Torture & its Effectiveness

I admire 1984 for showing reality above all. Many other books would have their protagonists succeed in whatever their goal: overthrowing the current system, defying the power holders successfully, etc. However, 1984 shows the bleak but true reality of it all. With the torture that befalls Winston and Julia, we get to see the real impact of physical pain and torture on the human mind. Both Winston and Julia accepted that if they got caught, they would probably confess their actions, but they wouldn’t stop loving each other. However, they are both very naïve to the effects torture can have. Even with the very beginnings of torture, Winston is willing to twist his beliefs, even if its something as simple as how many fingers someone is holding up. At this rate I believe that both Winston and Julia will do a full 180 and be completely brainwashed of their old “rebellious” ways. Do you think the Party’s torture will be successful? To what degree?

Comments

  1. ZoeyMarch 2, 2021 at 7:33 AM

    Yeah I agree that Winston underestimated what the Thought Police could do to his mind. It seems like they don't just get there by torture - they confuse him with complicated arguments and whatever was in the needle enough to make him uncertain of his own beliefs. I do wonder what other tactics they'll use to make this stick, since this seems like a temporary thing. But I definitely agree that the Party will be able to complete change Winston and Julia's beliefs and make them into orthodox party members.

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  2. Mayahuel MalikMarch 2, 2021 at 7:40 AM

    i think winston will definitely get the full 180 because, as zoey mentioned, they are doing more than just physically causing him pain. As awful as it is, I think its a good example of how everyday people would probably react in situations similar to Winston's

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  3. rakeMarch 2, 2021 at 7:46 AM

    I think the Party dedicates a lot of resources to the Ministry of Love. For sure the torture will be effective. And if not there are literally no restrictions on what they could do to Winston. If he has to die so be it, honestly

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  4. HaleyMarch 2, 2021 at 7:52 AM

    I think the Party will succeed in completely changing their thoughts especially considering all of the different techniques they use, but there might be some unrealistic hope that if the Party lets them live they might end up learning and forming their own new beliefs after being brainwashed and will go back to their rebellious ways, though I think that is very unlikely.

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