What Would Winston Do? (1984 Essay Sample)

What Would Winston Do? (1984 Essay Sample) 

There are over 4,000 religions worldwide, each containing its own belief systems, traditions, and behaviors. Religion is found in almost every work of literature because of its subconscious influence over people’s lives. The audience is unaware of George Orwell’s religious beliefs, however, “culture is so influenced by its dominant religious systems that whether a writer adheres to the beliefs or not, the values and principles of those religions will inevitably inform the literary work” (Foster 88). In Orwell’s 1984, Foster uses Winston to reflect characteristics of Christ while creating parallels between the two, to convey the power of Winston’s beliefs and morals.

At the beginning of 1984, Orwell describes Winston as having a “varicose ulcer above his right ankle” (Orwell 1). Winston’s injury is repeated throughout the book, whether it is healing, worsening, or simply existing. However, there is no explicit purpose for the ulcer. The author gives no cause of its origin, leading the audience to question its significance. Soon after, a dry cough is introduced in chapter three that is so violent “[Winston] could only begin breathing again by lying on his back” (Orwell 31). When connecting Winston’s characteristics to Christ’s, there are subtle similarities that show themselves. Both figures, in their lifetime, could not breathe. Jesus’ body weight prevented his lungs from reaching full capacity on the cross, and Winston had a horrendous cough. This is not a coincidence, but a way for the author to create underlying parallels between the two. Winston becomes emaciated and wounds emerge all over his body while being tortured by O’Brien. He does not have enough food, his body is working overtime to stay alive, and his mind is undergoing psychological trauma. The whipping caused internal and external injuries similar to how the dials caused Winston to “shak[e] uncontrollably, teeth..chattering, [with] tears...rolling down his cheeks.” (Orwell 250). Throughout the book, Winston faces heavy torture, various wounds, and emaciation which Christ also went through 1,950 years prior. 

Winston’s belief in the Brotherhood is so strong that he would die for it, despite it being certain that there will be severe consequences if he goes against the party. Winston answers ‘yes’ to every question O’Brien asks him about how he is “prepared to give [his] life” (Orwell 172) in the name of Goldstein.  In Foster’s words, the parallel between Christ’s and Winston’s sacrifice “deepens our sense of the character’s sacrifice...[because it is]..similar to the greatest sacrifice we know of” (Foster 92). In addition, he is not only willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good of society but also endures enormous amounts of torture while trying not to betray the woman he loves.

Despite the hardships of both Christ and Winston, they had room for forgiveness. Winston forgives Julia for ultimately betraying him, and he forgives O’Brien for torturing him until he was “cured.” He is even grateful to Big Brother when the “long-hoped-for bullet [enters] his brain” (Orwell 297) and he becomes brainwashed. “Often those values will not be religious in nature but may show themselves in connection with the individual’s role within society” (Foster 88), meaning that Winston may not be forgiving because of his belief in Christ, but because of his values in Oceania. Christ forgives those who crucified him by saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:24). Forgiveness is the ability to let go of resentment. Jesus and Winston were able to forgive those who acted poorly to them because they have and value their kindness, integrity, ability to be the bigger person. On the other hand, Big Brother’s inability to forgive instead of vaporizing those with resentment toward him displays his lack of values.

Christ’s life work was to help others, and while Winston was helping the enemy at the Ministry of Truth, his work was still his “greatest pleasure in life” (Orwell 43). The irony is that the ill fate of the figures was because of their work. Christ was killed literally, while Winston was brainwashed to the point where he did not exist.  Despite this difference, they were both killed due to the threats their oppressors claimed they posed on society. Winston was against Big Brother and previously stated that he would help with their demise. He was working for the Party and had access to the ever-changing information. Similarly, the teachings of Christ went directly against those of the Roman Empire. The figures' beliefs have the potential to be detrimental to the original systems of power in place and that unknown potential terrified them.

Christianity’s influence is rooted everywhere and literature is a commonly used way to spread Christ's message. It can appear in a work, consciously or subconsciously, or relate to a certain character or plot point. Here, Winston’s similarities to Christ are found throughout the book. Foster constructs undeniable parallels in Christ’s likeness to display Winston’s dynamic morals and beliefs.

Works Cited

Ryle, J.C. Forgiving Those Who Killed Him? Christianity.com, Salem Web Network, 19 July 2010, www.christianity.com/jesus/death-and-resurrection/last-words/forgiving-those-who-killed-him.html. 28 August 2021.

Foster, Thomas C. How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Harper Perennial, 2017.

Orwell, George. 1984. Berkley, 1949.