If you have not read the novel 1984, by George Orwell, you may not want to read this post because it discusses some aspects of the plot.
While reading the first few chapters of 1984, the character referred to as The Girl with the Dark Hair came up in mention and in person a few times. Her character brings a lot of mystery to the story line and her purpose is unclear. I have come up with a couple different theories as to what her role in the novel may be.
The first theory is that she is tempting Winston and may cause the both of them to get into trouble with the Party. This temptation is shown in the form of a dream where the she “tore off her clothes and flung them disdainfully aside… but it aroused no desire in him” (Orwell 31). Instead the dream suggests to Winston that “Big Brother and the Party and the Thought Police could all be swept into nothingness by a single splendid movement of the arm” (Orwell 61). The element that it aroused no desire in him makes it seemingly less likely that he will have an affair with her. Instead, her presence in the novel seems to not be directly related to her, but instead is a symbol representing the strong temptation Winston has to rebel against the party for a multitude of reasons. For example, he disagrees with the Party’s tactics to control its citizens and he often finds himself fighting for consciousness, and is also found committing thought crime through writing in his journal (Orwell 15 and 19). Therefore, the girl may just be trying to expand his hatred for the Party and push him to rebel against them (potentially with her help).
Another theory is that she is trying to tempt him to rebel, but then will turn on him and will report him to the Party. This theory originated from the fact that she not only tempts him but is also constantly watching him. Winston asks “Why was she watching him? Why did she keep following him about?” (Orwell 61). It seems as though she may be following him waiting for him to make a move so that she can catch him.
If you are just starting the book and have any other theories of what the Girl’s role in the novel may be, comment down below!
Works Cited
Orwell, George. “1984: a Novel.” 1984: a Novel, by George Orwell and Erich Fromm, Signet Classics, 2015, pp. 15–61.
Kate's Corner 