A Closer Look at George Orwell's 1984: The Novel That Defined Dystopian Fiction

İrem Uğur
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Utopia is an imagined universe where every individual is happy, peaceful, and lives without financial difficulties, and negative emotions do not exist. Dystopia is the antithesis of this utopian society, where none of the events that are hoped for in utopia occur. In dystopias, individuals are subjected to system pressures, never free from negative feelings, and experience a great collapse. Dystopia is a particularly popular subject in literature. 1984 is also one of the most well-known dystopian novels. What is the subject of 1984, who is the author? What does 1984 tell, what is the intended message ?

1984 is a dystopian, political and allegorical novel. Still on the bestseller list today, 1984 is popular from time to time as a reminder of today's conditions.

First published in England in 1949, 1984 quickly gained a great reputation. This work, which has been translated into a total of 65 languages until today

With the novel 1984, many terms have entered our daily lives. For example, the term 'Big Brother' and the term 'thought police' are frequently used today.

What is 1984 about?

In 1984, a future is described where society has collapsed. In the government of the people, there is only one party dictatorship. The only emotion present in the government is fear. The people are 'controlled' through brainwashing, threats and manipulation methods. In 1984, violence, loyalty, control, power and power poisoning are among the main topics.

In 1984, the image and voice of Big Brother is present in every moment of the individuals. It constantly threatens individuals to comply with new rules. Even a person who thinks differently is immediately punished and brainwashed. The thoughts of individuals are under the surveillance of the 'Thought Police'. The existence of the Thought Police represents the limits that any government can reach.

"War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is power."

The main character of 1984, Winston Smith, is a citizen living in Oceania after the Third World War. In Oceania, Big Brother has established an absolute rule over everything and is the world's most 'successful' dictator. He has established an authoritarian order with his innovations and begun to govern people as he wishes. The party has aimed to strengthen its rule by creating new ministries. New ministries such as the Ministry of Love, the Ministry of Plenty, and the Ministry of Peace were established. However, the field of service of these ministries is the opposite of their names. For example, the Ministry of Love is actually a ministry that deals with torture and oppression.

Winston Smith starts his own rebellion against this system and seeks support from around him. However, Winston realizes that he has actually been deceived on the path he has taken. As a result, Winston completely transforms into a different person.

Who is the Author of 1984?

1984 is written by the master writer George Orwell. In 1984, Orwell tells a nightmare scenario about the future. In 1984 there is a future where everything is mechanized, people don't think, thinking is banned, and individualism is trampled on.

1984 perhaps tells the story of some societies of both the future and today in a 'realistic' way. This narrative has enabled us to open our eyes to the dangers of a controlling government. With his successful narrative, George Orwell has left behind a cult classic that has not lost its value over time.

The movie adaptation of the novel 1984 was made in 1984.

One of the most widely read novels of all time, 1984 was adapted for the big screen.  Directed by Michael Radford, the movie stars John Hurt, Suzanna Hamilton and Richard Burton. The IMDB score of the movie was determined as 7.1.

The 1984 novel also has many comic book adaptations. A mini-series adaptation of the novel is on the agenda.

The Characters of 1984

Winston Smith: Winston, the main character of the book, is 39 years old. He works in the Ministry of Truth but he is not at all satisfied with the government's behavior. He thinks that a revolution is needed. 

Julia: Winston's girlfriend. 

O'Brien: The person with whom Winston is thinking of sharing his ideas of revolution. 

Emmanuel Goldstein: The leader of the rebellion.

Big Brother: The sole ruler of Oceania. He appears in the book and the movie as a god-like figure. There are pictures and voices of Big Brother everywhere.