It is in Chapter One of 1984 that Winston reveals the emblem of the Junior Anti-Sex League: a "narrow scarlet sash" which is worn around the waists of its members. The purpose of this League is to discourage sexual desire among the youth of Oceania and to encourage the belief that sexual intercourse is only about procreation and not about desire. After all, the Party does not want people to create personal loyalties; it demands loyalty to Big Brother and to the state more generally.
This emblem is perhaps ironic: after all, scarlet is a shade of red which is associated with love and desire. Moreover, the positioning of the sash, wrapped tightly around the waist and just enough to accentuate the female form, is also suggestive of sexual desire. Certainly, for Winston, the positioning of the sash is enough to encourage his physical interest in Julia, the "dark-haired girl," which also foreshadows their forthcoming relationship.
No comments:
Post a Comment