1984 Journal #3: Aspect of society (Topic A)

"Winston stopped reading, chiefly in order to appreciate the fact that he was reading, in comfort and safety. He was alone: no telescreen, no ear at the keyhole, no nervous impulse to glance over his shoulder or cover the page with his hand" (Orwell 152).

The society seen in 1984 has a very strict structure.To ensure that the citizens do not go against what the Party stands for, they are constantly being watched and listened to through the telescreens that surround them. The Party brainwashes the citizens and the Party claims inventions as their own. They alter history and force an endless present where the Party is always right. This passage reveals Winston's constricting feelings regarding the party. He acknowledges that when he does not experience the security that comes across in this quote, he must consistently take awareness of his actions in order to prevent the Party from stepping in and forcing him to suffer the consequences of making his own choices. Orwell expresses that Winston is in "comfort and safety" when he does not feel the need to look over his shoulder to show the Party's ability to be overbearing. Orwell also shows Winston's consciousness of the Party's effects to reveal that even though the citizens of the society are molded to the needs of the Party, they still have a way of manipulation that allows them to be benefitted.