Transcript 1984
1984 Written by: George Orwell George Orwell • 1903 – 1950 • English author • Born in India to British parents • Wrote some of the most well-known satirical fiction of the 20th Century • Most famous for: Animal Farm and 1984 The novel • Set in future London – Oceana • The nation is ruled by “The Party” and a leader named “Big Brother. • In the future all citizens are closely monitored by surveillance screens and cameras hidden everywhere, even in people’s homes. • There is no privacy. • The Party is forcing a new language called Newspeak – a language that has eliminated all words that relate to rebellion or rising against the government. • To try to rebel or even THINK about rebelling is a crime. • Thoughtcrime is the worst crime of all. Characters: • Winston Smith • Julia • O’Brien • Big Brother • Mr. Charrington • Syme • Parsons • Emanuel Goldstein Winston Smith • 39 year old man • A minor member of the Party in London • An intellectual and a dreamer • Winston does not like the totalitarian government that he lives in, but does not share his beliefs. • He dreams of a revolution that will change the government. Julia • A beautiful dark haired girl. • Works in the Fiction Department at the Ministry of Truth • Becomes Winston’s lover • Optimistic • She rebels in her own personal way as opposed to hoping for a revolution. • O’Brien – a mysterious member of the Inner Party • Mr. Charrington – an old man who runs a second hand store. He shares Winston’s interest in the past. • Syme – A very intelligent man who works with Winston at the Ministry of Truth • Parsons – a very dull man with a dull family who lives near and works with Winston. • Emanuel Goldstein – legendary leader of The Brotherhood Big Brother • Never appears in the novel • The leader of Oceana • The image and presence of Big Brother in unavoidable, even though he is never physically seen. • Winston is filled with hatred for Big Brother • Big Brother is always watching. Themes: The Danger of Absolute Power or Totalitarianism Psychological Manipulation Physical Control Control of Information and History Language as Mind Control Is Big Brother watching you?.....