George Orwell's 1984 Background Information and Context

Orwell’s Political Views n He considered himself a democratic socialist and was critical of communism n He hated intellectuals, lying, cruelty, political authority, and totalitarianism n He strongly opposed Stalin and Hitler -- he was very outspoken during WWII

What Orwell Saw….. n Economic depression in the 1930’s u High unemployment u Shortages of money, housing, and food u Restrictions on daily life and rations

What Orwell Saw….. n The beginning of the Cold War u Countries east of the “Iron Curtain” were communist u Countries west of it were protected by the United States

Dystopia n Dystopia – a perfect society gone wrong n Orwell warns against what could happen in the future based on the atrocities and dictators that gained power in WWII

What things could happen?? n The rise of totalitarian governments n The use of science and technology to regulate or brainwash society n The distortion of truth through rhetoric n The restriction of individual freedoms

1984: Setting and Genre n Futuristic, cautionary novel n Setting: London, in the mythical country of Oceania, 1984 (in the future)

1984: Setting and Genre n Ingsoc – English Socialism, its principles guide the state of Oceania n Telescreens are everywhere! They are two way television screens.

Setting – Countries in 1984 n Ocenania- North and South America, Britain, Australia, and South Africa n Eurasia- Russia, Western and Eastern Europe n Eastasia- China n Land up for grabs- Middle East and Northern Africa

Characters: Winston Smith n Winston Smith: Main character and the narrator of the story, “everyman” n Winston is a 39 year old low- ranking member of the ruling Party n His job is to rewrite history n Winston is thin, frail, contemplative, intellectual

Winston Smith n He secretly hates Big Brother and harbors revolutionary dreams

Characters: Julia n Julia is a 25 year old woman who works where Winston does. n She is a beautiful, dark- haired woman who enjoys sex and claims to have had affairs with many Party members n She is an optimistic person.

Characters: O’Brien n A mysterious, powerful, and sophisticated member of the Inner Party n Winston believes O’Brien is a member of the “Brotherhood” -- a legendary group of anti-Party rebels n Winston trusts and admires O’Brien, but never quite figures him out

Characters: Mr. Charrington n He is a kind and encouraging old man who runs a second-hand shop in the prole district.

Characters: Big Brother n Big Brother is the perceived ruler of Oceania -- he looks like a combination of Hitler and Stalin n Big Brother’s God-like image is stamped on coins and projected on telescreens -- his face is unavoidable

1984: Oceania n Oceania- huge country ruled by The Party, led by “Big Brother” n Government is a totalitarian dictatorship.

1984- Oceania’s Ranks n The Inner Party (1% of pop.) control the country- intellectuals devoted to the party. n The Outer Party (18% of pop.) controlled by the Inner Party- the powerless middle class. n The Proles (81% of pop.) the labor power who live in poverty- “subhuman workers”

1984: Oceania’s Enemy n The Brotherhood- u An underground rebellion organization u Emmanuel Goldstein is in charge of the Brotherhood

1984: Newspeak n Newspeak is the official language of Oceania n The goal of the Party is to have Newspeak replace Oldspeak (standard English)

1984: Newspeak n Newspeak eliminates undesirable words and invents new words -- all to force Party conformity n Words are condensed and simplified for communication, resulting in less thought.

1984: Doublethink n Doublethink is the manipulation of the mind by making people accept contradictions n Doublethink makes people believe that the Party is the only institution that knows right from wrong n “The Ministry of Truth” (where Winston works) changes history, facts, and memories to promote Doublethink

Things to think about ….. n How does this novel connect with our own society? n What is Orwell’s ultimate message about- u Apathy in society? u The use of fear? u Mass manipulation? u Isolation and individualism?

And remember finally … n The book is supposed to be set in the future; it’s not necessarily supposed to be the real n Winston has flashbacks and dreams at times.

“During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.” George Orwell