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1984 was written by George Orwell who also wrote the famous fictional novel, Animal Farm in 1948. He predicted the dark future which people are completely controlled by the government of which the governor is Big Brother. According to Orwell’s imagination, world is divided into three different parts: Oceania, East Asia, and Eurasia. Everyone in Oceania is monitored by telescreen and their voices are all recorded. People don’t have freedom to speak their opinions and to have a sexual relationship. They marry people who the government chooses and marrying is only for reproducing babies. They are not allowed to love each other. The protagonist Winston Smith is a member of the Outer Party from Oceania which is a fictional state representing both England and America. In all visible ways, he seems he is a good party member who obeys the rules; however, he keeps his loathing for the workings of the party. He secretly hates the party and decides to rebel by starting a diary in which he reveals his rebellious thoughts. Through keeping a diary, he commits thoughtcrime and knows that some other day he will be discovered by the Thought police and killed. Actually the beginning part of this book is really boring. It is all about explaining the laws and philosophies of the government of Oceania which are hard to understand. As I went through the book I started to understand those little details of the laws and philosophies. However, I was quite shocked and surprised about how George Orwell set the setting. I couldn’t believe that he actually predicted telescreen and other technologies in 1948. Also, I imagined myself in the fictional state, Oceania in 1984. If I were Winston Smith, I might have committed suicide. How can a person be totally controlled by other people?
"Big Brother is Watching You."
The Party's three slogans are: "War is Peace," "Freedom is Slavery," and "Ignorance is Strength."
I like how you summarized all the bold laws of Oceania.
ReplyDeleteIt makes understanding your summary easier and much more compact.
Although you mentioned that the first part of the book was boring, the way you summarized the introduction caught my attention, and made me what to learn more about the story.
I wish you expanded a bit more on your opinion though.
This seems like a really interesting book! I remembered the first time I heard about this book, I was totally bored. I didn't understand how the laws of Oceania work, but after reading your blog, it became pretty clear to me and I actually want to read it now. I totally agree with you on the point where you said "if I were Winston Smith, I would have committed suicide.", I would too if I were him.
ReplyDeleteEven though I read this book last term, I really enjoyed reading your detailed description about the plot of the novel! This reminded me how much I enjoyed reading 1984, though like you, I felt the beginning of the novel quite boring. I like how you included direct quotes at the end of the entry. I also liked how you talked about the author and stated your opinions about him. I was quite shocked to see that you would have committed suicide if you were Winston Smith. I have to admit that I wouldn't have had the bravery to do that!
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