re: #237 What Would Spalding Gray Do?

My interpretation of the escapades between Winston and Julia in 1984 was that it didn’t have so much to do with reclamation of individuality, but was rather a play on the Garden of Eden story. Winston wasn’t innocent by any means, but Julia was the instigator. She tempted Winston with sex, coffee, and other contraband. Ultimately, they were found out by the master of the garden, and were punished for eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, as it were.

In the Ministry of Love they eventually betrayed each other to the master of the garden. “Under the spreading chestnut tree, I sold you and you sold me.” Genesis doesn’t say so, but it’s not hard to imagine Adam and Eve spending some time in Room 101.

It’s a fascinating interpretation, but it doesn’t quite work for me…lemme think.