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Conquering Winston's MIND

I find these chapters of 1984 so depressing, not only because of the physical torture itself but because O'Brien used Winston's fear to take over Winston's mind.

Throughout the weeks of O'Brien torturing Winston, I was surprised to see Winston fight back at some moments. Even after getting shocked dozens of times, starved, brutally beaten up, "supposedly" betrayed by Julia, his emotions and inner heart had stayed true to what he believed. I admired how he refused to let go of reality, love, and how he refused to betray Julia.

Therefore, I find it somewhat ironic and depressing that Winston gave up this inner heart and will to survive because of his fear of rats. He survived through other horrible things, but in the end, he couldn't overcome his mind. 

(Start video @ 1 min)  

I completely understand Winston -- I hate rats as well, especially if they eat your face--, but I feel like Orwell purposely chose a personal attack on Winston. This indicates that individual fears are what others can use for the most control and the cruelest form of manipulation. By bringing Winston's personal fear, O'Brien was finally able to take control over his mind/emotion.

I feel like this form of torture is emotionally and psychologically harder to take in than straightforward physical abuse. It seems viler because the mind is very powerful so it means a lot when the party was finally able to gain control over Winston's mind.

Do you guys also think that the rats were used for psychological damage more than physical? Do you have a fear that seems more horrifying than anything else? 


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