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Comparing Orwell's 1984 And O Brien

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The decisions we make have the ability to impact our future/life paths and unwise decisions can result in major consequences. The novel 1984 by George Orwell and the short story “On the Rainy River” by Tim O’Brien equally represent the fact that when we make decisions, they largely impact what lies ahead in the future. Orwell and O’Brien both investigate and answer the essential question in their stories through such things as the theme, characters, plot, etc.

The characters in these stories both make major decisions throughout the plot which, in result, alters the outcome of their futures. In George Orwell’s 1984, the main characters, Winston and Julia, begin to rebel against the government and the enforced rules. At the start of the novel, …show more content…

In the novel 1984, Winston makes (what seems to be) quite minor actions such as falling in love with a woman named Julia. They begin a “secret” affair in which they rent a private room from a man named Mr. Charrington. This affair structures into a strong bond between them which lets the readers believe they would do anything for each other: “The smell of her hair, the taste of her mouth, the feeling of her skin seemed to have got inside him, or into the air all around him. She had become a physical necessity” (pg. 140). Sadly, not only does Charrington turn out to be a member of the Thought Police, but he also turns them in which leads to their arrest. In the short story “On the Rainy River”, Tim O’Brien has an idea of fleeing to Canada and avoiding the war. However, he simply chooses to go against his beliefs and go to war. This action reveals him as a week-minded and self-conscious person. Because of this minute act, O’Brien lives the rest of his life in utter embarrassment and sadness (“I survived, but it's not a happy ending. I was a coward. I went to the war”). This displays how very minor actions and choice can impact the direction of one’s

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