1984

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Travel to Oceania in this look at a world that was taken over by socialists. We follow Winston Smith as he lives out his life under the constant watchful eye of Big Brother. His vague memories of freedom lead him to hope for another revolution. Can he help in some way? What will happen when he starts an affair with a beautiful woman? I read this book in high school, and it is just as sobering today as it was back then. Yes, as a novel it is a bit slow, but it does draw you in enough to really drive home the points Orwell is making. Sadly, as our technology begins to catch up to the technology Orwell created, our country begins to walk down this path as well thanks to politicians on both sides. This is a warning we still need to heed today.

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I swear I read this book before... and yet, nothing was familiar. The scene that stuck in my mind from my supposed previous reading? Not there. All in my imagination. An invented memory. Surprisingly apropos, in a twisted, not-quite-linear kind of way. I liked the book - mostly. The twenty-or-so page passage of The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism didn't endear me to the book; in our household, this "here's what you need to know" technique is referred to as "The Librarian" method of storytelling (a la Neal Stephenson's convenient data-dump device in Snow Crash), and it's a readerly peeve of mine. The Librarian Data Dump aside, I did like 1984. I get why it's a classic. Heck, it's a classic that's held its own - over 60 years old and the ideas in there are relevant. Scary. Thought provoking. I especially enjoyed the discussion of language, and how controlling one's access to language controls one's thought. In the coming days, I'll be thinking about concepts of power, control, and what happens when we destroy human bonds of friendship, love, and empathy. When we hate simply because we're supposed to hate. When we fear original thought. It's dangerous stuff. Makes me worry even more about the way popular media functions... it seems to me that some "news" functions more like Big Brother, whipping people up into thoughtless frenzies, revising truth to mirror ideologies. How far are we, really, from those Big Brother telescreens? How many people let their sets murmur rantings all day and into the night? We are not so far from 1984 as we would like to think, I fear. This book is unsettling (as it's supposed to be), and even crept into my dreams (no, not restful dreams, thank you Mr. Orwell). It was not a happy book. I finished the last page and wanted a shower, a cry, and a drink. At least we can get better gin than poor Winston Smith.

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Brilliant, prophetic and frightening.

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George Orwell's classic was incredibly visionary. It is hardly fathomable that this book was written in 1948. Things that we take for granted today - cameras everywhere we go, phones being tapped, bodies being scanned for weapons remotely - all of these things were described in graphic detail in Orwell's book. Now that we have the Internet and people spying on other people w/ webcams and people purposely setting up their own webcams to let others "anonymously" watch them, you can see how this culture can develop into the Orwellian future described in "1984." If you've heard such phrases as "Big Brother," "Newspeak," and "thought crime" and wondered where these phrases came from, they came from this incredible, vivid and disturbing book. Winston Smith, the main character of the book is a vibrant, thinking man hiding within the plain mindless behavior he has to go through each day to not be considered a thought criminal. Everything is politically correct, children defy their parents (and are encouraged by the government to do so) and everyone pays constant allegiance to "Big Brother" - the government that watches everyone and knows what everyone is doing at all times - watching you shower, watching you having sex, watching you eat, watching you go to the bathroom and ultimately watching you die. This is a must-read for everyone.

