1984 - A Reflection on Society and Government

“WAR IS PEACE

FREEDOM IS SLAVERY

IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH”

1984 is perhaps one of the most famous books by George Orwell. You may already be familiar with the title since you were probably told that it is one of those books that you must read at least once in your life. Now, the book was written between 1947 and 1948, and published in 1949—71 years ago! Why is it still relevant today? I will tell you below. 

In order to talk about 1984, we must understand its complex scenario first. The story takes place in the year 1984, just like the title suggests. Take into account that in the year the book was published, 1984 was the future. Cleared this up, the world is divided into three superstates: 

• Eurasia (which covers Europe and the Soviet Union).
• Eastasia (Japan, Korea, China, and India).
• Oceania (all the continents of America and Oceania, and the British Isles). 

It is in the latter where the story begins. Oceania is now ruled by a party called Ingsoc, which leader/dictator calls himself “Big Brother.” There are four ministries that make sure the law is obeyed: 

• The Ministry of Truth: in charge of news, entertainment, and education.
• The Ministry of Peace: concerned with war.
• The Ministry of Love: that maintained law and order.
• The Ministry of Plenty: responsible for economic affairs. 

Winston Smith, our main character, works for the Ministry of Truth, but he does not agree at all with the ideology of the Party. Can he do anything about it? No, the Party is too powerful, unless he actually receives some help. 

Well, now that we know what the plot is about, let's take a look at the story...

The novel is conveniently divided into three parts. The first mainly serves to introduce the reader to the world they are going to explore in the more than 300 pages the book has, and to define Winston Smith’s personality and thoughts about the society he lives in. If I must be totally honest, this part seemed kind of boring and endless to me (and speaking to my friends, I realized I was not the only one with that opinion). I mean, I understand its purpose and it’s definitely necessary for the story, but I keep thinking that the author could have used fewer pages to make his point. Although you may read that part slowly (my case), interesting things begin to happen in the next two ones, as we are introduced to new characters who will definitely have an impact on our main character. 

If I should describe 1984 with one word, that would be political. Yes, Orwell criticizes socialism throughout the book, and 1984 is not the only one in which he does so. You’ll see that Orwell addresses topics such as autonomous governments, free will, corruption, surveillance over citizens, and manipulation of the news. That being said, the book has the intention of showing how bad society can be affected by the misuse of power until the point when citizens resing their rights because of fear not of death, but of being captured and tortured. People in 1984 are not the owners of their actions nor of their thoughts, that’s Big Brother. Does Orwell achieve his goal? Yes, it is impossible to read the novel and not think about the aforementioned topics. What I just mentioned is exactly the main feature of 1984, it is a book that makes you think, that changes your point of view. After all, are we not seeing the same problems nowadays? Maybe not in your country, but somewhere for sure. 

Regarding the language, you will not find the common words you may find in some other book. No, Orwell employs a particular vocabulary that you absolutely don’t use in your everyday language. For me, that I’m not a native English speaker, I had to search for some words’ synonyms as I advanced reading. That’s another reason to read the book, it helps you increase your vocabulary.  

Speaking of our main character, the reader easily emphasize with him and his dream of a world with free thought and will. Even if the novel is slow in some parts, you will want to find out if the character fulfills his goal. 

Finally, 1984 is undoubtedly Orwell’s masterpiece. Even if it’s slow to read and complex, the plot will inevitably give the reader a new perspective about governments and societies which is applicable not only for the past but for the present as well. 

Score: 5/5

Favorite Quote: “There was truth and there was untruth, and if you clung to the truth even against the whole world, you were not mad.”