In the end, the novel 1984 ends with Winston being captured by the Thought Police and taken to the Ministry of Love. There, he is subjected to torture and brainwashing until he finally breaks down and becomes a loyal follower of the Party. In this way, Orwell illustrates his central theme: that totalitarian governments are powerful and oppressive, and will do anything to maintain their power.
In addition to being a warning about totalitarianism, this ending also serves as a warning about what can happen when people become so focused on their own needs that they fail to consider others’ needs as well. Winston’s mental collapse was caused by his inability to think about anyone other than himself: he was so concerned with his own problems that he failed to see that he was hurting others by trying to escape from them.