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George Orwell’s 1984 is in its own league of its own. The story is about a man named Winston Smith who lives under a totalitarian rule in futuristic London. Winston yearns for more in his life than to work for the Party covering up their lies in the Ministry of Truth. Winston meets a woman named Julia who ignites a rebellious fire inside of him. Winston and Julia eventually are caught and tortured for their crimes against the government. Orwell’s book was written in 1949 during the Soviet rule and after the Nazi collapse. It was written as a warning to the risks of life in total government control. 1984 is like no book I’ve ever read. It is something that can’t be predicted because of how foreign the idea of totalitarianism is. It is very detailed about the daily lives of Winston and others under the control of Big Brother. George Orwell's 1984 is a book written about the future under a totalitarian government. Big Brother is the supposed leader of the country of Oceania in a world where they are in a constant war with Eastasia and Eurasia. Rockets are casually striking through the city destroying people and their buildings. The government does allow sex or any close relationships. All of the people work for the government and receive very little in return. Hidden microphones and cameras monitor every citizen. Winston Smith works for the Ministry of Truth, which covers up details for the government. He ends up having a relationship with a girl named Julia and is eventually caught and brainwashed. It is told in order of about a month. Orwell uses small flashbacks and slight foreshadowing to keep the reader thinking. The book is a futuristic story predicting what would happen under totalitarian government. The book develops characters very well and in great detail because the story is told from third person omniscient point of view. The novel is very slow developing book. Winston starts the story off by briefly describing London and what Big Brother has done and how they monitor their lives with telescreens. The Party creates a bunch of ways to control citizens with Thought Police and Junior Spies. London is a part of England which is part of a larger state called Oceania. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth. Winston's job is to fabricate files for the Party to cover up anything to make them look bad. In Book Two Winston meets a girl named Julia. Winston and Julia begin to have a relationship and are both rebelling against the anti-sex laws. Winston rents a room above Mr. Charrington's shop for him and Julia. Winston assumed that there was no telescreens in the room. Julia and Winston go to meet O'Brien about opposing the Party. O'Brien lies about being a rebel and the Brotherhood that opposes Big Brother. Winston and Julia continue to meet but get caught by a hidden telescreen in Mr. Charrington's room. “One thing alone mattered: to keep still, to keep still and not give them an excuse to hit you." (222-223). Winston's fear of the government is shown through that quote. even the smallest flinch could get him in even greater trouble. Winston and Julia are taken to holding sells where they are submitted to torture and brainwashing. “I’ve got a wife and three children. The biggest of them isn’t even six years old. You can take the whole lot of them and cut their throats in front of my eyes, and I’ll stand by and watch it. But not Room 101!” (237). Room 101 is a room where Winston is tortured by his greatest fear of Rats. The room is feared by many as it is the most extreme disciplinary action the Party takes. Since the government constantly monitors its citizens, they know everyones fears. The book is separated into 3 books, each book gets deeper and deeper into the corruption of the Party. Orwell's 1984 is a book written to teach people about the dangers of a totalitarian government. Orwell does a wonderful job of creating a world where all citizens are afraid of their government. He is showing readers that no matter how hard they try, their government will always have full control once they give up their rights. When he wrote the book in 1949, the Soviet Union was the closest thing the world had to this government. He wanted to discourage the world from the idea of total government takeover. Orwell does a very convincing job of duplicating communism. He clearly researched the ways of the Soviet government and took it to another level. The reason 1984 is always relevant will be because everything he mentioned is in the capabilities of a government. Orwell develops his main characters very well, we are able to know almost everything about them. There is also no divergence from the plot. Each event is directly related to the development of the plot. He also creates a tone of very gray and boring lifestyles while using his own commentary to keep it interesting. George Orwell's 1984 is a timeless classic. Winston Smith is very much alike the common person and most people can relate with him. Orwell addresses many issues with government and shows people why they should oppose complete control. Orwell doesn't look to challenge the morality of a single person or their views but merely shows the common world the issues with a communist government. 1984 is a book that will forever be imprinted in my memory because it gives readers an inside look at the struggles of a totalitarian government for an average citizen.

