What, according to Orwell, does it mean to be human? How does the governing body in 1984 exploit certain tendencies, weaknesses and even strengths that human beings possess in order to, ironically, control and dehumanize humankind? Based on Winston’s fate, what is Orwell ultimately arguing (advocating, criticizing and/or warning against)?
The protagonist
In 1984, the protagonist, Winston, attempts to “stay human” in the face of a dehumanizing, totalitarian regime. What, according to Orwell, does it mean to be human? How does the governing body in 1984 exploit certain tendencies, weaknesses and even strengths that human beings possess in order to, ironically, control and dehumanize humankind? Based on Winston’s fate, what is Orwell ultimately arguing (advocating, criticizing and/or warning against)?
