I have just started reading this and it is pretty astounding to think it was written in the 40's as it seems to be a reality we are getting closer to.
Do you think the powers that be are using it as a point of reference?
2007-05-17 10:11:04 · 18 answers · asked by Lovely Lady 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Thanks Mick - I studied Animal Farm at uni but it is next on my list to re-read.
2007-05-17 10:15:50 · update #1
Great book! Yep, I think the point of the book is how controlling the big brother is, in general. I think it also depicts how small revolutions die off easily.
It is kind of sad to read the book in current days because it is growing more true than ever. From what I remember, Orwell based it on the govt. in his days, though I never understood what gave him that insight.
I dont need an insight, because I see a dictator right in the US. And nobody seem to be able to do anything about it. I will not be surprised if 1984 and V for Vendetta come true in near future.
Well, it's huge topic for debate! but, happy reading :)
2007-05-17 10:20:28 · answer #1 · answered by S A 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's true. The only thing is that people have said the same thing every decade since it was written. As someone or other said, all books are really about the time they were written, and this is true here: 1984 is 1948, and he wrote about what he saw in the world around him.
2007-05-17 10:22:51 · answer #2 · answered by garik 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is the natural progression of Democracy. Democracy is a baby when it comes to forms of government - no one ever said that it's ideas were concrete and permanent. So the powers that be are molding it into something else - but I think they are doing so with the best of intentions. I am not convinced that they are doing it purposefully - just doing what they think is best.
But sadly, I think it is tragic. As our society grows, more laws and restrictions are viewed necesary to maintain order and peace. But creating more incriminating laws is not always the answer. Restricting freedom is never the answer...
When you get done with that, read "The Road to Serfdom." It will blow your mind.
2007-05-17 10:16:35 · answer #3 · answered by smellyfoot ™ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that George Orwell used lots of things that he picked up from his own society, and it just happens to be close to ours. No, I do not think that the 'powers that be' are using 1984 as a point of refrence.
2007-05-17 10:16:31 · answer #4 · answered by Linds 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It hits home because it is the same tactics governments have used for eons. Create a war or threat, get your populous to focus on the threat then take away their freedoms. It has happened over and over. It wont be the last time you see it either.
2007-05-17 10:15:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
LOL! A distinct possibility!
They have renamed Room 101 to Camp X-Ray, Guantanamo Bay ;-)
2007-05-17 10:14:19 · answer #6 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should also read Orwell's "Animal Farm". It was also a very telling book, about the evil essence of mankind (and also about Communism).
2007-05-17 10:14:14 · answer #7 · answered by Mick 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No I don't think so, they wouldn't want us to know what they're up to.
Brilliant book and great foresight!
By the way I'm with her in the garden, singing, as Smith(?) looks out of the window.
You cannot lose that which you have not got!
2007-05-17 11:26:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
WOW, what an amazing book, I read it a few years ago and it blow me away, it is a bit scary the comparisons in the book and in reality.
2007-05-17 10:15:36 · answer #9 · answered by cleocat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
...the same question was always asked back in 1987 when I studied it for GCSE. And it had been before that. And before that again...
It's a rippingly amazing book, isn't it? :)
2007-05-17 10:15:13 · answer #10 · answered by Lobster 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