I think Winston is "the last man" because he may have been
the last to actually think, judge, deny, desire, and grow ambition. Certainly this book
demonstrates that humans are different from animals in our ability not just to be like
the proles, but to apply complex thinking. When the ability to think for one's self is
completely removed, it seems like a piece of humanity at the very least is
removed.
The proles seemed happy to exist, but took part in
nothing that caused them to affect change on the world that they took part in. To reach
the highest levels of self-actualization in one's life, one wants significance, or at
the very least some kind of meaning, legacy or purpose.
I
also think humanity means a desire for real truth, whatever that may be. When Winston
finally gave in to writing that 2 + 2 = 5, we know his desire for truth had been
defeated.
For Winston, to be human meant to experience
every aspect of humanity: relationship, faith, purpose, entertainment, and
contribution.
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