Varicose Ulcer

"The flat was seven stories up, and Winston, who was thirty-nine, and had a varicose ulcer above his right ankle, went slowly." (Page 1)

A varicose ulcer is caused from enlarged varicose veins near the surface of the skin that do not let blood flow freely through them. They can be treated by the application of pressure. Orwell uses this illness to symbolize the sickness in Oceana. Blood symbolizes human nature, which is being continuously blocked from the people of Oceana inflicting pain and inconvenience. At the end of 1984 Winston is controlled by physical torture and making him realize that physical pain governs the mind. His varicose ulcer is not only used as symbolism but as imagery as well. The pulsing nature of the varicose ulcer gives the reader a clear image of the overwhelming power of Big Brother and the Inner Party.

~"Varicose Ulcer Treatment Surgery Door - Surgical Operations." Surgery Door - The UK's Leading Online Health Service. 02 Apr. 2009 .