"Moreover, his varicose ulcer had begun itching unbearably. He dared not scratch it, because if he did so it always became inflamed (10)."
-The mention of Winston's varicose ulcer pops up numerous times in the novel. It is usually at times when he is feeling weak or in stressful situations. Orwell uses the varicose ulcer to represents the weak part in Winston. He has motivations to do great things and he is intelligent enough, but he is never quite strong enough to accomplish what he needs to. There is always something holding him back. The varicose ulcer, which is a chronic wound, represents not only the weakness in Winston, but also all of mankind.
excellent symbolism discussion -- particularly how you take it from the specific in the text to the universal truth Orwell wants us to capture
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