Why does the Party release Winston?

As an avid reader and an observer of human behavior, I have long been fascinated by George Orwell's masterpiece, "1984." This dystopian novel depicts a bleak future where society is controlled by a totalitarian regime known as the Party. The protagonist, Winston Smith, struggles to find freedom and individuality in a world where conformity is demanded and dissent is punished. But despite his resistance, the Party eventually releases him back into society. Why did they do so? That is the question I would like to explore.

It is a commonly held belief that the Party released Winston because they had finally broken him psychologically. After being tortured and brainwashed, he had betrayed his lover, Julia, and had become a loyal follower of Big Brother. The Party believed that they had successfully eliminated Winston's rebellious spirit and that he was now a compliant member of society. But I argue that this interpretation is too simplistic.

Humans do not require psychological consistency to function. We are capable of holding contradictory beliefs and acting in ways that are inconsistent with our values. Psychologists have long recognized this fact. For example, Leon Festinger's theory of cognitive dissonance suggests that when our beliefs and behaviors are inconsistent, we experience a state of mental discomfort that we seek to resolve. We may do so by changing our beliefs, our behaviors, or by rationalizing our actions. This theory is supported by research that shows people are capable of holding beliefs that are contradictory and that they may even behave in ways that are inconsistent with their values.

So, it is possible that Winston's behavior was inconsistent with his values, but that does not mean that he was permanently broken. In fact, some psychologists suggest that traumatic events can lead to growth and transformation. For example, in his book, "The Post-Traumatic Growth," psychologist Richard Tedeschi argues that individuals who have experienced traumatic events can develop new perspectives on life and gain a greater sense of purpose. They may also develop resilience and an ability to cope with adversity.

It is possible that Winston's experience of torture and brainwashing could have led to his growth and transformation. Rather than being broken, he may have become more resistant to the Party's influence and more committed to his ideals. By releasing him back into society, the Party may have made a mistake. Winston could continue to rebel, but he may now be more skillful and strategic in his resistance.

Furthermore, the Party's decision to release Winston suggests that they underestimated the power of human agency. They believed that they could control every aspect of Winston's life, but they failed to recognize that humans have a natural desire for freedom and individuality. Even in the most oppressive of regimes, individuals can find ways to resist and subvert the dominant ideology. As the psychologist Erich Fromm has argued, individuals have a deep-seated need to be autonomous and self-directed. They seek to express their individuality and to live lives that are meaningful to them. The Party's attempt to suppress this need could ultimately backfire.

In conclusion, the release of Winston Smith by the Party is a complex and intriguing event in George Orwell's "1984." While many believe that Winston was psychologically broken and no longer a threat, I argue that this interpretation is too simplistic. Humans are capable of holding contradictory beliefs and acting in ways that are inconsistent with our values. Moreover, traumatic events can lead to growth and transformation. By releasing Winston, the Party may have made a mistake. He could continue to rebel, but now he may be more skillful and strategic in his resistance. Ultimately, the Party's attempt to control every aspect of individuals' lives may backfire, as humans have a natural desire for freedom and individuality.