisch, 97) but no real

relationships ever come of these dates. He is not bothered by the

fact that he does not form connections with other characters, in fact,

“at times his couch remained empty for a week or two, which did not

bother him much,” (97). Anton does create a bond in his younger years

with one character, Truus, who he knows nothing about. However, she

...

... middle of paper ...

...s mother but he “pushed

the picture out of his mind. It was a false memory,” (296). 1984 ends

with “he loved Big Brother,” (297). Like Ishiguro, Orwell creates a

pessimistic ending. Winston’s epiphany is distinguished from Anton’s

because, instead of realizing his faults, Winston reverts to the

behavior he once despised.

Mulisch is juxtaposed from Ishiguro and Orwell by the fact that The

Assault gives the hope that, given the chance; one can change and find

happiness. The shift in tone from stoicism to thoughtfulness is

distinguished from the continuous tones of

reminiscence and nostalgia in The Remains of the Day and 1984. Anton

is released from the oppression he faces from his denial of his past

while Stevens remains under the control of his profession and Winston

continues to be restricted by the Party.