By George Orwell

Known as possibly the most influential dystopian novel ever, 1984 by George Orwell is a landmark novel that explores a futuristic dystopian society where The Party controls every aspect of day-to-day life, from the media the masses consume to the thoughts that they think. The story follows the protagonist, Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the party, and his journey through the development of mental freedom, all under the watchful eye of The Party and its figurehead, Big Brother. A woman named Julia, whom Winston had previously believed to be preying on him, helps him on his journey by serving as a means of evading the restrictions and regulations of The Party. Amidst prying neighbors, constant bombings, and the ever-encroaching threat of the party, Winston’s eyes start to open to the world around him and the blatant corruption consuming his world. Although all seems well in Winston’s life, he is eventually found out by a high-ranking member of The Party named O’Brien and is tortured both mentally and physically until he falls into submission.

Written in the post-WWII world, George Orwell creates a sophisticated and intricate world and covers themes of political power and corruption, all to deliver a message, or perhaps a warning, regarding the nature of people and their behavior when given power. Certain choices that Orwell makes throughout the duration of the story serve to truly further these themes and messages. When it is revealed that members of The Party grasp power, not for religious or ideological reasons, but simply for the sake of having power, the theme of human nature comes full circle while adding an interesting perspective to the story, and it certainly applies itself to historical contexts during the duration of WWII. 

Even 77 years later, the messages and warnings of 1984 ring true, cementing it as one of the greatest science fiction dystopian novels ever created. Its relevant message paired with its literary richness creates a timeless and important story that every person could stand to learn from. Regardless of how much you may or may not like reading, I’d urge every person to read and truly understand the words of Orwell in 1984 and, most importantly, take his warning to heart.

By Arjun Desai