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How Is Betrayal Shown In 1984

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In George Orwell’s novel 1984, protagonist Winston Smith struggles to maintain his individuality, beliefs, and values while being under the totalitarian government control. As a citizen, Winston secretly rebels against the ruling Party. Although he attempts to challenge the power of the Party, Winston encounters many characters that drive him to his demise, such as Charrington, O’Brien, and Julia. In addition, his own decisions lead him to a labyrinth of problems. Eventually, the Party accomplishes its goal: to brainwash Winston and all other citizens. Throughout the novel, Winston experiences many acts of betrayal, both internal and external, which showcase the theme that survival takes precedence over all other personal morals and …show more content…

Charrington, the apparent sixty-three year old widow who owns an antique shop, offers Winston an “utterly secure” room, with “no voice pursuing” and “ no telescreen” watching over him (97). This room symbolizes Winston's hope to obtain freedom for his needs and a private get away. However, Charrington sets Winston up for a trap when Winston decides to rebel and have a clandestine love affair with Julia. Charrington willingly provides a room for Winston and gives the impression that he supports Winston’s actions against the Government. While Charrington was giving a tour of the room to Winston, they discuss the frame of St. Clement’s Dane and the rhyme behind it. This rhyme hints at Charrington’s betrayal towards Winston. When the frame uncovers the telescreen, Winston realizes that Big Brother was watching him all along. At the brink of his arrest, a familiar voice reiterates the rhyme, “[H]ere comes a chopper to chop off your head” and this is when Charrington reveals himself as a member of the Thought Police (222). This rhyme parallels Winston’s situation when he becomes trapped under the arms of the Government. Also, this showcases the idea that Charrington from the beginning was a manipulative character and puts on a facade by pretending to help Winston. Ironically, even though Charrington offers Winston privacy, it seems to be impossible to escape from Big

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