"Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four."
- Excerpt from 1984
Theme: negative utopia, totalitarianism.
Book: 1984
Fun Fact: George Orwell is actually a pseudonym for English author and journalist Eric Arthur Blair.
Orwellian: Translations are available in 15 languages and the novel's terminology has become a part of society - the term "Orwellian" describes actions and/or organizations similar to the totalitarian society portrayed in the novel.
Summary: Published in 1940, this novel tells of the worst-case scenario of the interaction between government and society in Orwell's projection of the year 1984. The life of the main character, Winston Smith, is already determined by The Party, everything from his blue Party overalls to his choice of spouse. Unsatisfied and unfulfilled, Winston feels he is stuck and searching for more in life. Fate leads to an encounter with Julia, a young woman who is searching for the same things in life as he is. A relationship forms between the two, but initially they keep their secret life to themselves. When they begin confiding in others, however, their personal sanctuary is viciously intruded upon and the strength of their love is put to the test.
Our Take:
"Under the government of Big Brother, you're not allowed to blink, eat or even procreate without permission. 1984 has come and past, but Orwell's vision of the future of American society with a government controlling all aspects of an individual's life, including the mind and heart, is a reminder of how quickly power can spin out of control. Read it in between classes and you'll have it finished in a week. It's a classic you must read as a full functioning member of society."
- Nicole Coleman, senior arts & life editor
"Even love, one of the most fundamental and steadfast emotions of the human psyche, is challenged within the story. With Big Brother lurking everywhere, it almost makes the wiretapping fiasco of today's world look tame."
- Elizabeth Page, assistant arts & life editor
"It's definitely a political book, but it makes you realize how much we take our freedoms for granted, simple things like being able to read and write what you want. It seems exaggerated at first, but on some level it shows that our society could be only a few mistakes away from Orwell's projection of the future."
- Laura Dibbell, assistant arts & life editor
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