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1984 was written by George Orwell in 1949. At the time it was published, World War Two had concluded a few years prior, but the scars were still very fresh. George took a look at countries like Russia and Spain and how their governments were extremely controlling and corrupt. In wake of the world’s recovery from war, he didn’t want more countries to adopt such a horrible and power hungry system, so he began writing. 1984 is Orwell’s warning to the world. It takes place in a world much different from ours. There are only three countries: Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia. All three have instituted a totalitarian government and are locked in a state of perpetual warfare. Winston Smith lives in London, part of Oceania. He works as someone who edits historical documents to match the needs of the ruling Party. No matter where he goes or what he does, he is watched. “Asleep or awake, working or eating, indoor or out of doors, in the bath or in bed-no escape. Nothing was your own except the few cubic centimeters insider your skull” (26). Winston is not as accepting of the Party’s practices as everyone else seems to be. One day, he meets a girl who shares in his sentiment against the Party. Everything about their relationship is in rebellion against it. Every day Winston’s hatred for the Party grows, but he knows that he was doomed to be caught since day one. 1984 is a fantastic story about control, censorship, and surveillance. Winston has to make a conscious effort to act just like the Party wants him to. He is not allowed to have a single thought that differs from what is deemed the “correct” way of thinking. Even something as small as a facial twitch out of line will result in severe physical and mental punishment. The Party controls its citizens through massive amounts of propaganda. Big Brother-the man that supposedly runs everything-is plastered everywhere accompanied with the words “WAR IS PEACE, FREEDOM IS SLAVERY, IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH”. His gaze is inescapable, and also serves as a representation of the two-way telescreens and microphones hidden everywhere keeping a 24-7 watch over the citizens of Oceania. The Party has control over every historical record, and it makes sure to edit those records to match exactly with what it says. If the Party decides that one day it is actually at war with Eastasia instead of Eurasia (like it had been for the past five years), it is Winston’s duty to make sure that “within one week no reference to the war with Eurasia, or the alliance with Eastasia, should remain in existence anywhere” (150). The Party is also developing a new language called “Newspeak”. In this language there are no words that exist that could possibly question the power of the government. In this way, the Party is shaping and limiting what individuals can think simply because they wouldn’t know how to put anything “bad” into words. They wouldn’t have the capability to express themselves in any way that the Party doesn’t want. I would say that 1984 absolutely achieves Orwell’s goal of warning the world about the dangers of a totalitarian world. Words like “Orwellian”, “Big Brother”, and “Thought Police” are part of our vocabulary now, indicating that this story has had a great impact on American culture. Orwell’s novel presents a future in which nobody is a true individual. Those who are individuals are punished severely until they bend to the will of the ruling party. This is in stark contrast to Aldous Huxley’s A Brave New World, in which, though still a story about a dystopian future, the government controls the masses through pleasure, not pain. Orwell suggests that the abuse of power is too much of a temptation to resist in these governments, and that it results in the infringement of basic human rights such as the rights to think freely, have privacy, and be an individual. His ability to convey emotion and thoughts so well make reading the novel a piece of cake. For the most part the vocabulary is pretty simple. The characters (Winston in particular) are very complex. Mood and tone seep from the reading and create an atmosphere that completely immersed me in the world of the story. This is an easily accessible book. However, the big philosophical questions and emotionally wrenching scenes make the novel a little hard to wrap your mind around. This isn’t a story that you can casually read towards the end-you are going to want to make sure your thinking cap is securely fastened. I would recommend this novel to everyone. Trust me, the way I describe this book hardly does it any justice. It’s something that has to be experienced first hand. There’s no other way to put it. Every aspect of the novel-the plot, the tone, the mood, the characters, the themes-everything, comes together to create a very moving and compelling piece. Thanks to recent scandals, this story will become even more relevant as we start to worry more and more about our privacy. It is a true work of literary art, and I certainly won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.

