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The Themes Of Conbols In George Orwell's Symbolism

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In 1984 Winston slowly becomes more rebellious in the dystopian society of Eurasia. In a society when no Party member can freely express their opinions symbolism becomes a big part of George Orwell’s story. Winston was afraid afraid to fully express many of his thoughts and ideas. Orwell uses symbols to help the reader understand certain themes and thoughts of Winston. Orwell uses certain items to symbolize such themes as governmental abuse, rebellion, and freedom. From a tangible object such as a paperweight to a slogan such as “WAR IS PEACE”, the symbolism in 1984 is abundant. George Orwell introduces some very important recurring symbols in the early chapters. These introduced symbols help the reader understand the theme of the …show more content…
This paperweight with no use catches Winston 's eye because it is beautiful. But the beauty was not the only thing that Winston admired about this paperweight. Winston admired what the paperweight symbolized. “What appealed to him about it was not so much its beauty as the air it seemed to possess of belonging to an age quite different from the present one.”(1984 pg 95) The paperweight in 1984 is most definitely the most significant symbol in this novel representing Winston 's rebellion. The coral in the middle one could say represents Winston and the glass around it represents the “perfect society” he lives in. Winston is represented by the coral surrounded by the glass. The glass represents Winston who is different than the other party members. When Winston is caught the glass shatters. This is extremely significant but also a very small event. The shattering glass represents how when Winston is caught he is no longer living in this “perfect society”. Winston was hidden by all his comrades so he thought and was free to rebell against the party.. His rebellion is now very real and known by the …show more content…
While Winston’s allusion of his perfect world filled with sex and rebellion against the party is allowed; a small glass paperweight represents it all. George Orwell shows his reader how the smallest things can mean the most. Especially in a book where freedom of thought, speech, and expression are all restricted by government symbolism helps the reader to think deeper into the plot of the story. Everything has a meaning and Orwell choose the smallest items, the simplest of events, and minor characters to represent the major themes of his novel. From paperweights, to prole woman, to posters, Orwell’s symbolism makes 1984 such an amazing read. I love Big

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