What are your feelings about Mr Charrington Essay Example
What are your feelings about Mr Charrington Essay Example

What are your feelings about Mr Charrington Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (506 words)
  • Published: September 19, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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At the beginning of 1984, we are introduced to Mr Charrington, an elderly man with a cockney accent. Our feelings towards him fluctuate throughout the story, starting with a positive impression and ending with the realization that he is deceitful. The first encounter with Mr Charrington occurs in Winston's recollection of purchasing a diary from a rough area in the Prole district. Orwell describes him as having an "unclean yet friendly smell".

In my perspective, this comment is rather optimistic since the term "unclean" holds a more favorable connotation when compared to alternatives like "dirty." Additionally, grandparents are often associated with peculiar scents, yet they are also commonly perceived as friendly. This portrayal allows us to identify with the character and promptly accept him as he appears ordinary in an extraordinary setting. Moreover, his involvement in aiding Winston's rebellion at

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tracts our attention. Orwell further characterizes his voice as "very soft," reinforcing his amiable and accessible nature.

Winston and Mr Charrington quickly develop a rapport. Mr Charrington candidly discusses his professional and personal life with Winston, divulging, "between you and me, the antique trade is just about finished". Orwell portrays Mr Charrington as an accepting individual, as he shares personal information with Winston within a short period of time and seemingly accepts him by using the phrase "between you and me". Mr Charrington exhibits trust in Winston. Furthermore, he guides Winston to the upstairs room, mentioning, "we lived here until my wife died".

Mr Charrington initially inspires trust by revealing his personal space to Winston, evoking feelings of sympathy by being widowed. However, our opinion of him shifts as the essay progresses. This transformation is primarily due to his

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role in renting Winston a room with a hidden telescreen. Ultimately, this action leads to Winston and Julia's tragic fate. Upon discovery, an iron voice utters the haunting words, "you are the dead," emerging from behind the picture.

Upon entering the room, Orwell describes how Mr Charrington's previously white hair has now turned black, which is a metaphor representing a shift from hope and friendliness to death and evil. This quote immediately diminishes our attachment to Mr Charrington, as he seems less friendly. Orwell then writes that Mr Charrington gives Winston a sharp glance that feels cold and unwelcoming. The use of the word "glance," in my opinion, conveys a sense of untrustworthiness and further distances us from Mr Charrington. It dawns on Winston that he is staring at a member of the Thought Police, which is a significant realization for him.

Throughout the novel, Big Brother and the Thought Police serve as the main foes. The revelation that Mr Charrington is indeed a member of the enemy forces is, in my view, the last straw. I believe Mr Charrington is Winston's ultimate nemesis in 1984. He exemplifies the level of distrust and depicts how someone who appears to be honest and supportive can be utterly untrustworthy and duplicitous. This transformation of his character serves as a poignant reminder of the oppressive society in Oceania.

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