1984 is possibly the definitive dystopian novel, set in
a world beyond our imagining. A world where totalitarianism really is
total, all power split into three roughly equal groups--Eastasia,
Eurasia, and Oceania. 1984 is set in Oceania, which includes the United Kingdom, where the story is set, known as Airstrip One.
Winston
Smith is a middle-aged, unhealthy character, based loosely on Orwell's
own frail body, an underling of the ruling oligarchy, The Party. The
Party has taken early 20th century totalitarianism to new depths, with
each person subjected to 24 hour surveillance, where people's very
thoughts are controlled to ensure purity of the oligarchical system in
place. Figurehead of the system is the omnipresent and omnipotent Big
Brother.
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