Desire and the Party's War on Sex

Conflict between the Party's attempt to eradicate sexual pleasure and the stubborn human instinct for love and desire.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Junior Anti-Sex League

The Junior Anti-Sex League The Sash The red sash of the Junior Anti-Sex League signifies chastity and orthodoxy. Julia wears it, and Winston hates her for it. The Doctrine The Party teaches that sex is a disgusting operation, meant only for procreation. It uses shame, cold water and gymnastics to drain desire from the body. The Rebellion Winston believes that the sexual act, successfully performed, is itself a rebellion against the Party. Desire is the enemy of authority.

The Marriage without Pleasure

The Marriage without Pleasure The Frigid Wife Katharine embodies the Party's ideal: she performs sex as a duty, without feeling, and even reminds Winston when it is time for 'making a baby.' The Failure Their marriage never produces a child because the act is completely sterile, emotionally and physically. The Party's war on sex has crippled a generation. The Lesson Winston's marriage shows the total consequence of the Party's policy: love is impossible, and function is all.

The Lovers' Refuge

The Lovers' Refuge The Fornication Julia and Winston make love in the hidden room, and each time is a small victory against the Party. Their shared desire is the most direct form of rebellion. The Double Meaning Julia says that sexual energy, if not used up, is transformed into war-fever and leader-worship. The Party wants people frustrated so they will hate and obey. The Threat Their happiness is dangerous because it makes them self-sufficient. They do not need Big Brother when they have each other.

The Abolition of the Orgasm

The Abolition of the Orgasm The Future Promise O'Brien tells Winston that in the future the Party will abolish the orgasm. Procreation will be an annual formality, and there will be no wives, no friends, no love. The Total Control The Party's dream is to control not only the mind but the most intimate response of the body. Sex is the last frontier of individuality. The Partial Victory Even in the moment of absolute power, O'Brien acknowledges that the work is ongoing. The war on sex has not yet been won, but it soon will be.

the opening chapters

the story of Katharine

May to August 1984

O'Brien's speech in the Ministry of Love