#13

  Real power is found in exerting strength over others.  Often exertion of power means making others suffer.  This is exactly what the Party does to Winston in George Orwell's 1984.  Power often shows man's cruelty toward man.  What the Party really wants is to have complete power over Winston.  The metaphorical boot has not completely crushed Winston's face, Winston has not yet suffered to the point of full and complete submission to the Party's power.  The Party's exertion of strength is found in making others suffer.  This comes through the elimination of humanity, emotion, and all things that give people joy.  The power that the Party finds in causing the suffering of others is clearly demonstrated in the torture Winston undergoes in Room 101: "By itself," he said, "pain is not always enough.  There are occasions when a human being will stand out against pain even to the point of death.  But for everyone there is something unendurable-something that cannot be contemplated...For you, they are unendurable.  They are a form of pressure that you cannot withstand, even if you wish to.  You will do what is required" (Orwell 284).   Taking Winston's biggest fear and placing it in front of him in order to induce obedience is a cruel thing to do, it is a power hungry thing to do.   Causing another person serious suffering in order to obtain his obedience is something the Party specializes in.  Room 101 is the major device with which the Party goes about this.  When people are suffering they will do almost anything to end the suffering.  In the end suffering brings about obedience.  Obedience acknowledges the power that one has over another.  For the Party suffering and obedience go hand in hand.  As the citizens of Oceania suffer and obey, the Party holds complete power.  As Winston suffers and then betrays Julia the power wields power again, power over emotions.  Absolute power is what the Party wants, and absolute power can only come with the suffering of the masses.