From conformist to rebel, the main character Winston in George Orwell’s 1984 personifies the struggle between conformity and freedom. He finds himself as a citizen under the control of a totalitarian government. Yet, he is able to see beyond their facade of a benevolent institution, because, “there is no other reason for power except to maintain power” (Orwell 263). What this means for him and all other citizens is the government is both incredibly controlling, and motivated by power. The environment created by such a force, keeps a strangling hold on the individual. Consequently, both individual freedom and happiness is squashed in the process. In the search for independence and satisfaction, Winston begins his journey of rebellion. McMurphy,
