1984 Social Issues

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What is the selection about? In 1984 by George Orwell, the main character Winston realizes that he has rebellious thoughts, and no longer wants to blindly follow his government, the Party. He realizes that the government lies to him and changes their stance often (Orwell 7). He then has a romantic affair with his coworker, Julia, another person who rebels in her own way. The two are well aware that their relationship will not last, and it is likely that they will die because of it (124). However, they continue their relationship, even getting a secret apartment above a store owned by someone who seems trustworthy. Winston and Julia learn that a high ranking Party member, O’Brien, is rebellious as well, so they go to meet with him, receiving a book that explains all of the Party’s lies and the reasoning behind them (176). As the two read this book, they are surprised by the man they rented the apartment from, and …show more content…

Does the book address broader social issues? Does the author take a stance on, for example, anarchy versus capitalism? How is a particular culture or subculture portrayed? In 1984, by George Orwell, social issues are addressed. Orwell wants to caution against trusting the government too much, which was both relevant at the time the book was written, and now. Orwell believes that a controlling government is bad, and tries to warn against it. He also cautions against nuclear war, as that was how the world pushes itself into a never ending war (Orwell 207). The poorer, working class people are seen as silly, but more human than Party members (165). While they seem like dumb sheep, following whatever the Party tells them, Orwell does not portray them as bad. He seems to believe that the only way to prevent the government from taking over is to have the people that are being governed resist. Winston is part of the Party, but these proles are not, giving them a chance to lead a successful rebellion, if they overcome their brainwashed mindset of

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