1984 Education: Plot summary and extract of the text

Plot summary

A LOT is going on in 1984, so one way we can make sense of it is by breaking the story into a classic FIVE-ACT STRUCTURE. 

Think of it like a rollercoaster!

• EXPOSITION – We start by meeting the characters and discovering their world, 
• RISING ACTION – Things get more and more intense, 
• CLIMAX – Everything reaches a breaking point, 
• FALLING ACTION – We see the consequences of what has happened.
• RESOLUTION – We see what happens after the dust settles.

Each section of the narrative typically includes one or more significant turning point.  Moments that shift the course of the story. In this analysis, we will identify key moments within each act, but remember that there may be other moments that resonate with you as an audience member or reader.

Exposition

We are introduced to Winston Smith and the dystopian world of Oceania, where the Party controls almost every aspect of people’s lives. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he changes historical records to make the Party appear constantly correct. Although he outwardly follows the Party’s rules, he secretly hates the regime. He begins keeping a diary, which he bought from Mr Charrington, writing “DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER”, which is a dangerous act of rebellion in the eyes of the Party. We are also introduced to Big Brother, the Thought Police, telescreens and the concept of what a thoughtcrime is through a lecture given by Syme-a character seemingly loyal to Big Brother, but is quickly removed by them. During this initial part of the story, we also meet Julia, a younger woman who is a part of the Anti-Sex League. He suspects she could be a member of the Thought Police. He also becomes fascinated by Mrs O’Brien, who he believes is taking a special interest in him. 

Key turning point: Winston begins writing in his diary, moving from privately thinking about rebellion to physically committing an act of rebellion.

Rising Action

Winston begins a relationship with Julia. They meet secretly in the countryside, where Julia confesses to hating Big Brother. Later, they rent a room above Mr. Charrington’s shop, believing they have found a private space away from Party surveillance.Winston also becomes convinced that O’Brien is part of a resistance movement called the Brotherhood. O’Brien invites Winston and Julia to her home and gives Winston a copy of The Brotherhood book, which explains the political structure of Oceania and the methods used by the Party to maintain power. Winston becomes increasingly confident that he can resist the Party. His relationship with Julia gives him a sense of freedom and individuality.

Key turning point: Winston and Julia fall in love and build a relationship. Together, they believe they can take down Big Brother.

Climax

Julia and Winston are arrested at Mr Charrington’s shop and discover they were tricked by O’Brien. Winston is taken to the Ministry of Love, where he is imprisoned and tortured by O’Brien. O’Brien attempts to destroy Winston’s ability to trust his own thoughts and perceptions. Winston is forced to confront the Party’s version of reality. During this time, neither we, the audience, nor Winston know where Julia has been taken. The central conflict reaches its peak when Winston is taken to Room 101. There, the Party identifies his greatest fear: rats.

Key moment: Winston and Julia are arrested in the room above Mr Charrington’s shop.

Falling Action 

When Winston is threatened with having rats placed against his face, he finally breaks. He begs the Party to punish Julia instead of him, and because Big Brother see this as the ultimate show of loyalty towards the Party, his torture stops and he is released. After leaving the Ministry of Love, Winston is physically free but has been completely changed by the Party. His memories, beliefs and feelings have been damaged by the Party, and he can no longer hold onto the rebellious person he once was. He spends his time at the Chestnut Tree Café, drinking and playing chess. He meets Julia again, but their relationship is no longer the same. They have both been tortured and confess that they betrayed each other. Their feelings for each other have been eradicated along with their rebellion.

Key moment: Winston breaks under torture and begs the Party to hurt Julia instead of him.

Resolution 

Winston sits, listening to news about the Party’s latest military victories, and he has become completely passive under the regime. He reflects on Big Brother and realises that he genuinely loves him. Once Winston becomes “Perfect in Thought,” he is taken away and executed. The Party instructs Julia to clean up after Winston’s death. As she does this, she sings a song from Winston’s childhood, which he had shared with her, connecting the final moments of the story to his memories of his mother. This suggests to the audience that Julia still holds onto her love for him. Julia is also executed by the Party.

Key moment: Winston’s final transformation: he no longer secretly hates the Party. He has been forced to believe that he loves Big Brother.

Extract of Text

Chris, the writer of our production, has shared an extract from an early draft of the script with us! Before a play reaches the stage, the script can go through lots of changes, rewrites and conversations. So, what you’re about to read might look quite different from the version you see in the theatre.

Let’s take a look at Scene 12 together.

[Download extract]