1984 - 4

• "He took up his glass and sniffed at it. The stuff grew not less but more horrible with every mouthful he drank. But it had become the element he swam in. It was his life, his death, and his resurrection." (p. 293-294)
  

Throughout 1984, the alcoholic beverage, Gin, is repeatedly used to reveal Winston's need for escape. Much like Peter Walsh in Mrs. Dalloway who constantly played with his pocket knife in moments of discomfort, Winston drinks Gin to tranquilize his paranoia. Orwell allows Winston's character to crave Gin in moments of insecurity, nervousness or stressful situations. Winston uses Gin as a "security blanket" to calm his anxiety.

http://campsmoke.fmallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/gin1.jpg