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1984 By George Orwell: Chapter Analysis

Decent Essays

The first paragraph of George Orwell’s 1984 is narrated in third person, but the narrator gives information about the character, Winston Smith. Right away, the name of the character can give clues about Winston’s character. His first name parallels Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister during World War II, while his last name, Smith, is a common English surname. The gives the reader an idea that Winston is a common person who will encounter extraordinary obstacles. The passage also tells the reader about the physical characteristics of Winston. Winston is thirty-nine and has a varicose ulcer above his right ankle that inhibits him from climbing the stairs. The ulcer is a physical impediment, and reinforces the idea that Winston is an everyday person with faults. The passage also briefly reveals a second person, known only as “Big Brother”. This character is only seen as a face on a poster. Again, the name can give clues about the …show more content…

The events of the story take place during a cold day in April, at one o’clock pm. The title of the story is “1984”, so it is reasonable to assume that it also takes place during the year 1984. The lack of working technology supports the idea that the story does not take place during modern times, but some years ago in the past. The narrator also provides some information about the setting. Winston enters a place called the “Victory Mansions”, a seven story building that is in poor condition. The lift inside the building is not operational, possibly broken since the lift almost never works. There is also no electric current running in the building, and an unpleasant smell lingers at the entrance. The paragraph does not contain information about the plot, but it foreshadows some future events that may be relevant, such as Hate Week. Winston’s name also foreshadows that he will encounter some obstacles in the

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