The Old Versus the New

The author uses several techniques to show the difference between the old Communist Party, the one that existed before the war when Rubashov first joined the Party, and the new. In the first section of the book, the author has Rubashov arrested by two officials. One is old, a respectful man who treats Rubashov with respect. The other is a young man who is borderline cruel to Rubashov, playing with his gun like he would enjoying using it.

As the novel continues, the reader can see the characters beginning to line up on sides. On one side are the young people who believe in the new ways of the Party. On the other side are those who agree with Rubashov’s opinions even as they remain afraid to make their opinions public and risk Rubashov’s fate.

People grow and change; but...