1984: Express Book Report

Learn more about plot, characters and symbolism in 1984.

Written by George Orwell, the fictional novel 1984 is a political warning against the negative consequences of a totalitarian government. The protagonist in the novel is a man named Winston Smith who works for the all-controlling government called “the Party”. Smith is a low ranking member of the Party and becomes increasing aware of the implications associated with their control. The novel takes place in a place named Oceania where the Party attempts to create a utopian society by altering history, prohibiting free thought, sex and all individuality. Every move made by citizens is viewd on telescreens and the leader, Big Brother, is seen everywhere. The Party is currently implementing a new language, called Newspeak, which eliminates all words associated with political rebellion. Thought Police are also used to find and eliminate persons who have any desire to disobey the Party. Smith works for the Ministry of Truth and alters historical records as assigned by the Party to encourage political conform. He begins to despise the Party and researches the Brotherhood; a group working towards dismantling the Party. He is joined by a woman named Julia, whom he has a romantic affair with. After obtaining an illegal diary to compose his rebellious thoughts Smith is approached by a Brotherhood member. The meeting turns out to be a set up and Smith is arrested after he is caught by a member of the Thought Police. He is severely brainwashed by the Party and eventually conforms completely to the goals and prescriptions of the Party. Main Characters: Winston Smith- the protagonist of the story. He is rebellious to the government control and eventually arrested for his rebellion. Julia- the woman Winston Smith has an affair with. She is also rebellious of the Party. O’Brien- the powerful member of the Brotherhood who tricks Smith. Big Brother- the leader of Oceania. Mr. Charrington- Winston Smith’s landlord and also the member of the Thought Police who catches him. Symbolism: Big Brother- Big brother represents the fear of Party control and also the comfort of being protected by the all controlling government. Telescreens- the telescreens represent the complete control of the Party. They are able to observe citizens and display propaganda and are unavoidable by Oceania residents. About the Author: George Orwell, born Eric Arthur Blair on June 25 1903, was born to Eric and Ida Blair and had two sisters. Orwell excelled at prestigious schools but was unable to afford a college education. Always interested in politics, Orwell dedicated his life and his writing to examinations of political policy. After being a teacher and a news correspondent, 1984 was published in 1949. Orwell passed away on January 21, 1950 after becoming ill with tuberculosis.

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