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The totalitarian nightmare of the 1940’s chills readers with extreme torture, mind control, and censorship in George Orwell’s, 1984. This story follows Winston Smith, an Outer Party member of Airstrip One, as he attempts to understand his society and discover the importance of his identity. The author constructs a detailed dystopia based off of London that he calls Oceania. This society comes complete with no laws, TV screens that monitor your every move, a new language called Newspeak, and the ruler to rule over all, Big Brother (Big Brother is always watching). Along the way, Orwell introduces other characters like O’Brien, who Winston feels an attachment to but can’t explain why, and Julia, his secret lover, who represents passion and hope. At first, I hated this book. The violence and absurdity freaked me out and after a few weeks, I was finally able to understand Orwell’s message. In the end, we come to find that 1984 is not just a disturbing Sci-Fi novel, but rather a warning for the world, and a powerful expression of the human condition. Eric Arthur Blair wrote 1984 under the pen name of George Orwell around 1948. Blair grew up traveling between British India and Great Britain and was exposed to the injustice of an overly powerful government from a young age. When Blair started writing, he wanted to expose the truth of oligarchic politics through books like Animal Farm, Burmese Days, and of course, 1984. 1984 was Blair’s first book to be published and explicitly showcases the seemingly inescapable future of Communist states. During the time it was published, readers were feeling a great sense of shock due to social movements like the Red Scare and World War II. Winston is the curious-yet pessimistic-protagonist of 1984. He is thirty-nine and tired, tired of his dull routine, unfulfilling job, and the warriden society of Airstrip One. Winston begins to question why life is the way it is and wrestles with mixed feelings about the Party. So, he takes a risk and buys a journal to record all of his “bad” thoughts and memories. As the story progresses, the muscular fist of the government seems to grow stronger, almost to combat against Winston’s increasing hunger to rebel. Orwell uses a descriptive setting to create a sinister foreboding mood. Big Brother’s signature message to the people is, “War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength (4)”. Winston blatantly disregards this through the thoughts in his journal, his interaction with the proles, and his romantic relationship with Julia. Orwell utilizes Winston’s personal rebellion to show the vast capabilities of even one person’s courage to be self aware. His love for Julia is one of the greatest examples in 1984 of freedom and self expression. Sex is one of the most intimate and truthful human experiences. Orwell supports the idea of individuality through the openness of lovers. Winston’s antique paperweight also serves as a symbol of hope. Other major themes and ideas introduced in the novel include the dangers of powerful government, the meaning of life, physical versus mental control, and perception of reality. George Orwell does not write to make people feel good, but rather to convey empowering artistic messages. Unlike the radical propagandist. Orwell doesn’t shove political pitches and slogans down your throat. He, instead, shocks with hard truths of humanity and leaves the rest up to the reader. Orwell achieves success in writing 1984, as a result of his unnerving dystopia, vivid imagery, and characterization. The most important theme for me is the power of individual expression in the definition of humanity. The government in 1984 believes that through aggression, physical abuse, and mental dominance you can control anyone. Orwell supports this idea in the end, when Winston is ultimately defeated. At first, I was angered by this concept, but now understand that Orwell is-in fact-encouraging human fragility. If you can be eventually broken down, that means you are human. It is sad and beautiful that Winston's mind is stripped, as it supports the paradox of vulnerability, in identity, and in his openness to the human experience. O'Brien is able to strip Winston of his identity in the end, because true strength is fragile. Orwell comments on the risk we take when we embrace individuality, but also the greater danger society undertakes when individuality is suppressed. When we are in touch with our emotions, we are embracing the beauty of individuality. If all a person believes in is anger and fear, they are just building a wall between themselves and self realization. When humans expand their emotional spectrums, the beauty of full humanity empowers us. Although O’Brien and the Party believe they are superior to uniquely truthful individuals like Winston, they are really weak example of human emotion and control. They only rely on aggression for power, and Orwell displays this as a shallow investment. Orwell’s slam against oligarchy in 1984 will continue to live on because there will always be power obsessed leaders in society. These types of leaders are blinded by their hunger for control that is fed by personal weakness. In American capitalism today, many leaders suppress the creative revolutionary power of the individual's expression of their identity. In our daily lives we are often shushed and demanded to behave in order to survive in society. I am inspired by the message Orwell sends to his readers in this book. Living truthfully in your identity has its risks, but living in a world like Airstrip One is the most terrifying fate of all. George Orwell utilizes setting and symbolism to paint a dark example of societal doom in 1984. In this book, he warns the reader of the dangers of totalitarianism, while still glorifying the beauty of human emotion and identity. 1984 is definitely not for your summer beach read, but if you’re in the mood for some deep philosophy and political analysis, this book is for you. I would recommend 1984 to the individualistic reader who is passionate about empowerment and self discovery.

