Breaking Point Literary Reflection

             In the novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four, by George Orwell, Winston Smith reaches a downfall due to his resentment of the authoritarian regime of the Party, when he tries to rebel. He purchases and writes in his diary, which was considered thought crime. Winston has a love affair with Julia, a crime, because they have no means of reproducing.  He converses with O’Brien, who he believes is also against the Party and from him receives Goldstein’s book, and decides to join the Brotherhood at all cost. Later on Winston and Julia are arrested by the Thought Police and tortured in the Ministry of Love for the many crimes they have committed.

          
           Throughout Winston’s persecution he admits to crimes he has not committed, because he is deprived of sleep, starved, beaten, and given electrotherapy shock.  Winston finally reaches his breaking point when he is sent to Room 101 to face his fear of rats, but is comforted by O’ Brien, someone he confides in.  It is acceptable to say Winston conforms to society's standards while accepting Big Brother, due to indoctrination suffered.

            I met my moment of greatest strain, in 8^th grade, when I was demoralized at school. “I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen”-Frank Lloyd Wright. This quote’s was my impetus towards working hard in school, despite my demanding life, overwhelmed with the countless obstacles that often got in my way. Obstacles I faced socially were communicating with others who came from the communities of Maywood, Bellwood, Forest Park, and other minority neighborhoods. I reached my breaking point when I was described as an “Oreo”, a black person who is regarded to as having adopted the attitudes, values, and behavioral thoughts of the white society. This infuriated me, but allowed me to push past that misconception, and embrace my veritable persona.

            Coming from a mostly Caucasian area/school, I didn't fit the stereotype of a black person. I overcame this obstacle by speaking more with others, who were not just Caucasian, but Hispanic, African-Americans, Asians, etc.  Unlike me, Winston didn’t stay with his beliefs, but conformed to the society’s standards. I embraced my personality and accepted my Nigerian nationality, rather than conforming to the Black stereotype or margin. In acceptance, people’s solution towards losing the ability to deal physically, psychologically, or emotionally with a stressful situation it to try to meditate on what values and priorities adhere to them. In culmination, this will help people stay true to themselves, and accept who they are.