"For whom, for what, was that bird singing? No mate, no rival was watching it. What made it sit at the edge of the lonely wood and pour its music into nothingness?" (page 124)
This quote captures the essence of this book: the difference between passing through life and living life. The Party views people as a renewable livestock, capable of being replaced and trained. There is no call for individuality or purpose, and certainly no call for listless happiness. Fortunately our modern society DOES allow growth of art and time for hobbies and freedom. Throughout the novel Winston has increasingly become more aware of beauty and art beyond work and duty; he yearns for rhymes and music and paintings and history. This bird transforms into a singing woman hanging clothes later in the book, as the theme of "living life" becomes more important. Her song even captures this theme:
" They sye that time 'eals all things, they sye you can always forget; but the smiles an' the ears acrocss the years they twist my 'eartstrings yet!"
Emotions and joy remain central to this woman, as she represents a happier dream Winston wishes to join and live.
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