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1984 The scariest book I have ever read. I was moved by Farenheit 451, another dystopian novel, but it didn't rattle me like 1984. I can see why it has left such an indelible mark on our culture. Big Brother is watching, Newsspeak, Ingsoc, doublethink… *shudder* The structure of this possible 1984 society makes the most sense as a vector from war weary 1940's England. He writes about the never ending wars with continuous bombing, the citizenry being required to hate the enemy, the Ministry of Information (which spreads dis-information), Ministry of Plenty(which controls food rationing), ration cards, revolutions gone bad, people being punished for spreading anti-war messages. I think his invention, Ingsoc (English socialism), is a derivative of the terrifying result of failure of the Russian revolution. All these things were heavy on the minds of the populace during that time. I'll never hear the phrase "Big Brother is Watching" with the same indifference. Invasions of privacy never really bothered me because I never felt I was doing anything worthy of attention. Amy has purchased diapers and cat litter twice this month and receives regular calls from her husband at 11am. Snoozefest right? But, what if, my life was suddenly objectionable to a new government and all of the ways I've accepted invitations to peer into my privacy could be used against me? What I've watched on Netflix, what books I've downloaded from B&N using my membership. What states I've bought gas from on my credit card. My posts on Facebook or pictures I've uploaded. Book reviews I’ve posted--like this one? What if I don't hate our "enemies” enough? What if I don't like something the president said? What if all of this data could be aggregated by a super algorithm and my fate was decided by the output? In Orwell's 1984, those guilty of thought-crime, perhaps your face twitches into an expression deemed unorthodox, were collected by the Thought Police and left in the tender embrace of the Ministry of Love. Wherein lies the secret of Room 101 and the Inner Party. Never before has the right to free speech and privacy seemed more crucial.

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Reread your HS classics Recently reread this to get some background for the NSA privacy scandals. The first book from high school that I have reread as an adult (30 years later). What a tremendous difference the decades and reading a book by choice makes! Technological advances in that time probably helped to make the reading interesting also. In some ways this was science fiction I'm sure when it was published, now it's all possible and to some small extent could be argued to be here. This story cannot be brushed aside as not applying any more because it is not 100% accurate, as some would wish. It must be read as a warning of the extent control could be possible, it's impact on humanity and the power of Orwell's imagination.

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one of the best books i've ever read. incredibly thought-provoking, and always worth a second read.

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Everything about this book is captivating. It's groundbreaking yet at the same time, purely classic. Ahead of its time, yet timeless. From Big Brother to the Thought Police, I was hooked and wanted to know more about it all. Basically, I think everyone should read 1984 at some point. It's absolutely incredible and I loved it. I don't re-read many books but this will definitely be one of them. It is a hard read, but more importantly, it is a MUST read.

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Orwell's intriguing tale accomplishes the task of making the reader completely petrified & horrified of Marxist turned Facist societies. The book is well written deliberately using elaborate language and difficult lexicon to rebell against uniformity and complacency. The novel is a true zeitgeist, opening up a passage to the Cold War. The only short-comings of the book is it's sluggish start (much worh the wait, I assure you) and the scholarly but incredibly drab writings of imaginary characters. To compare to Animal Farm, I would say it is entirely less riveting and must be read by an older, more mature audience. Even though emotions run high, it is not the most captivating book up until the beginning of the rising action. And even then has a dry spout for a bit. However, the themes are seamlessly inter-woven into the story. The many layers of this book are so profound that it may take some reflection to process your thoughts. Overall, an amazing book and a 4.5 easily.

