The book "1984" is a fiction that tells of a government that controls and watches every move that their people make. Winston Smith is the main character in this fiction that seemingly could one day become a reality if it hasn't already. Smith lives in the nation of Oceania. He is a low ranking member of the Party, a group of officials that watch everything. Cameras surround the entire city of London, located in Oceania, and Smith's every move is recorded and watched, along with everyone else in London. He faces a great struggle, trying to free himself from the Party.
Click here to see the rest of this review...
The Party is such a strong force that it can control everything from the language that people speak to their history. It has a way of making certain events carry out in their favor. The Party is supposed to emulate today's government and how the government has the power to control our reality. While "1984" might be a political fiction, it is very similar to our government in America.
As the story carries on, the characters involved and that are controlled by the Party adapt to a new language called Newspeak in which any they are unable to talk of the Party or its political stance. This makes trying to escape even harder on Smith, knowing that his every word is heard and every action is watched. He can't even try to rebel in his thoughts, for his every thought is heard by the Party.
A great secret love affair is unveiled throughout the story after Smith receives a note from a woman named Julia. Although sex is considered a crime, he and Julia rent a room above a second-hand shop where he illegally purchased a diary to write down his rebellious thoughts of the Party. He begins to fear that the Party will find out about the affair. Eventually, the couple is caught by the store owner who was a member of the thought police.
Due to all of Smith's rebellious acts and his disregard for the Party, he finds himself in Room 101. This is the last resort for those who deeply oppose the Party. Smith was forced into relinquishing his love for Julia and eventually forced to join the Brotherhood, an organization through the Party in which O'Brien, Smith's tormentor, was a part of. In the end, Smith was brainwashed and forced to conform, gaining more reign in the Party.
Best part of story, including ending:
I enjoyed this novel because it depicts the nature of the government and the control that they have over our lives.
Best scene in story:
My favorite scene was when Winston and Julia head to the room above the second-hand shop to begin their great love affair.
Opinion about the main character:
I dislike that Smith was forced to conform at the end of the story. He was so courageous throughout the entire novel and in the end, he was powerless.
