
1984
George Orwell
1984 is a very serious book. But when I sat down to write a review I couldn’t help yet recalling a joke I read about it. So I am sharing it here with you too.
Him: Do you like to read books?
Her: yes I love it.
Him: which is your favourite book?
Her: 1984
Him: 😳 so many????
In the novel England is ruled by a totalitarian government called the “Party”. A totalitarian form of government is the one that prohibits all opposition parties, outlaws individual and group opposition to the state. It claims, excersizes and extremely tight, if not complete, private life.
Our main character Winston Smith represents an ordinary citizen who works in the Ministry of truth. This ministry works on destroying or modifying the actual truth existing in books, newspapers etc. They create new truths to suit the agenda of the Party.
Winston, like the majority of us who know there is wrong all around you. But you are too scared and insecure to rebel from the norm. He’s unhappy, longs for the real truth and liberty. He hopes to find like minded people around him.
One day his colleague Julia confesses her love for him. This becomes a much needed respite for him. Julia is another interesting character who knows what is wrong yet doesn’t believe in breaking out. Rather she seeks ways to live life to the fullest in finding loopholes. This represents another kind of public who don’t want to take on a challenge and break the status co.
Winston finally meets someone he believes is part of the resistance. He aims to join hands to make a change. Along with him the reader also becomes hopeful at this stage. A happy ending seems possible at last. There is hope and despare, anger and helplessness. Then dreams of a brighter future are totally collapsed. It’s up to you now what you want to hold on to.
The time when it was written has changed and the world has moved on.
In this book they install screen in every home, office and public place. The spy you round the clock.
Now this is something we can relate to as well. In the short while I was reading there was a constant thinking in my mind that this might be fiction for them, but it’s a reality for us.
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