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George Orwell wrote 1984 in 1949 as a warning to the human race. Power struggles, especially those in a hierarchy, will be the end of independent, intellectual man. Orwell uses his main character, Winston, to illustrate this fall of man. Winston views himself as a normal Party member, but he has his doubts about it the Party's validity. He lives in solitude as his doubts of the Party increases. He finds companionship through shared idea; the same ideas that will later betray him to the perfect hierarchy. Winston's fall is a message to all readers with an interest in the psychology of political science. All readers looking to inform themselves about government must read this cautionary tale. London in 1984 is not a part of the United Kingdom as we know it today. It is the capital of a global superpower called Oceania. This country is ruled by Big Brother and the Party and is always at war with either Eurasia or Eastasia. It holds slogans and it's own party speak as important tools for nationality. Winston, a member of the Party's work force. Winston works for "the Ministry of Truth- Minitrue" (4). This component controls the Party's archives. This alteration of history and information is one of the many awful tools the party uses to keep its power. Those who rebel against the party always rebel through thought. They are captured by the Thought Police and taken to the Ministry of Love. "The Ministry of Love was the really frightening one. There were no windows in it at all. It was a place impossible to enter except on official business, and then only by penetrating through a maze of barbed-wire entanglements, steel doors, and hidden machine gun nests" (4-5). This ministry is the end of all free thought. Misery loves company, and those with ideas contrary to the party are not alone. Their true struggle when they, Winston included, find themselves in a struggle for power over their own thoughts. The issue over power struggle is well portrayed in this novel. The fictitious setting and government allow for the reader to picture the emotions of the Party members as their government challenges their thoughts. Freedom of thought is the most important liberty humans have. When this is taken away in the novel, emphasis is put on the nature of man's desire for power. This emphasis hammers home George Orwell's concern for the human race.

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Such and amzing book and talented author!

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1984 by George Orwell is a fascinating novel that uses a fictional, futuristic society to discuss important themes that are relevant for readers of many ages. The 1949 novel examines the possibilities and consequences of a totalitarian society, and explores the idea of what it means to be human. There are a few key ideas to keep in mind while reading this book. First, the novel was published in 1949, which followed the end of World War II by just a few years. The threats of Nazi Germany and the Communist Soviet Union were fresh in the minds of George Orwell and citizens around the globe. The ideas in which these countries believed were at the forefront of intellectual thought at the time and influenced a number of works published in this era. Orwell feared the rise of socialism as this theory became more popular with the public. Even some Americans were advocating for the system. As a result, Orwell wrote multiple books that warn against the dangers of an oppressive government, including 1984 and Animal Farm. 1984, in particular, explores what humans would sacrifice for this type of society to work. Secondly, 1984 falls under the genre of “social science fiction.” Though it is fantastical and clearly fictional, it comments on society and the human condition. In the novel, Orwell guesses at what technology will be available and what people's values will be in the future. He writes from his present time, 1949, addressing the future in the year 1984. This creates an interesting perspective as a reader who reads in a year much later than 1984. However, the book is still highly applicable to our future, and even to the present. One main intent of the novel is to examine the consequences of totalitarian government. In this type of society, a select few in the population are in control and are responsible for keeping order. The rest of the population must unconditionally accept whatever the government gives them or tells them to do, for they are not free. If they question or think for themselves, they are severely punished. The novel explains how humans would have to sacrifice passion, feeling, and thought for the benefit of the whole society. If people had too much thought or feeling, they would desire better lives for themselves and would potentially challenge the power of the government. Another purpose of the book is to explore what it means to be human. As the oppressive government demands unconditional obedience, people forget how to think and feel for themselves. They are conditioned to respond positively to the government and negatively to anything the government is against. This particular society in 1984 is highly opposed to feeling of extreme nature, except in specific situations. The main character, Winston, then wonders if the ability to feel is largely what defines humanity, for the people in his world did not act very human. I believe George Orwell is successful in achieving his goals in writing 1984. Through the themes developed in the novel, he clearly displays the message of the dangers of passive minds and the potential for them to be overtaken by oppressive government. The society in the novel could only be created by a people willing to give up their freedoms, as the government in 1984 did not just control its citizens actions. It got inside their heads and managed their thoughts as well. The book is also effective because it is a captivating story that is applicable to all generations. Orwell did not write simply for the specific time period he was living in; he made the themes, lessons, and purpose of the book timeless dilemmas that humans throughout time will struggle with. This is the kind of writing that lasts. A similar novel that explores many of the same ideas is Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. Both Brave New World and 1984 describe societies that glorify conformity and thoughtlessness. The two governments do, however, have slightly different methods of achieving these goals. Yet they both have a class system with a small group of intelligent people on the top, although even these people are not allowed to question the system. One interesting difference to note, however, are their opposite predictions on sexuality. In 1984, the government tries to suppress sexual activity and make it solely for the purpose of procreation. In Brave New World, however, sexual activity is the normal form of entertainment and pleasure for all ages, and sexual reproduction is frowned upon severely. Overall, these books offer similar, but unique ways of examining oppressive governments and conformity. 1984 is a compelling novel that challenges readers. Its sense of depth in its themes make it a timeless work, despite its futuristic feel, that is worth reading in any time period. George Orwell is effective in displaying the themes of the consequences of totalitarian government and what it means to be human. This entertaining and thought provoking book is an excellent choice for the intellectual reader.

