Examples Of Conformity In 1984 By George Orwell

The Unsettling Reality: Conformity over Independence?

Human beings are renowned for both their benevolent and malevolent qualities. However, when it comes to a human being and their self, it is a different story. It varies among individuals, some of them are exceptionally confident with themselves whereas others suffer from low-esteem. The way a person perceives themselves determines how they apply their personal beliefs. However, in many cases, when a person is presented with a dilemma, they will often try not to adapt to a situation and attempt to keep their character. Even when going through intense pressure, individuals will attempt keep their personalities in order stay true to themselves. George Orwell, a prominent English literary

critic explores how individuals react to an imposed change by an external source and how they attempt to resist it in his novel 1984. In this case, the external factors are related to person’s responsibility of following societal norms. When individuals are faced with the burden of the previously mentioned responsibility, they attempt not to commit to it in order to maintain their character and individuality but fail since they instead establish an elevated sense of self-worth.

The main protagonist, Winston Smith is a member of the Outer Party and is expected to obey the strict policies of his government which includes the restriction of freedom of speech, the press, and anything involving independent thought.

However, he secretly harbours resentment toward these policies due to his desire to retain his individuality and character. This is evident when he goes against the law by purchasing a diary and writing the statement, “Down with Big Brother”, the person leading his government. In many parts of the book, he uses his diary to express his views on the flaws of his government. This reinforces his desire to be independent and attempt to maintain his character. Thus, it allows him to stray away from his responsibility of being a lawful citizen. Another instance of him attempting to retain his character and individuality is when he engages in sex with Julia on numerous occasions in the grove and in the room rented from Mr. Charrington. In the general, sex is a powerful symbol which represents the essence and vigour of humanity. It is tied with individuality since it allows a human being to experience pleasure and the emotions an individual experience make them unique. Thus this allows Winston and Julia to be different from their comrades. Therefore, this allows average individuals to attempt to maintain their independence and their

character.

At this point in time, Winston seemingly managed to maintain his character and individuality; however, in reality he elevated his sense of self-worth. This is evident when he is under the false impression that, O’Brien, a member of the government’s elite, the Inner Party, is against the government’s policies as well. Due to Winston trusting him, he is sent to prison due to O’Brien actually deceiving Winston. This is evident when O’Brien reveals that he has been always a part of the Inner Party by stating that they caught him a long time ago to Winston. This is an instance of irony since he failed to realize it earlier. Another instance of this occurs when Winston is given “The Book” by Emmanuel Goldstein, by O’Brien. When Winston reads the contents of The Book, it is revealed that it actually supports a “Collective Oligarchy” and has the three slogans of the Inner Party and Winston ironically misinterprets it since he thinks he is again under the false impression that he is fighting for a benevolent case with the support of O’Brien. This represents the transition from Winston’s character and independence into his descent of elevated self-worth. An example of this is found when Winston states that he is morally superior to Inner Party to O’Brien while being tortured. O’Brien shows the reality and futility of his self-worth by showing his emaciated body in front of mirror. He also pulls tufts of Winston’s hair and pulls out one of his teeth in order to emphasize it. O’Brien also states that Winston is the “guardian of humanity” and this allows Winston to realize that he had an elevated sense of self-worth. This demonstrates how his sense of elevated self-worth causes the burden of responsibility as a member of the Outer Party to come crashing down on him and thus make him realize that elevated status was worthless and futile due to the strength of societal guidelines. Other individuals are also prone to this and even those who are closely associated with an individual can fall prey to a similar fate.
Even those individuals who already possess independence and strong character can be ensnared in the trap of an elevated sense of self-worth.

Julia, another member of the Outer Party is no exception. Like Winston, she abhors the policies of her government but mostly those related to laws related to sex. The backbone of her individuality lay within her sexuality. Julia stated that she lost her virginity at an early age and engaged in sexual activity with numerous men over time. Her sexuality is also a point for her weakness due to her desire to be with Winston romantically and sexually. Due to this, it puts her independence and character at stake. This is demonstrated when she agrees to meet O’Brien under with Winston under his influence. It emphasizes how attached she is to Winston and unwittingly put her independence and character at stake. However, the burden of her responsibilities as a citizen comes back to haunt her. This is demonstrated when she is captured by the Thought Police along with Winston. Both Julia and Winston realize that they shall die and this demonstrates the consequences of ignoring their responsibilities as members of the Outer Party. It also highlights how Julia attempts not commit to her duties as a member of the Outer Party due to her engaging in sex. Her independence and character is broken and turns into a delusory sense of elevated self-worth. This is evident in the change of her body shape and scar near her scalp. This indicates that like

Winston, she was tortured extensively. In many cases, even an individual with a strong conviction can break down along with an average individual as shown in Julia. Her desire to save herself dominated her desire to love Winston. Thus she placed priority on herself and betrayed him and this indicates an elevated sense of self-worth since she committed a selfish action. Therefore, this indicates that even individuals with strong willpower are vulnerable and value their lives under dire circumstances.

In conclusion, George Orwell explores how individuals attempt to maintain their independence and character by avoiding the burden of responsibility associated with being a citizen underneath an oppressive regime. They do this by breaking the laws and openly defying their policies but fail in the end due to an elevated sense of self-worth influenced by external and internal factors such as manipulation, deception, and selfishness.