Representation Of Women In George Orwell's 1984

George Orwell’s 1984 revolves around a dystopian society and the control of the Party has on society. The novel is a vessel of anti-totalitarianism along with other views. The few female characters that are in the book accomplish a shared purpose. 1984 reflects women in a negative light using the characters of Julia, Katharine, and Winston. Through the desires and views of protagonist Winston Smith, women are sexually objectified. Winston's association of women always goes immediately to sexual desires. Winston being the protagonist, 1984 displays women as only as objects of sexual fulfillment. When speaking of his ex-wife, Katharine, Winston claims, "he could have endured living with her if it had not been for just one thing--sex”(58). Katharine is not …show more content…
1984 displays a belief that women are morally evil, especially when compared to the morals of men. Winston describes how he was with his hated Katharine on a cliff edge and Julia comments, “Why didn't you give her a good shove? I would have”(112). Julia claims that she would commit murder due to her simple hatred of a person, a route Winston obviously did not choose. When Winston and Julia are arrested and taken to the Ministry of Love to be tortured, they go in with different mindsets. The couple claims that they would never betray each other by stop loving each other prior to their arrest. Winston holds on to this sentiment throughout his torturing. His love for Julia inspires him to stay strong during the process. It is only until his fear of rats is exploited that he gives in and betrays her. Julia however wastes no time betraying Winston and throwing all of their shared love behind her, as claimed by O'Brien, “She betrayed you Winston. Immediately -unreservedly”(213). The moral character of Winston, thus men, is shown as durable but not indestructible. The moral character of Julia, thus women, is shown as weak and a