The novel “1984” written by George Orwell, raises many social and political issues, and at the same time, its plot is built around the relationship of the main characters – Winston and Julia. In a totalitarian state, where love is prohibited, their romance is rebellion and crime. However, when the Party representatives find the couple, Winston and Julia betray each other under pressure. Even though their relationship lasts long, the desire for resistance in the form of committed crimes is their basis rather than sincere feelings.
Their first crime is the concealment of thoughts and the desire for rebellion against Big Brother, which pushes Winston and Julia into a relationship. They hide their opinion and discontent about the ruling party, which is seen as thoughtcrime. Punishment for this action is death, which is considered as the destruction of a person who may become a criminal in the future. The crime of dissent brings Winston and Julia closer to starting a relationship.
The second crime committed by a couple is sexual relations. The people’s sexual instincts are beyond the party’s control, and therefore it does everything to suppress and denigrate them (Orwell, 2021). Emotional release through physical affection can also lead to thoughtcrime and, consequently, punishment – arrest, torture, or death. As a result, the relationship between Winston and Julia is supplemented by various crimes against the ruling party.
Finally, the established emotional bond between the characters is another crime. While their relationship is not built on love, they want that feeling. They have their own life outside the power of the ruling party, which also did not satisfy the latter. As a consequence, the crime led to punishment – torture and manipulation of Winston’s and Julia’s feelings to nurture the love for Big Brother.
Thus, the characters’ relationship in the novel “1984” is a rebellion against the government, accompanied by actions that the party considers crimes. There are thoughtcrime, sexual relations, and emotional connection outside the control of totalitarian power. Such crimes imply punishment, and Winston and Julia receive it. Under pressure, they betray each other, and their desire for love is used to impose adoration of Big Brother.
Reference
Orwell, G. (2021). 1984. Books on Demand.