Relationship between the characters

Winston and Julia

Winston’s attitude to Julia is at first a mixture of hatred and fear, as he suspects her of being either a member of the Thought Police or an amateur detective - either way, she appears like the sort of loyal Party member who would turn someone in to the authorities when given the opportunity (p. 12). His hatred is so strong that he even daydreams about raping her and murdering her (p. 17).

However, in the middle section of the book it is revealed that she is merely keeping a close eye on Winston because she is romantically attracted to him (p. 111). This leads to a romantic and sexual relationship between them, even though they have to meet in secret because relationships between non-married Party members are not permitted in Oceanian society.

Though their relationship is mainly sexual at first, they also seem to develop genuine romantic affection for each other (p. 146), and they quickly become very close and share even their most secret thoughts and emotions.

An example of their dedication can also be seen when they join the Brotherhood, since they declare themselves willing to perform all kinds of horrible acts in the service of the rebellion, with the one exception of leaving each other (p. 180). However, it is interesting to note that while Julia immediately says that she would be unwilling to leave Winston, Winston is more hesitant to declare that he would never leave Julia (though he eventually does so). This may of course reflect that Winston believes more in the cause of the rebellion than Julia (also indicated elsew...