Tuesday, April 20, 2010

9. 1984

"The date had stuck in Winston's memory...to be Midsummer Day...as well" (78).



George Orwell included Midsummer's Day very curiously into his novel, 1984. Midsummer's Day is the day after the longest day of the year and it is often "associated with witches, magic, fairies, and dancing" (British Life & Culture). This day represents hope when some have lost all. When George Orwell adds this day into his novel, it is during the time when Winston is thinking back to Rutherford's and Aaronson's confessions. After some serious thought, Winston believes that the confessions had been lies. In a dark and dreary passage about torture and slavery, there lies mention of a Midsummer's Day where young girls scatter rose petals while reciting a poem praying that their true loves reveal themselves. The contrast from Orwell allows the reader to understand how Winston thinks. Despite all of the bad going on and the negativity taking over in the little square box they all live in, Winston still has an imagination and keeps his mind alive by believing in happy moments.








"Midsummer's Day." British Life & Culture. 22 April 2010. 2010.
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/midsummer.htm

Photo Source:

http://sarahflanigan.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/rose-petals.jpg

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