The year is 1984 and the city that we know as London has changed dramatically. Through the eyes of 39 year old Winston, we see that this is not normal, that the actions of people are not normal, that the government is in no way acting normal.
Big Brother and the Party are in this novel the ruling powers that many are afraid of, while others who have learned to live in this lifestyle, worship. Posters around the city show the face of Big Brother as his eyes follow you; the poster reads "Big Brother is Watching You".
As all the buildings give off a feeling of depression, three big structures stand out as shiny and cared for. These four buildings being the ministries, in charge of everything and anyone. The fist is the Ministry of Truth, all about news and education and fine arts and such. The Ministry of Peace is next, concerning itself with war. And the most terrifying of all is the Ministry of Love, which, as opposed to its name, was all about law and order. Lastly there is the Ministry of Plenty, all about the economy.
These four structures and everything that happened within them was a scary mystery to those who didn't think for themselves. Fortunately, our main character, notices the evil of this totalitarian government structure, which in this new world is the main character flaw.
Why would this be a flaw? Why would being the only one with a personal thought be concerning? Because EVERYTHING is monitored. EVERYTHING. To such an extent that there is a Thought Police. If there is a small thought against the lifestyle that you live or how Big Brother rules, you might as well turn yourself in, for someone is bound to know. Hell, even the children are spies for the gov. They are known as Junior Spies, and these little ruthless motherfuckers don't just like to watch the world burn; they come with a match and enough gasoline to burn the world in 3 seconds. These Junior Spies are known for turning in their own parents to be sent to labor camps.
Of course its not only the children turning you in. Remember how Big Bro is "Always Watching You". Yeah, that's not a joke. As the Thought Police has cameras and microphones everywhere. A big Telescreen provides citizens with enough brainwashing information to not have a thought to yourself. These telescreen also provide the police with your reactions. Each and every one of them. Show them one facial expression that could be seen as going against the government and they have caught you, not red handed, but they will probably catch you picking your nose while watching the current televised program on criminals.
That is what you need to know so far about the setting of this story and what the protagonist Winston is dealing with. Chapter Summaries are soon to come.
WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
No comments:
Post a Comment