Consider the following statement: "The art of the composer is to reveal us to ourselves. How effectively has your composer revealed what it is to be human?" How does 1984 reveal what it means to be human in reference to the theme of individual versus collective thought?

The contrast between originality and conformity runs throughout 1984. Winston Smith, in particular, becomes so mind-numbed by working at the Ministry of Truth that he can no longer fully support the Party and the state. He keeps a journal where he records forbidden, subversive thoughts: ”Down with Big Brother.” During most of the novel, Winston struggles to regain some authentic, original essence of himself. He tries several ways to achieve this, including wandering off alone and finding the junk store, getting involved with the resistance through Goldstein and the Brotherhood, and especially through his affair with Julia. The constant surveillance of Big Brother’s watchful eyes and the pressures against any original thought have become unbearable to Winston.
Even as the Party enforces collectivity, however, they also keep track of individuals and their characteristics. By knowing every phobia and terror that each citizens harbors, they gain power. Any social deviant is subjected to customized terror (in Winston’s case, his fear of rats). Seeking out and then attacking individual characteristics is necessary to enforce the oppressive collective force of the state. Ultimately, Winston is like everyone else in that regard. He cannot resist the torture, he can no longer care about Julia, and he gives in to total conformity. Orwell leaves open the interpretation for Winston's embrace of the idea of execution; it might be seen as conforming or resisting.