In some works of literature, a character who appears briefly, or does not appear at all, is a signifigant presence. Choose a novel or play of literary merit and write an essay in which you show how such a character functions in the work. You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters. Avoid plot summary.
In 1984, by George Orwell, Winston's neighbor plays a major role in reinforcing the theme of hopelessness. He appears briefly in two spots, but both times he affects Winston and the reader.
The first instance he appears in is at the apartment complex. He's a father of two children, he works in the Ministry of Truth with Winston, and he's a devoted follower of Big Brother. He lives in a ramshackle apartment with assorted furniture crammed in, and the telescreen blaring. He's seen working out in an affort to keep fit for Big Brother, but it's hard to do so on a gruel-and-whiskey diet. His trust in Big Brother doesn't allow him to discover the pointlessness of his excercise. He's never going to get fit and all he achieves is stinking up the house.We also meet the man's children in this scene. They're about 10 or so, and it's a boy and a girl. They just got back from their Junior Spy League meeting and now they're playing with guns. Their father praises them constantly, but Big Brother has molded their minds to his liking so they don't even respond politely. He loves his kids even though they barely acknowledge him. He gets no love in return, but he continues to praise them regardless.
After Winston has been captured we see the man again. He's in the cell because his children caught him whispering, "Down with Big Brother" in his sleep. Even here he praises them for listening through a keyhole and turning him in to the Thought Police. Even this scene evokes sadness and hopelessness, it also evokes happiness and pride. When the reader discovers even a blind fool like Winston's neighbor can dissent against Big Brother, we know there is hope for humanity, and we take pride in the perseverence of the will ofr freedom. The sad part is that his subconscience is healthy, but his conscience has given in to Big Brother, and he can't say what he really feels, also a goal of Big Brother.By examining Winston's neighbor in two different decrepit situations, and by showing his devotion to Big Brother, Orwell signifigantly adds to Winston's and the readers' sense of hopelessness.
