At one point in the novel, Winston discovers an old-fashioned coral paperweight in a junk shop. He describes the coral as being "enclosed in glass like some precious small animal." Winston is fascinated by the paperweight because it is a genuine object from the past, unlike the mass-produced and standardized items that fill the world of 1984.
The paperweight also represents Winston's longing for freedom and authenticity. He imagines a time when people were able to live in harmony with nature, not in the tightly controlled, surveillance-ridden world of Oceania. The paperweight reminds Winston that there was once a time when things were different and provides him with a glimmer of hope amidst the bleakness of his existence.
However, it is important to note that the coral encased in glass is also a reminder of the fragility and impermanence of beauty and freedom. Although Winston finds comfort in the paperweight, he knows that it is still trapped within the glass, just like he is trapped within the oppressive society of Oceania.
Ultimately, the coral encased in glass is a metaphor for human nature and the constant struggle between the forces of repression and freedom. It serves as a reminder that, no matter how bleak things may seem, there is always hope for change and a better future.