HELP! Freudian readings of 1984?

[hamiltons]

Hellloooo,

Was just wondering if anyone has ever had to do a Freudian reading of 1984? It is possible to interpret the hidden desires of Winston easily through his dreams, but does anyone have any suggestions how these can apply back to Orwell himself?

Thanks alot x x x

[The Atheist]

Hellloooo,

Was just wondering if anyone has ever had to do a Freudian reading of 1984? It is possible to interpret the hidden desires of Winston easily through his dreams, but does anyone have any suggestions how these can apply back to Orwell himself?

Thanks alot x x x

Interesting, if potentially pointless exercise.

First off, Freud's approach would need to be viewed as being accurate, which it isn't.

Secondly, it would assume that Orwell had anything to subsume.

Can't match it up myself - why do you ask?

[hamiltons]

Just because I have to apply a Freudian reading to a text as part of my degree, and 1984 being my favourite novel, I thought I'd give it a go!

I have to agree with you that Freud's theories are not altogether convincing, and given a choice I would rather not do the exercise.

DO you not think that there is anything of any use? I no Orwell was without a mother figure, much like Winston, and also the text is full of phallic symbolism.

Thanks x

[The Atheist]

Well, there are a couple of bits - the tart Winston has sex with - a much older woman. There's an interesting little sideline to this in that the story is very similar to one Orwell gives from his semi-autobiographical character, Gordon Comstock, in Keep the Aspidistra Flying.

You could certainly twist that into a very Freudian shape and it'll make it look as though you really know your Orwell - nobody's read KTAF!

Maybe also the prole woman hanging up her washing? Clearly a motherly type, a "metre across the hips, easily!", she still appeals to Winston as "beautiful".