Did you find the ending of the novel "1984" depressing?

The ending of George Orwell's novel "1984" is widely regarded as deeply bleak and depressing by many readers and analysts.

• The final scene shows Winston Smith, the protagonist, completely broken and brainwashed by the totalitarian regime, to the point where he declares, "He loved Big Brother," indicating his total submission to the Party's control. This conclusion is particularly heartbreaking because it underscores the failure of Winston's rebellion and the destruction of his personal autonomy and love for Julia15.

• The narrative builds up to this moment by depicting Winston's relentless torture and the eventual erosion of his resistance, leading to a sense of hopelessness and despair. The ending emphasizes that even the deepest personal connections, such as romantic love, can be destroyed by the oppressive regime13.

• While some interpretations, like those by Margaret Atwood, suggest that there might be a glimmer of hope in the broader context (e.g., the possibility that the totalitarian regime may not last forever), this optimism is not immediately apparent in the final scenes of the novel itself. Atwood's perspective is more about the long-term implications and the framing of the narrative rather than the immediate emotional impact of the ending2.

Overall, the ending of "1984" is generally seen as a powerful and disturbing portrayal of the dangers of totalitarianism, leaving readers with a strong sense of despair and hopelessness.