1984 - Symbols quiz
Winston's varicose ulcer
A varicose ulcer is caused by irritated veins that hinder blood flow. In 1984, the blood represents the life of the people living in Oceana. Winston's life is not permitted to take the course it feels it naturally. A varicose ulcer would get irritated further when blood has to push particularly hard to pass, and Winston's hurts when he is trying to break free of the Party's restraints.
St.Clements church
"Oranges and lemons, say the bells of St. Clement's!" It's a connection to the past in how the building has been there since before Oceania. It is old as is Christianity, which were both very prominent in the past.The fact that the party cannot completely erase some things that were as important to people of the past shows how history can't be completely forgotten no matter how much the party tries.
Julia's sash
Julia's facade of innocence and loyalty to the party. In private she "throws it off" which represents how she only looks like she supports the party on the outside. Appearance v Reality.
Coral paperweight
The Coral paperweight symbolizes how Winston desires for the time before the party, when things were simpler and life was brighter. Also, buying and cherishing this object is an act of rebellion. Inside the glass is perfection and safety. It also shows the separate world Winston tries to create with Julia, such as when Winston says,"It was as though the surface of the glass had been the arch of the sky, enclosing a tiny world with its atmosphere complete." Also, the glass magnifies the coral to make it seem bigger, which symbolises his hope.
Apartment Winston rents
The apartment symbolizes freedom. The apartment is the only place Winston knows of where he can not be watched through a telescreen. This apartment is a place where Julia and him can go and not be watched by the government at all times. The Apartment also represents Winston's need for humanity-- his lust and his need to be free from the peering eyes of Big Brother.
the rat
The rat shows Winston's weakness and how his independence and bravery is just a facade, as a little rodent startles him so much. Also, the rat might symbolise his fear that someone could turn him in to the party, every person in this case might be a rat. Rats also tend to sneak into people's houses like this rat did, and that could symbolize Julia sneaking into Winston's heart or the party sneaking into Winston's life. It was also defeated by Julia maybe symbolizing how she's trying to squash that idea and gain Winston's trust.
telescreen
The telescreen represents oppression. The telescreen demonstrates that the government is always watching the members of the party. With the telescreens the people of the party can not do whatever they want to. The government has complete control over the people and the telescreens show this.
Victory gin and cigarettes
Victory gin and cigarettes represent Winston's dependence on substance to hide his unhappiness and anger for the party. He is essentially using it to drown out his suffering, so when he no longer needs it he shows independence from the party's oppression. Also, names represent another way of pushing the influence and patriotism of the party. Getting people addicted to something that promotes Oceania.