Posted by Bolly on June 05, 2002 at 09:54:13:
In Reply to: what is the significance of...... posted by Fonikz on June 04, 2002 at 19:21:23:
Actually, Mike's stuff sounds pretty near the mark. When I read 1984, the paperweight did strike me and it is pretty obviously symbolic (see Mike's posting). I wonder if I might add a few thoughts:
I'm not too convinced it is representative of the love affair between Winston and Julia, but I'm quite sure it is a link with the past. It is representative of its own significance (huh?!) - what I mean is that, just like the sea anenome trapped in the glass, the paperweight is a past object trapped in Winston's life, like Winston is trapped in the party. [I'm not really sure I'm making sense here].
Anyway, as with most things Orwellian, it's probably best not to read too much into it. The link with the past, and the fact that it is an actual object from that past must hold some importance to Winston as he has been watching the past being constantly altered. The paperweight is a reminder that there is a definitive past.
Also, you might like to think about its weight and opacity. The weight of the past? The weight on Winston's shoulders of guilt at having so many secrets? Is Winston as opaque as the weight? Is he, like the anenome, trapped inside the party's power, unable to escape?
Hope this is useful.
Bolly