I have actually read this book, its one of my favourites. I would like to hear other people's views on this book and if there are connections between the past and the present situation in the world today?
2006-10-06 00:46:46 · 17 answers · asked by Orditz 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
It is about totalitarian states, leader cult, censorship and control. It was originally to be called 1948 but it was changed to 1984 at the request of the publishers.
It has strong parallels with Hitler's Germany and Stalin's Russia, Orwell believed Britain would either become a Fascist dictatorship or a Socialist dictatorship (which he wished for) after the USA pulled out of Europe.
Despite his lack of success in predicting major historical events, his themes are also visible even in our seemingly democratic nations. Advertising/Public relations respinning bad news as good - e.g. MiniTruth which was the ministry of propoganda. The ubiquity of the telescreen, the omission of parts of history which are unpalatable - such as Japan not coming clean about its war crimes in school history lessons. Suppression of non-conformist think was typical of the McCarthy eras, and branded unamerican today.
2006-10-06 01:00:51 · answer #1 · answered by Chris C 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I didn't think 1984 was all that subtle. It was a warning against socialism, and allowing the government to control everything. "He who controls the past..."
I don't see anything like that happening currently, at least, not in the US.
By the way, it's my belief that 1984 is an example of a negative utopia, negatively enforced. Ever read "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley? That's a negative utopia POSITIVELY enforced. Then you have Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451", which I believe is speaking out against banning/burning certain books, and the government having too much control.
I love these books.
2006-10-06 01:05:51 · answer #2 · answered by The_Cricket: Thinking Pink! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thre are some worrying similarities between Oceania and the world of today. I`m referring to the propoganda used by BIG Brother and the US. The surveillance of citizens as in CCTV, the false fear used by Big Brother is very similar to terrorist threat used by the US & UK today. The alteration of known facts from the past and present is also similar. I could go on but i think you understand my point. The only thing which is very different is in 1984 the people had absolutly no possesions of any value, where as today we have the opposite too much material wealth.
2006-10-06 01:04:34 · answer #3 · answered by dingdong 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It was written largely about the world in 1948, its year of publishing. Many of the concepts, such as the novel writing machine, listening devices, and force fed propaganda were in usage at that time, and not just in Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, but also in places like England and the United States. For instance, the Nancy Drew Books and the Hardy Boys series do not have a single author but were written by teams of writers under single direction. Stalin may have been purging Russia of all his so called enemies, but in the United States, opponents to any current political practices were beginning to be called communists and communist sympathizers.
2006-10-06 00:54:52 · answer #4 · answered by Huey from Ohio 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I loved 1984. Orwell totally rocks. I dont think anyhting like that is going to happen in the future, but it might if politiions dont get their act together, and start working towards the common goal of keeping America the democracy it was supposed to be. and that means none of this "banning trans fat" crap. i mean, what is the world's future if we dont start taking responsibility for our own actions? something 1984-ish, i bet, w/ the government making all decisions for you. Remember in 1984 where they are forced to excersise? if Dems ban trans fat and ciggarettes, how far away is forced excersise? think about it, and remember. Big Brother is watching you!
2006-10-06 05:39:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the ingredient develop into that it glorified dissent. It develop into holding the flaw of a society that seeks to silence opinion of even a single individual. Sorry, i could quite stay able the place we infrequently agree on something than a international the place a results of dissent ought to be bodily or psychologically torturing every person until eventually they think of they submit that they stay in Utopia. I have not have been given any situation with attempting to stay in a miles better place and making it extra effective for destiny generations, yet that end is larger finished by using compromising differing critiques no longer shutting them up by using coercion.
2016-10-02 00:14:05 · answer #6 · answered by lavinia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
War is Peace. To have peace you need to fight to keep the malcontents off-balance. Orwell understood the power of simple slogans, a phrase easily understood by the masses. Yet those phrases are double speak, meaning everything and nothing at the same time. That's how messages are conveyed to the masses, simple with no substance. Priceless.
2006-10-06 01:08:09 · answer #7 · answered by mac 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are these secret organisations at large, they have one hidden agenda and want one world order. The message is simple enough but the means by which they will take control is subtle.
Check out the book of Revelation for details but don't expect the Antichrist to reveal himself before his allotted time.
Get saved before it's too late!
2006-10-06 01:01:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have also read the book and is a favourite of mine too.
I think the message given is definately one of 'How did it end up like this?' Its a scary thought.
I think its almost an insight into the future if we do not stay vigilant and fight for what is rightfully ours.
2006-10-06 00:54:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It wasn't a subtle message, he was loud and clear. Too much government is bad.
2006-10-06 00:49:08 · answer #10 · answered by doghugs 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