George orwell’s 1984

1. George orwell’s 1984 Background and Significance

2. 1984 and George Orwell Facts • “George Orwell” was the pen name of Eric Blair. • Though well educated, Orwell skipped college and worked for the British Imperial Policeman in Burma, a job he grew to despise. • Orwell was a democratic socialist who strongly opposed the totalitarianism of leaders like Stalin and Hitler. • 1984 is one of the most influential political novels of our century. • 1984 added vocabulary to our everyday speech. • Although the year 1984 has passed, the questions Orwell leaves us with remain relevant today.

3. Context of 1984 • 1984 was written in 1949; WWII ended in 1945. • Orwell mistrusts politics except for Socialism, a system based on public ownership of the means of production and distribution of wealth. • In 1917, the Russian Socialist Revolution begins and Lenin becomes the leader; he has positive plans for the economy and liberation of the working class. • When Lenin dies in 1924, Stalin becomes the leader of the Soviet Union; he is a tyrannical leader who exiles/eliminates intellectuals so he has no competition.

4. 1984 = dystopia • 1984 is Orwell’s vision of a world that has continued along the path set forth by dictators like Stalin and Hitler in WWII. • Real Socialism—what Orwell supports—is perverted and corrupted. • The government is a totalitarian dictatorship. • Science and technology regulate and brainwash the society. • The truth is distorted through the press. • Individual freedoms and liberties are strictly restricted.

5. 1984 themes • Abuse of Power • The powerful 1% destroys civil liberties and freedom • Information Manipulation • Propaganda • Language • Loyalty • Loyal to government, not to people

6. 1984 characters • Winston Smith • Julia • O’Brien • Syme • Parsons