The government uses psychological manipulation to its advantage to abuse fear to control the individuals. This occurs through the manipulation of individuals who are attempting to maintain personal relationships with others as well as through the monitoring of thoughts, actions and ways of speaking. Winston Smith, a main character, is therefore considered a thought criminal by the Inner Party because of his rebellious thoughts and actions, and is eventually caught in his crime. Winston's desire is to break free of the Inner Party and to allow his human journey to recommence. However, he is unable to act because his fears run so deep. He feels that by turning his back on a telescreen, his rebellious spirit may not be caught. For this reason, " Winston kept his back turned to the telescreen [because] It was safer" (Orwell, 5). Winston despises the government for the corruption that has occurred throughout Oceania and the fear that he experiences as a result. Winston is aware that he cannot rebel alone with the fear of being caught by the Inner Party.
The inhabitants of Oceania are under constant surveillance of Big Brother and therefore are unable to stand for their individuality and rebel against the government. Since microphones and telescreens are used as spying instruments to monitor the individuals, it is nearly impossible to pursue independence. Winston has become mentally and physically exhausted with the civilization that Big Brother has created. Winston had remained optimistic about his desire to rebel against The Party as "he thought of the telescreen with its never sleeping ear. They could spy upon you night and day, but if you kept your head you could still outwit them" (Pg. 174). Winston takes action in his plan to rebel by purchasing a journal to express his hatred for the government even though he knows it is a direct act of Thoughtcrime. Winston knew that possessing and writing in this journal would sooner or later get him into trouble, but he needed the journal to escape his reality.
