1984 #10

           “If there was hope, it lay in the proles” (220). George Orwell comes back to this point over and over again using Winston’s voice. This time Winston comes to this conclusion after observing one of the prole women in the street. What is so profound about Winston making this conclusion at this moment is that he finally realizes the unity that exists among humankind. He says, “It was curious to think that the sky was the same for everybody… the people under the sky were also very much the same – everywhere, all over the world” (220).  Winston finally sees that there is no difference between the people of Eurasia, Eastasia, and Oceania; however, there is a difference between the people and himself. This difference does not come from the idea of intelligence versus emotion solely though. This difference comes from the power of the people as a whole. Winston is more or less alone amount the Party except from the fleeting support of Julia. The proles have a whole population on their side. They have the “heart and bellies and muscles…[to] one day overturn the world” (220).  That is the envy of Winston. He knows that all the proles need is the consciousness of the situation, and they will have a revolution whereas Winston is conscious, yet his passion is stifled by his lack of support. “ The future belonged to the proles,” and Winston has come to understand this.