Selfishness Is Peace In George Orwell's 1984

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Selfishness is Peace A world without compassion is like a world without sunshine. A dark, self-centered atmosphere is the setting of the dystopian novel 1984 by George Orwell. Winston, the protagonist, and Julia claim to be in love; however, love is a distant and forbidden concept in their home, Oceania. In London, Oceania The Party wants supreme power, so they control all aspects of life. Both Julia and Winston dislike The Party, but they have different views when it comes to dealing with the strict rules of society. Winston is willing to sacrifice his life to save future generations while Julia is more concerned about living in the moment and making the best of her own life. Julia is selfish because of her obsession with sex, her disinterest …show more content…
Julia’s main goal during her relationship with Winston is sex. Relationships should be about more than just sexual activity but because of her self centered views, sex is her mission. During their first meeting in the woods, Winston asks Julia “‘Have you done this before?’. She replies, ‘Of course. Hundreds of times- well, scores of times, anyway’”. Winston is still curious and asks ‘“ With Party members?’” where Julia replies “‘Yes, always with Party members’ ‘With members of the Inner Party?’” Winston inquires. She responds with ‘“Not with those swine, no. But there’s plenty that would if they got half the chance’” (125). Julia readily states that she has had sex with a plethora of people and intends to continue. Her overconfidence in her sexual appeals reveals how highly she thinks of herself. Julia is certain that any Party member would readily have sex with her thus proving her arrogance. By having sex with Winston before truly getting to know him, Julia shows she is not interested in a personal relationship; she is only interested in personal gain. After spending more time with Winston, Julia shares her ideas about loyalty and rebellion towards The Party. She believes that "When you make love …show more content…
As Winston excitingly recalls the piece of newspaper that proved The Party has rewritten the past, Julia is impatient and says she is “‘quite ready to take risks, but only for something worthwhile, not for bits of newspaper” (155). Winston is focused on finding any evidence to help future generations, but Julia is not interested in his ideas or plans. She only wants to make changes for her own benefit, not for what her partner believes in. If she truly cared about Winston and his ideas she would be equally excited as he is about the piece of proof and what it could mean for the future. Instead, Julia is concerned with the present and not concerned with the future because it will not affect her; she will be dead. While spending an afternoon in Mr. Charrington 's attic, Winston excitedly proclaims he has The Book. Julia’s response “‘Oh, you’ve got it? Good,’” is “said without much interest and [she] almost immediately knelt down beside the oil stove to make coffee. They did not return to the subject until they had been in bed for half an hour” (200). Julia prioritizes sex above Winston’s wish to discuss The Book. Instead of being a compassionate partner and listening to Winston’s ideas about the Brotherhood or rebellion, Julia chooses to make coffee and ignore his excitement. Even as Winston begins to read, Julia falls asleep, obviously not interested in the

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