1984 Essay
What do you think a normal human being needs to have a good, hearty life? What are the most basic needs that are vital to one’s survival? According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, physiological needs are those required to sustain life, such as air, water, nourishment, and sleep. If such needs are not satisfied, then one’s motivation will arise from the quest to satisfy them. Higher needs such as social needs and esteem are not felt until one has met the needs basic to one’s bodily functioning. Beyond the details of air, water, food, and sex, Maslow laid out five broader layers: the physiological needs, the needs for safety and security, the needs for love and belonging, the needs for esteem, and the need to actualize the …show more content…

The Physical jerks is a daily morning routine where everyone is forced to perform a series of difficult exercises in order to stay fit. But given that Winston has to work endlessly for the Party, this forced exertion is only an additional method to keep him worn out. These exercises force Winston, along with all other party members, to participate in a grueling exercise-a-thon. Throughout the book, Winston frequently drinks Victory Gin and smokes cigarettes, while the government cuts chocolate and other food rations. The Party uses the war to control the economy, using it as an excuse to justify the poor living conditions that Winston and the rest of the people lived in.
Moreover, Winston’s belonging needs are not completely met in Oceania. Belonging needs are the needs to be loved, accepted and have a constant desire to feel needed. When Winston meets O’Brien, O’Brien tells Winston, “The members of the Brotherhood have no way of recognizing one another, and it is impossible for any one member to be aware of the identity of more than a few… You will get no comradeship and no encouragement…you will get no help…We never help our members” (Orwell 82). The reason this need cannot be met is because every member in Oceania has to think for himself, they are susceptible to their own crimes of being disloyal to the Party; and if you are not loyal to the party, you are not accepted. You would be severely punished and tortured