I considered posting specific prompts, asking for certain kinds of responses from you all . . . but let's be honest, we're all busy parents and don't have that kind of time, so in lieu of that, I'll just leave this thread open for anyone (anyone?) to comment on the novel as they like. Positive, negative, short-and-sweet, long-and-involved . . . let it fly. Just click the "# Comments" link below to voice your opinions!
I have yet to buy the book, but I'm gonna give it a whirl! I'm loving this idea! I read 1984 a very long time ago, so maybe it won't take to long to catch up.
ReplyDeleteAnyone out there? If you're not sure what to write here, take a look at the _Rebecca_ thread for some examples . . .
ReplyDeleteCommentary for pages 39-69.
ReplyDeleteI feel for Winston. Living in a way that is not what one is used to can be very difficult. I understand his wanting to write things down. In the type of environment he is living in, it could keep sanity.
I,in many instances, felt that the way Newspeak advertized reminded me of many media devices in our day. I noted that many citizens today choose or automatically live in a state of anger which is contageous and unfortunate.
I feel the word Chastity was an inaccurate use of the word. I would have liked him to share what intimacies were shared in the relationship. Instead of just explaining what physical happenings there were.
What I see in Winston is hope! Hope for change, hope for a sense of holding his own and hope for love.;-D
Thanks for sharing your responses!
ReplyDeleteI agree entirely. Winston's emotions, if he has any left aside from the anger you mentioned, are so wrung-out and difficult for him to access that it makes true intimacy or closeness nearly impossible at this point.
Make no mistake about it: Although Winston is the main character, he is no hero in the traditional sense.
Still, as you said in your closing lines . . . you've gotta root for the poor guy!
Commentary on pp69-Chapter 2
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying the little phrases in italics. They truly strike at the heart of what Winston is feeling. It makes me feel as though Winston is concious but trapped in a room with a tiny window at the very top that he wishes he could look out from. I also have felt this way. At times the business of scheduled time makes me feel closed in. I then reach out for my step ladder and look out the window and see all the wonderful new happenings in store for me.
I wonder if Winston is content being who he is or would he rather be a prole? Freedom is what is mentioned a lot in this passage. What is freedom? Is there a way to really undertand true feedom?
I am enjoying how Winston acts upon his hope. I really connected with his desire to reach out to the elderly man and find out about history. It reminded me of my grandmothers neighbor. He was a hundred years old. I would sit outside with him and listen to story upon story. Everytime I am told of a personal event from the past, I have a sense of traveling through time and imagine myself there. I wonder if Winston is capable of doing this in the state of mind he is in?
I know there is a sense of adventure in Winston. The thrill of getting away with what one is not suppose to do because there is a sense that there is nothing wrong with writing in a diary or changing route and going in a different direction. Will these decisions entice him to go even further than that? ;-D
Commentary on pages 105-126
ReplyDeleteAs I read on in chapter two, there was the thrill of finding out whom and what this woman wanted with Winston; if anything at all. As she fell, in front of him, I had a surge of empathy in reflecting on the type of suffering they all have had and will continue to endure. I was strengthened in their continual effort to rise up and push on.
When Winston opened his note and it read, I love you, I became intrigued. Without thought to it my balloon became inflated. Does this woman really understand love? As his eagerness to be alone with this woman continue and he followed her directions so exactly, I could not imagine the possibility of their finding a place to be alone.
When they came to a place where they could be alone and her version of love and his agreement to follow through transpired, I could not help but feel repulsion. My balloon quickly deflated and I felt disgust for both of them. I guess the Party won after all. In their actions they did not demonstrate love but showed how selfish they could be. ;-D
Commentary pages 126-167
ReplyDeleteAs Winston and Julia continue to spend time together I can't help but wonder; are they growing to love each other? At first I thought they both may be using each other for their own selfish desires but as they share more intimacies; I wonder.
Love is a choice. I hoped Winston would have chosen to love his wife. I wanted him to find ways to stir up his relationship with her. In the type of world they are living in that would have been exciting especially with the wife being brainwashed as she was. Julia sure makes it easier for him.
As it is Winston seems to be a follower instead of a leader. He hopes the proles would do something. He follows Julia's instructions. He allows O'Brian to be part of his life even though he is suspicious of him. It can be dangerous to follow along. Then again the choice is ultimately his and it looks like he is willing to suffer any consequence to keep this lifestyle.
Commentary on pages 167-201
ReplyDeleteWinston’s and Julia’s decision to finally move out of the state of living they were used to and move into the control of someone else reminded me of the movie Bourne Identity. It may be a natural human occurrence to constantly being watched closely though. It concerns me that all morals are thrown out of existence just for the possibility of no longer being monitored. The risk of survival is very high in this new setting. Is hours of isolation worth giving one’s life for? How effective will this be for Winston and the community?
Ignorance is Strength is relative to who is being strengthened, strength for what position, good or evil?
War is peace. Are they assuming that people will become so tired of fighting that they will choose to finally practice peace? In my experience the more a person practices anything the better they get at it and like it. Choosing to practice inner peace throughout many circumstances and challenges is the key to true peace. ;-D
Commentary of pages 201-260
ReplyDeleteThe sense of two rats in an open box came over me as Winston and Julia were discovered in their hide away. I felt for them as they were surrounded by the Thought Police. It goes to show that no one is to be completely trusted. I’m sure Winston and Julia knew the risks they were taking.
I was not surprised to learn that Winston did not truly care for Julia. He only cared because he thought it was his duty. So sad because I was hoping he would have experienced love by now. Maybe he has but does not realize it.
The living conditions at the Ministry of Love are atrocious! I feel for their having to take being beat up. It takes much strength to surpass such torture and brainwashing. Will Winston be an open book case and of his own free will give into the Party?
I felt for Winston. What the party had him go through. The mental, physical and emotional ordeal. To face betraying anyone. How sad.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if he was placed back with his wife? I was so rooting for unity, for love. That is not always reality for some. If this ever happened to anyone I hope hope pulled through for them helping them to finally find love. After all it doesn't have to involve a self pleasing physical relationship.
With what that community is faced with it is human to love Big Brother. ;-D