1984 by George Orwell (4/5)

The novel 1984 describes a dystopian continent of Oceania, led by the face of Big Broer, who is the dictator of the party that has control over all aspects of life. Winston Smith, who is a low-level office worker for the party, alters historical accords in order to fit the Party’s narrative at The Ministry of Truth. Winston yearns for freedom and honesty, like the freedom apparent in his youth, so he starts to rebel against Big Brother, which can cost his life. This Novel started off quite monotone; however, it started to develop as the themes of totalitarianism and manipulation progressed and the suspense increased. The party’s omnipresent government displayed totalitarianism and the manipulation of language, truth and psychology was present in everyday life in Oceania. “1984” is a classic and it is a memorable, cautionary novel due to its dystopian setting and plot. The constant nagging suspense of Big Brother at the back of your head is powerful and the strong messages about human kind presented through the plot were extremely apparent. Orwell describes a bleak view on oppressed humanity, which serves as a reminder to keep a check on power, or else it might transform into an oppressive regime. His novel efficiently points out the possibility of supreme control, and I agree with his idea of ensuring freedom within the government. Without freedom written into laws, humanity would lose their morals, individuality and hope as described in “1984”. Orwell creates a setting where propaganda is normalized and is used in abundance to control the masses. Where history is altered to fit the Dictatorship’s ideas, and where if you have a remotely harsh opinion about the government, your character is eradicated and removed from society. This depiction of a normalized tyrannical life raises the issue of out-of-hand government. In the related book, “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury, books are burned in order to restrict knowledge. The reality depicted in “Fahrenheit 451” reflects how knowledge is kept from humankind to systematically restrict knowledge, similarly to the control of the thought police in “1984”. Orwell reflects on human rights and freedom and how under totalitarianism, people are forced to conform with the party. Overall, in George Orwell’s “1984”, Orwell depicts a totalitarian  setting which cautions the reader about freedom and human rights under government. This book contains brutal ideas, so to an interested reader, it might be a hard read.