In George Orwell's 1984, the theme of freedom is intricately woven into the fabric of a totalitarian society where the Party exercises absolute control over truth and individual thought. The struggle for freedom is embodied by the protagonist, Winston Smith, who seeks to assert his autonomy in a world where the Party dictates reality. The novel explores the tension between the human desire for freedom and the oppressive forces that seek to suppress it.

Winston's assertion that "

Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.

" highlights the importance of objective truth in a society dominated by the Party's manipulation of reality. This statement underscores that true freedom involves the ability to acknowledge and assert factual reality, challenging the regime's control over truth. The Party's demand for orthodoxy, where citizens must accept falsehoods like "two plus two equals five," represents the ultimate form of control, as it forces individuals to reject logic and independent thought.

The singing prole woman symbolizes hope and freedom for Winston and Julia. Her act of singing, a pastime not encouraged by the Party, represents vitality and energy that Party members lack. Winston sees her as a symbol of the potential for rebellion against the Party. Her ability to sing freely, despite the oppressive regime, suggests that the proles possess an inherent freedom and vitality that could lead to the Party's downfall if they become aware of their power.

Winston's dreams also symbolize his inner rebellion against the Party's control. In his dreams, he experiences freedom, beauty, and human connection, elements absent from his waking life. The recurring dream of meeting O'Brien "in a place where there is no darkness" foreshadows his fate in the Ministry of Love, where the Party ultimately exerts total control over his mind. These dreams represent Winston's desire for freedom within his own mind, a space the Party seeks to invade and dominate.

Winston's attempts to carve out a space of freedom in his oppressive society are acts of defiance against the Party. By keeping a diary and engaging in an illicit affair with Julia, he seeks to express his true self, free from the Party's surveillance. However, his quest for freedom leads him to take dangerous risks, ultimately resulting in his capture and indoctrination by the Party. Despite his efforts, Winston's struggle for freedom is crushed by the Party's overwhelming power, illustrating the harsh reality of life under totalitarian rule.