Reflections #9

LIGHT is a curious energy, a symbol of good and god. Humans of today, have been automatically trained to associate certain things with certain ideas. For example, white and light, are connected with clean, safety and all things good. However, even though the Ministry of Love, is literally a place of continuous light, it is hardly a safe place. In the 'place where there is no darkness', the everlasting artificial light drastically changes the prisoners held captive there, ironically through enlightened interrogation, punishment, and hatred.

The Ministry of Love is full of torture and pain; yet, the hateful MiniLuv becomes a place where Winston begins to feel safety. It becomes a constant, that Winston can rely on, even if the constant beating isn't particularly enjoyable. Winston, having been subjected to continuous torture, has wasted away physically. He is dirty and in constant physical and emotional pain. However, Winston begins to love O'Brien who ends Winston's torture sessions. Of course, O'Brien is also the person who signals for the start of a new round of torture; yet Winston loves him anyways.

In the end, Winston fulfills connecting the Ministry of Love with love and light's connotation of safety, even though at the same time it is a place of horror and suffering. The balance of what we associate symbols with is triumphant, even in a backward situation.