Book One: Chapters 7-8 and Book Two: Chapters 1-2
"In a low murmur Winston began speaking. Neither of them looked up; steadily they spooned the watery stuff into their mouths, and between spoonfuls exchanged the few necessary words in low expressionless voices. 'What time do you leave work?' 'Eighteen thirty.' 'Where can we meet?' 'Victory Square, near the monument.' 'It's full of telescreens.' 'It doesn't matter if there's a crowd.' 'Any signal?' 'No. Don't come up to me until you see me among a lot of people. And don't look at me. Just keep somewhere near me.' 'What time?' 'Nineteen hours.' 'All right.'" (94)
This particular conversation in the book was very interesting to me because Julia and Winston were planning to meet up after Julia slipped Winston a note saying that she loved him. This conversation was unique to me because they made it seem like they weren't acknowledging each other even though they were making some very important plans. It's also interesting how they would decide to meet in such a public spot where many telecreens and people are present. But it makes sense that this would be an ideal place to meet because they knew the crowd would be distracted and very loud with the prisoners the party was presenting. This meant the telescreens wouldn't be able to capture everything that was being said amongst Winston and Julia.
It's just so crazy to think that this would be the ideal spot to meet because war and the torture of other people distracts and brings the citizens together. It shows how messed up the government of the Party actually is.
The whole dating situation between Winston and Julia reminds me of Romeo and Juliet because it's prohibited love. The government is very similar to the parents in Romeo and Juliet, and in both instances actions are being taken to defy the authority of the higher power. In both cases, they have to be very secretive and meet up in specific places so they could be together but not be caught or told on by the people around them. They specifically and strategically have to plan everything at the right times so they don't get caught and are able to continue seeing each other. In a sense, both of their loves are a sign a rebellion against this higher authority that is trying to prevent or stop their
love.
This particular conversation in the book was very interesting to me because Julia and Winston were planning to meet up after Julia slipped Winston a note saying that she loved him. This conversation was unique to me because they made it seem like they weren't acknowledging each other even though they were making some very important plans. It's also interesting how they would decide to meet in such a public spot where many telecreens and people are present. But it makes sense that this would be an ideal place to meet because they knew the crowd would be distracted and very loud with the prisoners the party was presenting. This meant the telescreens wouldn't be able to capture everything that was being said amongst Winston and Julia.It's just so crazy to think that this would be the ideal spot to meet because war and the torture of other people distracts and brings the citizens together. It shows how messed up the government of the Party actually is.
The whole dating situation between Winston and Julia reminds me of Romeo and Juliet because it's prohibited love. The government is very similar to the parents in Romeo and Juliet, and in both instances actions are being taken to defy the authority of the higher power. In both cases, they have to be very secretive and meet up in specific places so they could be together but not be caught or told on by the people around them. They specifically and strategically have to plan everything at the right times so they don't get caught and are able to continue seeing each other. In a sense, both of their loves are a sign a rebellion against this higher authority that is trying to prevent or stop their
love.
The dating situation, as you put it, between Winston and Julia is truly extremely odd, and I like the parallels you drew to Romeo and Juliet. We'll see if they end the same! With everyone we care about dead...
ReplyDeleteIt's kind of weird to think that the place they'd choose to meet is a crowded area, not an empty countryside (until later). The crowds provide a refuge for secrets, for although Big Brother is always watching, it's hard to watch an individual in a crowd.
Plus, as you've said, the crowd would be distracted, and I didn't think of that when I first read it. Good catch! A crowd will be distracted if there's something they want to watch, and the Party has desensitized them so much that this is the thing that brings them together...
Hey Lynda! I loved this blog in its' entirety. Your blog was quite impressive since you were able to find a quote that was related to what type of relationship that Winston and Julia wanted to partake in. I agree with you that their relationship through this conversation was quite weird as they wanted to meet in a heavily populated place, with lots of telescreens. However, it makes sense for them to meet up in such a public space since the government and the thought police have a lower chance to catch up to Winston and Julia. The more people there are, the more difficult it would be for them to be traced down if their conversation was to be heard.
ReplyDeleteI loved how you included the picture of a depiction of Winston's hand holding the note stating "I Love You" written by Julia. Also, I enjoyed your analysis and connection to Winston and Julia to Romeo and Juliet. I can totally see the similarities of both of them and it is quite scary to see that both relationships was very similar. Both wanted love and lust from each other, but they couldn't due to the parents and government. However, with their love for each other, they broke laws, to see each other, in a common ground where they won't be able to be traced easily. Both wanted to rebel and in my opinion they succeeded in both stories.
Overall, this blog of yours was very good. However, more pictures would be more appealing to the eye. A picture of Romeo and Juliet can be added so the connection can easily be identified. I hope to read your next blog.
I like how you took it and compared it to Romeo and Juliet. After you stated how they were similar, I felt that it’s really crazy how similar the two scenarios are. You said it’s crazy how the war and torture of others distracts people. It’s also crazy it is that our society is also like that. We tend to like violent things such as boxing, mma, wresting, and real life fights online. Your blog post has really opened my eyes to see this a different way and even compare it to our reality, so I really liked it.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like death and torture in the universe is similar to watching birds at a park. No one thinks it's outlandish because the it's been presented so much that no one really cares about it anymore and accepts as a daily part of life. I do like that you compared Winston and Julia to Romeo and Juliet, expect these two seem a lot more awkward and twisted.
ReplyDeleteTheir relationship is very interesting, the couple does resemble Romeo and Juliet in a lot of ways. Your analysis and opinion of their meeting sistuation is intriguing because the way they have to meet up is definitely a reflection of the government and has a deeper meaning and relevance in the story.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! Never really noticed the parallel between Winston and Julia and Romeo and Juliet. Funny how both of the girls' names are similar too. I think this relationship was foreshadowed in after Winston woke up from his dream. He whispered "Shakespeare" after he woke up. Since Romeo and Juliet was made by Shakespeare George Orwell may had possibly hinted at this forbidden relationship with Winston and Julia.
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog!! Love the picture you chose to represent the note Winston received. It reminds me of elementary when kids used to pass notes to their crushes. I also agree with you about that spot being the ideal "Date Spot". It shows how corrupt their system is. Really great blog and interpretation.
ReplyDelete