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1984

by George Orwell

By The Knowledge Published 8 months ago 2 min read
2

The dystopian novel "1984" by George Orwell examines the perverse effects of totalitarianism and the destruction of personal liberty in a desolate, authoritarian society. The story, which is set in the fictitious superstate of Oceania in the year 1984, centers on Winston Smith, a citizen who dared to revolt against the Party's repressive dictatorship under Big Brother.

Constant snooping, propaganda, and the harsh repression of dissent define the world of "1984". Big Brother and The Party have complete authority over every element of people's lives, including their ideas, feelings, and memories. As the Party works to rewrite and control history in order to hold onto power, there is a pervasive distortion of truth and history.

Working for the Ministry of Truth, Winston Smith is tasked with changing the past in order to support Party propaganda. Winston complies with the Party's instructions in public, but inwardly he harbors rebellious ideas and aspires to personal liberty. In a society where having independent opinions is frowned upon, he starts keeping an illegal journal as a way to preserve his memories and thoughts.

When Winston meets Julia, a fellow Party member who shares his distaste for the regime, his life takes a turn. Together, they start a secret relationship and join a radical organization called "The Brotherhood." Their bond becomes a representation of their struggle against Party repression and their quest for real human connection in a world that dehumanizes people.

The Party's cryptic catchphrases, such as "War is Peace," "Freedom is Slavery," and "Ignorance is Strength," are highlighted throughout the book as a way of swaying the public opinion. The ultimate goal of the Party is to eradicate free thought and establish a reality in which devotion to Big Brother is the only source of truth.

George Orwell

Winston encounters O'Brien, a high-ranking Party member who seems sympathetic to his cause, as a result of his growing discontent with the Party and his quest to learn the truth about the past. O'Brien eventually betrays Winston, admitting that he was a devoted Party supporter all along. In the Ministry of Love, Winston endures horrific psychological and physical abuse until he is broken and forced to love Big Brother. His once rebellious attitude is subdued, and he transforms into a devoted, brainwashed Party member.

Winston's total submission to Party authority and the deletion of his defiant character mark the novel's conclusion. Not only has he lost his freedom, but also his capacity for critical thought and defiance of the Party's hold over him. The horrific conclusion of "1984" brings home the fact that there is no chance for the restoration of individual liberty or truth since the Party's authority is absolute and unstoppable.

The film "1984" is a terrifying and provocative examination of the perils of tyranny, censorship, and the restriction of personal freedom. The depiction of a dystopian future by George Orwell serves as a warning about the possible repercussions of unrestrained political influence and information manipulation. The book poses challenging queries regarding the nature of reality, the way language shapes our ideas, and the enduring human urge for freedom and resistance against injustice.

In conclusion, "1984" is a somber and prescient work that still has an impact on readers due to its frank portrayal of a society in which freedom is a distant memory and truth is malleable. It serves as a potent reminder of the value of preserving individual liberty, fighting authoritarianism, and vigilance in the face of initiatives to censor information and skew reality.

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