Nice job on the Tommy Tinkrem bit especially.
In reply to:
I disagree that this refers to Party members "taking a stand against the system". Rather, I think it's in reference to the brainwashing that Winston (and other rebels) were subjected to in order to make them love Big Brother. Supposedly, some time after this process, they would be assassinated but, because of their conditioning, would accept it as the natural thing (and even be grateful for it).
It's interesting that it can apply to two (or more) situations in the story. He was greatful, or willing, to die for this imaginary cause at one point. Then, as you pointed out, after his conversion, he was more than happy to accept a bullet to the brain. This is definitely ironic.
In reply to:
think you're forgetting that he was brainwashed to reject his old self, yet also became at peace with himself because he'd completely given up control of his life. Therefore, I don't think he was capable of self-loathing, especially with regards to who he became. I think it's still fair to say that it's a parody, just not one he's conscious of.
That's very true. Though, it could also be a statement on his former self, as being inferior, rather than the current one. Though I really can't decide which he meant, if either. The song seems to have the paradoxical quality of being both first-person and omnimpotent, so I guess this narrator can comment on any aspect of the story objectively while still putting himself into the action.
Don't go near the audience. Leon, can you hear?
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This is good stuff poorsoul
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