1984 – Interview Winston and Julia

For this assignment, make sure you have read through Book 2, Ch. 3.

Winston and Julia both hate the party, but they have different ideas about what to do about that. This isn’t just a difference in their attitudes. It’s a difference in their worldviews. For instance, in Book 2, Ch. 3 it says that Julia “would not accept it as a law of nature that the individual was always defeated.”

Answer the following questions as if you are Winston and Julia and you are being interviewed. (For the purposes of this exercise, pretend they are able to answer freely. In other words, respond with what they really believe, not how they would respond if they thought there was a possibility that their responses could get them hanged in front of an audience of cheering children.)

Winston
Answer these questions from Winston’s perspective. Give full, multi-sentence responses. (5 points for Winston’s responses)

1. Do you believe that engaging in an illicit sexual relationship is a political act? Why or why not?

2. You said, “We are the dead.” Can you explain this statement? Do you think the individual is doomed in this society?

3. Do you believe it is important – and possible – for people to find a way to revolt against the party?

Julia
Answer these questions from Julia’s perspective. Give full responses. (5 points for Julia’s responses)

1. Do you believe that engaging in an illicit sexual relationship is a political act? Why or why not?

2. Winston seems to believe the individual is dead in a sense, but you disagree with him. Why do you disagree? Do you think it is possible for an individual to maintain a sense of identity – or even happiness – in this society?

3. Do you believe it is important – and possible – for people to find a way to revolt against the party?

Yes, I believe engaging in an illicit sexual relationship is a political act. In a society where the Party seeks to control every aspect of our lives, including our emotions and relationships, engaging in a forbidden act of love is a form of resistance against their oppressive regime. It's a way for individuals like Julia and me to assert our autonomy and reclaim our humanity in a world that seeks to strip us of our individuality.

You said, “We are the dead.” Can you explain this statement? Do you think the individual is doomed in this society?

When I said, "We are the dead," I meant that in this society, the Party has effectively killed our souls and extinguished our ability to think freely and feel deeply. It's a realization that we are already dead inside, living in a constant state of fear and repression. I do believe that the individual is doomed in this society, as the Party's control is all-encompassing and suffocating, leaving no room for genuine human expression or rebellion.

Do you believe it is important – and possible – for people to find a way to revolt against the party?

Yes, I believe it is both important and possible for people to find a way to revolt against the Party. Despite the overwhelming surveillance and repression, there are still moments of resistance and defiance, like Julia and I engaging in our secret relationship. It may seem futile at times, but we must hold onto the hope that someday, enough people will rise up and overthrow the Party's oppressive rule.

Julia:

Do you believe that engaging in an illicit sexual relationship is a political act? Why or why not?

No, I don't believe engaging in an illicit sexual relationship is necessarily a political act. While Winston sees it as a form of rebellion against the Party, for me, it's more about asserting my desires and finding moments of happiness and intimacy in a world devoid of genuine emotion. It's a personal choice, not a calculated political statement.

You said, “We are the dead.” Can you explain this statement? Do you think the individual is doomed in this society?

I disagree with Winston's belief that the individual is dead in this society. While the Party's control is pervasive and stifling, I refuse to let it crush my spirit or define my existence. Despite the limitations imposed by the Party, I believe individuals can maintain a sense of identity and even find moments of happiness by carving out small acts of defiance and seeking connections with others who share our longing for freedom.

Do you believe it is important – and possible – for people to find a way to revolt against the party?

Yes, I believe it is important for people to find a way to revolt against the Party, but I also recognize the challenges and risks involved. While overt acts of rebellion may be dangerous and futile in the face of the Party's overwhelming power, I believe in the power of small acts of defiance and subversion, like maintaining secret relationships or finding ways to subtly undermine the Party's control. It's about finding pockets of resistance and holding onto hope for a better future, even in the darkest of times.