For this week’s Hawthorne Quarantine Media Club review, our Account Director, Dan, shares his thoughts on George Orwell’s 1984. Dan decided to start reading this book because it is consistently on best sellers' lists. Check out what he has to say below!
Dan’s Thoughts on 1984:
1984 is a dystopian novel published in 1949 by George Orwell. It follows the life of Winston Smith who is aware of and frustrated by the constant watch of his country’s omnipresent ruler, Big Brother, who controls every aspect of life. The book provides a perspective of life and consequences of an over-reaching government, mass surveillance and repression. Perhaps the most impactful takeaway is the book’s take on the role of individuality, reality, truth and misinformation to control a population.
1984 is an important read, perhaps even more in today’s climate than when it was written in 1949. Its messages and themes are eerily relevant in today’s global climate and emphasize the importance of questioning what is accepted, keeping government balanced and using facts to verify truth.
Clear parallels can be drawn from the book’s authoritative figures who tell their population “facts” to reinforce a narrative that supports the Party’s goals to current, real world authoritative figures leveraging misinformation and convenient statistics to support an agenda; and not for the greater good of the people. As you read this book, you will see direct examples in the real world that reflect the Party’s actions in the book. “The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.”
If you are interested in reading George Orwell's 1984, you can find it on Amazon. If you have already read it and want to keep the conversation going, reach out to us with your thoughts in the comments below!