1984 - pg 217-260 (10/2/13)

In 1984, Julia and Winston have a constant relationship throughout a major part of the book. At first their relationship was strictly sexual in a time where everyone was constantly being watched. They constantly met up and spent time together. They claimed that they loved each other, but did Winston truly love Julia? Different parts of the book might mislead people to believe that Winston might actually have loved Julia, but Winston did not truly love her.

Relationships between a man and a woman in 1984 were an issue. In the time period, the government and "Big Brother" forbid relationships, especially anything sexual. Since Winston hated the Party and constantly tried to rebel against them, his relationship with Julia was a major act of rebellion to him. This part of the story might indicate that Winston did not truly love Julia. He only used her simply for his own pleasure, and she was just another way for Winston to rebel against the government. If they loved each other, they would not have betrayed each other and would have tried to stay side by side even after they were caught. Did Winston truly love her for who she was or simply because she was another person who wanted to rebel?

Winston constantly goes back and forth between his feelings for Julia. Sometimes he believes that he is deeply in love with her, and at other times he believes their relationship is strictly for fun and rebellion. Winston’s constant swaying and not knowing whether he loves her proves that the government can change people and their beliefs. He does not know whether he even loves her or not because they are so preoccupied in rebelling against the government.

After the two were caught and brought to the Ministry of Love, they turned on each other so quickly. On page 229, the book reads” He [Winston] felt no love for her, and he hardly even wondered what was happening to her.” A couple that is truly in love would constantly worry after being separated by the government and placed in different rooms. Also, on page 259 O’Brien tells, “She [Julia] betrayed you, Winston. Immediately—unreservedly. You would hardly recognize her if you saw her.” The fact that Julia changed so quickly and “betrayed” Winston is one last bit of evidence that proves the couple was not in love. Julia did not love Winston, and Winston did not love her either.