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How Does Orwell Present Female Characters In A Dystopian Novel 1984

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1984 is a dystopian novel by the English writer George Orwell. The author does not seek to portray female characters in accordance with gender stereotypes. The behavior of the main characters often does not coincide with their gender identity and revels a number of features unexpected for women. It is explained by specific and unusual background of the narration: the party encourage the blurring of boundaries between men and women, there are no “ladies” and “gentlemen” anymore, there are only “comrades”. First of all, we became acquainted with Julia, a fellow worker of the main character Winston Smith. At first sight, Julia seems to be an enthusiastic participant of Two Minutes Hate, an especially zealous propagandist of the party’s regime. Her beauty in …show more content…

Julia becomes more sensible and womanlike. Furthermore, she occasionally puts on make up and makes their shelter glow and coziness procuring some better-quality items. Moreover, Julia plays a significant role in Winston’s personal development: Winston perceives freedom and happiness spending time with her. In the search of better life for Julia he finally dares to go up against the regime. Throughout the story, Winston thinks about his ex-wife Katherine without warm feelings (“she had the most stupid, vulgar, empty mind that he had ever encountered”). Despite the fact that she is incredibly beautiful (“tall, straight, with splendid movements”), Winston detests her emotional indifference. To my mind, Katherine looks like rather a robot than a woman: she has no thought in her head that is not party’s slogan, her body is rigid and inflexible. Comparing Katherine to Julia I would say that the women influence Winston differently. Julia’s strength of mind inspires Winston to live a full life and to resist the party together, whereas Katherine makes him feel like he is trapped inside his head alone with his criminal

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