Victoria Shircliffe

George Orwell’s 1984 takes place in a not-so-distant-anymore dystopian future. In the novel, 1984 is a time of oppression, uniformity, and constant government surveillance. In this society, anyone can be executed for going against the government, which is effectively enforced by the constant eye of “Big Brother”.

In this society, also known as Oceania, the main character, Winston Smith, decides to create a journal with all of his negative thoughts about the government, a.k.a “the Party”. Winston then falls in love with a woman named Julia, and soon they begin their own secret love affair.

While the year 1984 has already come and gone, Orwell’s novel still depicts a frightening and realistic picture of what our world’s future could be like. Nearly everything in the novel is under the watch of “Big Brother” and it’s impossible to escape the unending tyranny.

The themes of overbearing technology, suppression, and rebellion are not far from what our world is experiencing today, which is one reason why 1984 is such an interesting read. Somewhere along the line, the novel transformed from science fiction to historical fiction and there’s no going back.

1984 is an excellent novel that’s perfect for anyone with a crammed summer looking for a quick read. While it’s relatively short, it’s packed with a thick plot and is sure to entertain with its intense themes.