1984 #8

                The idea of the Brotherhood is something that Winston has toiled with throughout the novel. He has wondered whether it actually exists or not. He has questioned whether people he knows might secretly be members of it. He daydreams about the consequences that might come from being a part of it. Finally, O’Brien is able to give him some answers: “The Brotherhood cannot be wiped out because it is not an organization in the ordinary sense. Nothing holds it together except an idea which is indestructible” (176). This was not what Winston was expecting at all; he had pictured a full-fledged secret society, not just a fleeting group of people with the same idea. Then again, Winston in a way was completely expecting it without even realizing, for he was the one to make the conjectures that a rebellion is practically impossible in this society. The structure of the Brotherhood exemplifies this. There is no way for the members to meet and communicate because it would risk their lives completely. Though naturally Winston is excited to finally learn about this Brotherhood, the reader can sense a bit of disappointment. All Winston has wanted is someone to share in his ideas. Someone to tell him that he is not crazy, and the puzzle he is piecing together is in fact correct. O’Brien shuts down this dream by saying, “You will get no comradeship and no encouragement” (176). Yes, Winston does now know that there are others out there that view this society as flawed, but without the ability to voice this disdain, there is not as great solace for him.