“1984” is a dystopian novel written by George Orwell, published in 1949. The story is set in a totalitarian society ruled by a Party led by Big Brother, where individuality is suppressed, and the government controls every aspect of people’s lives. The protagonist, Winston Smith, works at the Ministry of Truth, altering historical records to align with the Party’s propaganda. He secretly rebels against the oppressive regime by starting a diary and falling in love with Julia, a fellow rebel.
As Winston delves deeper into his rebellion, he is eventually caught by the Thought Police, who torture him mercilessly until he betrays Julia. Finally, Winston’s spirit is broken, and he is released back into society, a shell of his former self.
What Happens to Winston at the End of the Story?
At the end of the novel, Winston undergoes a harrowing transformation. After enduring intense psychological and physical torment at the hands of the Thought Police in the Ministry of Love, Winston’s resistance and spirit are shattered. He is made to betray Julia, the woman he loves, as a means of breaking his rebellious spirit.
The pivotal moment comes when Winston is brought to Room 101, where individuals face their worst fears. For Winston, this fear is rats. In a moment of desperation, he begs for the torture to be transferred to Julia, displaying his complete submission to the Party.
Finally, broken and devoid of any rebellious thoughts, Winston is released back into society. He no longer harbors any resistance against the Party. His spirit crushed and his beliefs dismantled, Winston becomes a loyal adherent of the Party, blindly accepting its doctrines and adoring Big Brother.
Winston’s Transformation
- Endures brutal torture
- Betrays Julia
- Succumbs to fear in Room 101
- Submits to the Party
The novel ends with Winston sitting at a café, sipping gin and feeling a profound sense of love and devotion for Big Brother, erasing any trace of his former dissent.
The conclusion of “1984” is a haunting portrayal of the triumph of totalitarianism over individual freedom, illustrating the power of manipulation, fear, and oppression to obliterate even the strongest sense of rebellion.
In essence, Winston’s journey in “1984” ends in a tragic and heartbreaking manner, emphasizing the overwhelming control of the Party over the individual’s thoughts and beliefs.
This concludes the blog post about the fate of Winston at the end of “1984” by George Orwell.
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