The Symbolism of the Glass Pap essays

The Symbolism of the Glass Pap essays In the novel 1984, the prophetic classic written by George Orwell in 1949, we see a man who is all alone struggles against a totalitarian government. While he is aware that he cannot defeat the monstrous machine known as The Party, he still defies its efforts at controlling the thoughts and emotions of all the citizens of Oceania. But throughout the novel, Winston Smith has a dream of escaping from this terrible system, of going away with his lover Julia. Winstons dream of escaping from the insanity of life in the totalitarian super-state of Oceania is symbolized by the glass paperweight that he obtains in the antique store. Winston buys the paperweight under a circumstance that befits the society in which he lives. He wanders into an old antique shop; run by a kindly old gentleman who always had the air of being a collector rather than a tradesman.(p125) He finds a glass paperweight that has a peculiar softness, as of rainwater, in both the color and texture of the glass. Inside was embedded a tiny piece of coral, such that it was magnified by the glass.(p81) The paperweight is beautiful to look at, and without function, as are dreams. Unfortunately, the storekeeper who sells the artifact to Winston is a member of the Thought Police; an organization designed to control peoples thoughts as well as their actions. By purchasing this paperweight from a member of the controlling force in the Oceanic government, Winston demonstrates how any anomalous thought or dream can condemn oneself in the eyes of Big Brother. Winstons belief that he is a minority of one is reaffirmed by the fact that this paperweight is not understood by anyone. When he shows it to Julia, the only person who he feels is capable of grasping its meaning, he is disappointed. He took it out of her hand, fascinated as always by the soft, rainwatery appearance of the glass. What is...