Winston Smith commits thought-crime in the novel
1984. This is a type of crime in which the offender's thoughts
conflict with or defy the current laws or beliefs of the society. The thought-police
identify this crime through the actions of the offender either through the sophisticated
and widespread surveillance of the society or through another individual turning that
person in.
Thought-crime is hard to define and equally hard
to prevent. Winston's thoughts eventually manifest themselves in his desire for a
forbidden physical relationship, his desire for personal reflection through his diary,
and his desire to join an underground movement against Big
Brother.
He is punished as all thought-criminals are:
through a terrifying visit to the Ministry of Love, Room 101. While some thought
criminals are completly vaporized both physically and historically, Winston is, after
torture, brainwashed to reintegrate harmlessly into society.
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