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In 1984, George Orwell sets an eerie setting in a futuristic society where the government has complete control over society. Winston Smith, a frail man, works in a division of the government that alters events in history that may make the government look bad to make the government look perfect to avoid rebellion. He seems to be the only one in society to realize how heavily they're being oppressed. 1984 shows Winston's journey in attempting to overthrow the government. The book uses vivid imagery that paints a picture into the reader's mind and an overall shocking plot that will keep you on edge constantly.

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George Orwell's masterful work leads you into a dystopia eerily familiar to what some of us were fearful of in the late 1940s. It's a dark novel, but it brings to light some of the dangers of a system that effaces the personalities and individuality of a people, and leaves you with a yearning for truth and beauty.

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This is Part two of my personal End Of The World trilogy (Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, 1984, Ayn Rand's Anthem). I first read this book in middle school and I have not been able to enjoy modern technological conveniences since. ATMs, debit cards, surveillance systems, "nanny-cams", all of it. It terrifies me to see us coming to this.

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"Big Brother is watching you." George Orwell’s futuristic novel 1984 chillingly details the dangers of a totalitarian government. As main character Winston Smith begins his struggle against the repressive Party, readers get swept up in his secret rebellion. Winston’s journey begins with his silent displeasure with the party, escalating to secret love affairs, connections with the underground Brotherhood, and the ultimate climax as Winston stands up against Big Brother and his all-powerful political system. After becoming connected with Winston throughout his story, readers are personally warned about totalitarian governments, forever altering political ideologies. George Orwell is well known for his two political novels, 1984 and Animal Farm. 1984 was written in 1949 as a futuristic novel. By doing so, Orwell utilized his novel as a warning to those in support of a communist-type government. Each of these novels was written during the Communist Era of world history, when all-powerful governments dominated the world stage. Each warns against a totalitarian government, based off of the current events of Orwell’s time. If you enjoyed Animal Farm, 1984 is a book that will further delve into the world of totalitarian governments. His two political novels are similar in their message: an all-powerful government, or an unequal distribution of power, is detrimental to a society’s success. 1984 details a contradictory, communist-based government. This government is centered on three main ideas: “WAR IS PEACE FREEDOM IS SLAVERY IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.” These contradictions are the foundations of Big Brother’s omnipotent political structure. Resources such as doublethink (the ability to hold two contradictory ideas in one’s mind at the same time) allow the government to have complete and total control over its population. Ultimately, as the novel progresses, the reader learns more and more haunting facts about Winston’s world and the Party that dominates the political sphere of life. An evaluation of this novel requires some political analysis. The aim of the novel, after all, was to warn against totalitarian governments. After reading about such a government, the reader is unlikely to still support this kind of political structure. The chilling story of Winston Smith allows the book to truly achieve its goal of warning society about repressive governments. 