1984
question
How does Julia know about symbols of femininity when she has only lived only in the post-revolution era?
Robin
Feb 28, 2013 01:06PM
An error of continuity that's always bothered me in 1984 is Julia's apparent lack of symbols of femininity in spite of the fact that she was born after the revolution and probably only knows the overalls of the outer-party.
In Part 2, Chapter IV After Julia discloses her procurement of assorted contraband to Winston, she tells Winston to turn around whilst she prepares a surprise. Whilst Winston's back is turned she pants her face with some rudimentary make up which she revelas to Winston's delight.
"I’m going to get hold of a real woman’s frock from somewhere and wear it instead of these bloody trousers. I’ll wear silk stockings and high-heeled shoes! In this room I’m going to be a woman, not a Party comrade"
In Part 2, Chapter IV After Julia discloses her procurement of assorted contraband to Winston, she tells Winston to turn around whilst she prepares a surprise. Whilst Winston's back is turned she pants her face with some rudimentary make up which she revelas to Winston's delight.
"I’m going to get hold of a real woman’s frock from somewhere and wear it instead of these bloody trousers. I’ll wear silk stockings and high-heeled shoes! In this room I’m going to be a woman, not a Party comrade"
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deleted member
Feb 28, 2013 01:23PM
0 votes
It's been awhile since I read it but I'm sure the overalls are only worn by Party members. Proles wear 'regular' clothes and are also allowed to use cosmetics.
What lack of continuity? She visits the proles and the proles live relatively "normal" lives.
Yup, that's what I thought as well- the coveralls and strict adherence is only for the party members, and for lack of better terms, the proles are like us now, but all very poor.
If I remember right, the movie portrays it this way as well.
If I remember right, the movie portrays it this way as well.
And there's the way in which the Inner Party live, with decent coffee, gin, and cigarettes. I suspected that these other luxuries may have been made available as well. But I think Rebecca has the right of it. Such "sexless" strictures were not enforced on them, as is attested to the availability of romance literature.
deleted member
Mar 02, 2013 10:09PM
0 votes
Prostitutes, like the one Winston shamefully remembers visiting earlier on in the book, we're probably well-known enough to be in the consciousness of all Party members. He relates the makeup she's wearing to what Julia tries to replicate. I'm sure she's aware of these women as well. And let's not forget that she helped work on Oceania's version of porn!
I don't think even inner party females are allowed makeup; so she should be learning tips from the proles.
