1984- Part 2 Chapter 4 By Jillease Latt-Day

The momentum in novels is what drives the reader to keep going and therefore is a vital part of novels. The theme of the novel also plays an important role in shaping the way the reader thinks about certain ideals presented. ‘1984’ uses narrative devices to create momentum and comment on government control.In Chapter four of Book two, the narrative devices symbolism, setting and character are used to develop the idea of totalitarian government control and oppression.

Symbolism Paperweight- ‘It’s a little chunk of history they’ve forgotten to alter’ (p.119) Also stands for the small and fragile world of love that Winston and Julia have created Coral in the paperweight can be a symbol for Winston ‘The paperweight was the room he was in, and the coral was Julia’s life and his own, fixed in a sort of eternity at the heart of the crystal’ (p.120). In his recurring dreams, he is in the paperweight and later in the book when the ThoughtPolice smash the paperweight, it symbolises the shattering of the world that he and Julia have created. He can see how truly fragile the coral in the paperweight is, like himself.

Symbolism Proles- Winston believes that proles are the only hope of overthrowing the party and symbolise the true spirit of humanity. The ‘monstrous woman, solid as a Norman pillar, with brawny red arms and a sacking apron strapped about her middle’ (p. 113), seems to be always singing and becomes, for Winston, a symbol of vitality and hope that humanity will retaliate against the party.

Setting Chapter 4 takes place in a ‘shabby room’ which they have secretly rented above Mr Charrington’s shop While it is not ‘The Golden Country’ like Winston has imagined in his dreams, it is a luxury for Winston and Julia. The dirtiness of the room encourages rats which remind Winston of a recurring nightmare he has in which he is faced by a wall of darkness. Unbeknownst to Winston, behind the wall is rats and from this time in the room, The Ministry Of Love is able to deduce Winston’s fear of rats and this is how they torture him in room 101. creates momentum as Winston and Julia are secretly using the room, which creates tension and the ever- present feeling that they will be caught by the ThoughtPolice.

Character Winston is a complex character who is portrayed as being fragile and scared and vulnerable. believes he is ‘foolish’ for renting the hotel room and pursuing his love for Julia, yet he does it anyway and is a risk-taker for doing so. This creates momentum and tension Julia is a simpler character with a natural enjoyment for life and sex. On the outside world, she is a member of the Junior Anti-Sex League and follows the party explicitly. In their private world, Julia behaves ‘like a woman, not a Party comrade’ (p.113). In Chapter 4, she buys make-up from the proletarian shop, which she wears for Winston. She is uninterested in the truth and is more concerned with her relationship with Winston. Both characters are interesting and dynamic and their desire to overturn the party provides constant momentum.