1984 Sexuality and the Search for Truth
Sexuality and the Search For Truth in Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-FourThe question of the existence of human nature has been a popular topic in modern literary works. Authors such as Shelly and Freud seem to agree that there is such a thing, however, they disagree on its attributes. Orwell also believes that human nature does exist but he takes it a step further than simply acknowledging its existence. Rather, in 1984 he uses such themes as truth and sexuality to enhance the attributes of human nature. There characteristics, Orwell believes, are insuppressible. Orwell believes that it is innate for humankind to be sexual beings, and to be in pursuit of truth. In the course of 1984, these themes continually appear. It is Orwell's intention, I believe, to show that in a "utopian" society such as depicted in 1984, it is the undeniable existence of human nature that will cause the downfall of the state. The reoccurring theme of the search for truth is best depicted as Winston's unwillingness to accept the Ingsoc tenet of doublethink. Doublethink is the acknowledgment that two contradictory prepositions can both be true simultaneously. Quite obviously the color black can not be both black and white, however, in Oceania under the
In the instance of the Party, they adhere to the pragmatic theory of truth, which states that a preposition is true if it accomplishes your own purposes. This concept is better known to us as general relativism. Without human nature, a totalitarian society would exist. As long as there are disciplines such as Philosophy, our human nature can not be suppressed. Our ability to be rational is too great, and concepts such as doublethink would simply be refuted. Winston's character embodies human nature, and we as readers can relate to him and his emotions. Although our hero succumbs to the Party, all is not lost. The importance of human nature in government was anticipated by Orwell, which is why so many of his themes have to do with it. ruling of Big Brother, truth is mind-dependent and whatever a person believes to be true is then in fact true. Once again, I believe that Orwell did this intentionally to prove a point. Even when Winston gives in to the Party, there is still hope for the future. Ethics and literature also play an important role on society and should not be subjected to general relativism. The qualities of human nature are once again touched upon in the novel, and Orwell shows us that as long as human nature does exist, any external force attempting to regulate it is bound to fail. Howe claims that if Winston and Julia feel this way, it is unlikely that they are the only ones. We, as members of humankind, can relate to Winston and Julia because we share their innate desires.
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