1984 depicts a society in which the government controls all aspects of life: food, clothing, housing, work, past, present, and even sexual and personal freedoms. Telescreens monitor all people at all times. While it may seem far-fetched, it is possible that these aspects of life could easily become government controlled. The ideas outlined in Orwell’s novel are not simply bizarre predictions, but actual concerns. The only problem with Orwell’s warning is that he did not outline how to avoid such a government. After reading 1984, it is up to the reader to decide for himself. In the end, it is Orwell’s character that impacts the reader most. Winston Smith is a middle-aged worker. He is average and honest, and as readers grow to personally understand him, it is his suffering that causes such a personal reaction. The helpless tone created by Winston’s thoughts and actions make him a martyr, an easily sympathized character. As the reader follows the plotline, rooting for this man so like any other, the warning against a totalitarian government becomes clear. In the end, “Big Brother is watching you.” 1984 describes a world in which this is true. Orwell’s political warnings are clear, and his message makes one rethink his political standpoint. Is society headed towards a 1984-esque government? Will Big Brother truly exist? Does he now? How similar can today’s government be to the fictitious one crated by Orwell? 1984 raises each of these questions in readers’ minds, making it an incredibly powerful novel.

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This is a book representing a very plausible scenario that could happen if the government exercised too much control upon our lives. Orwell goes to an extreme in his book, I feel, but his themes are certainly valid to an extent. I especially liked the references to the current events going on at the time. It's funny that we learned that in history. Anyway, it is a great book, which is referenced in a lot of other books, and the concepts are very useful to know.

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I was 16 years old when I put 1984 on hold from the Multnomah County Library. A friend recommended it to me, knowing my love for politics, freedom, and British authors generally. When I began George Orwell's story of an oppressed man fighting alone against an over-powering Big Brother, I was simply reading it to impress others with how widely read I was. What I found in Orwell's novel was something that gripped me like few other books ever had. I found a depth of description that made the story come alive before my eyes. I'd heard of the concept, but never experienced it until I read 1984. But it was also in reading 1984 that I first experienced an author's ability to evoke emotion from the reader. Orwell has been dead for quite a few years, but as I read, his words captured me. I hate to admit it, but there were moments where I almost cried. Reading 1984 was like waking up from a dark dream and suddenly seeing what I wanted to do. I wanted to join this fight against dictators and tyrannical rules and fight for freedom. 1984 changed me like few books have.

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I recently reread this book; after not reading it since High School. It still kept me intriqued even knowing how it would end. That in my eyes is a sign of a good book. This classic still keeps you interested and wondering" Could This Really Happen"! All you would need to do is change the title to 2014 and who knows. Great read if it is your first time or revisiting this classic.

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This book could have been written last year to describe the war on terror and the whole Gitmo and Abu Grahib shakedown, written in a timeless way the book takes on what could only have been imagined as the way life would have been 40 years from the time the story was written. Interesting, thought provoking, mildy amusing and somewhat disturbing this is a book for the traveller that has time to read it as you will not want to stop. read this book and look around was he to far wrong????

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This book is a must read for anyone that is interested in a future with a fatalistic approach. I loved it and was happily depressed at the end.

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Written in 1948 and situated in 1984, this book is still up to date. George Orwell wrote a story that is not just exciting and thrilling, but also makes the reader think - about love, society, and the price of freedom. This one will never be outdated - a true classic, warmly recommended to anyone.

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Absolutly brilliant! George Orwell crafts one of the most dark, brilliant, and unique societys as towards what resembles the USSR. Recommended for everyone!