The Power of Thought as Tangible Resistance Anonymous 12th Grade

In George Orwell’s renowned novel, 1984, the protagonist, Winston Smith continues to preserve his normal, day to day tendencies while secretly questioning the rigid policies of Oceania’s ominously dark society privately within his mind. Although Winston’s, “outward existence” conforms to the peculiar norms of Oceania’s society, Winston’s inner thoughts, which are deemed utterly illegal by the totalitarian government in power, seem to constantly question the truth behind the evil nature of the restrictive Oceania authority. As Winston continues to expand his private questioning of the government and even the validity of Big Brother himself, it becomes apparent that his inner thoughts are a valuable form of resistance to government rule despite the immense danger it puts him in. Winston’s illegal, clandestine thoughts and actions contribute meaning to 1984 as it demonstrates how valuable a passive stance is as an effective method of resistance against a ruthless, totalitarian machine.

Throughout the novel, Winston continues to demonstrate how the value of thought has the ability to resist the government. One occurrence of Winston using thought as a mean to counter government control occurs as he is working his daily job at the...