#8

   Throughout Orwell's novel, 1984, protagonist Winston Smith has develops and changes drastically in character.  A major area of development for Winston is in his relationship with Julia.  In the beginning Winston and Julia's relationship is seemingly one of pure lust and rebellion, however, as time goes on the relationship grows to one of affection signaled by Winston's sadness at not being able to see Julia on certain occasions.  Rebellion further changes Winston's relationship with Julia.  Winston who seems irrevocably bound to Julia, so much so that he promises never to betray her if caught, is hesitant when posed with the option of being separated from Julia.  This  change is seen during Winston's conversation with O'Brien and Julia, " You are prepared, the two of you, to separate and never see one another again?  "No!" broke in Julia.  It appeared to Winston that a long time passed before he answered.  For a moment he seemed even to have been deprived of the power of speech.  His tongue worked soundlessly, forming the opening syllables first of one word then of the other, over and over again.  Until he said it, he did not know which word he was going to say.  "No" he said finally" (Orwell 173).  Here it is seen that Winston has regressed to back to a mindset of pure rebellion.  This rebellious mindset is reflected in his hesitation to say no to the possibility of not being with Julia.  Unlike Julia, Winston's answer is not immediate and resolute.  Winston's hesitation signifies doubt, he doubts that his relationship with Julia is more valuable than taking down the Party.  This doubt reflects Winston's regression back to a want for pure rebellion.  Had he real value for love over all other things he would not hesitate to give up rebellion in order to remain with his paramour.  Winston has gone back to holding rebellion against the party in higher regard than love.  This is a regression for Winston because at one time it seemed he was returning to the basis of humanity: human connection made through love.  With rebellious fervor on his mind and rebellion being  a higher priority than love, Winston loses his progress in becoming more human, and instead reverts back to the rebellious passion comparable to the Party's subjects passion for hate.  In the end this hesitancy and regression could cost him.