George Orwell’s 1984: Dystopian Masterpiece (Book Review)

I’ve read George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four twice now. After a gap of about 6-7 years, revisiting this novel reminded me why it’s considered both a challenging and transcendent piece of literature by many.

Nineteen Eighty-Four is often categorized as a dystopia or anti-utopia. The world it depicts doesn’t exist in reality, yet many of the events and systems described in this fictional dystopia are things we’ve either witnessed in the past or are witnessing now. Perhaps we’ll even see some of them in the future.

Orwell’s 1984 feels eerily relevant in today’s world, where surveillance, misinformation, and the manipulation of language are increasingly prevalent. The telescreens, which monitor every move and word, bear a striking resemblance to modern technologies like smartphones and social media platforms that track our behavior and preferences. Similarly, the concept of Newspeak—a language designed to limit thought—echoes concerns about how language can be weaponized in political discourse and media. Orwell’s warning about the dangers of unchecked power and the erosion of truth feels more urgent than ever, making 1984 not just a historical critique but a prophetic work that continues to resonate.

George Orwell - Nineteen Eighty-Four: A Timeless Dystopian Masterpiece

Orwell’s 1984 is one of the most impactful and thought-provoking dystopian novels ever written. Readers who delve into this book will likely feel compelled to explore Orwell’s other works, including his essays and novels. In this dystopia, Orwell masterfully explores the relationships between the individual and society, as well as the individual and the state, under a totalitarian regime.

The Plot: A World Divided

The novel paints a picture of a global order divided into three super-states, each claiming superiority over the others. In reality, however, these states are virtually identical in structure and ideology. 

"...the conditions of life in all three super-states are very much the same. In Oceania the prevailing philosophy is called Ingsoc, in Eurasia it is called Neo-Bolshevism, and in Eastasia it is called by a Chinese name usually translated as Death- Worship, but perhaps better rendered as Obliteration of the Self. The citizen of Oceania is not allowed to know anything of the tenets of the other two philosophies, but he is taught to execrate them as barbarous outrages upon morality and common sense. Actually the three philosophies are barely distinguishable, and the social systems which they support are not distinguishable at all. Everywhere there is the same pyramidal structure, the same worship of semi-divine leader, the same economy existing by and for continuous warfare."

The story takes place in Oceania, one of these super-states. Winston Smith, a member of the Outer Party (the societal hierarchy consists of the Leader, the Inner Party, the Outer Party, and the proletarians), begins to secretly rebel against the Party by keeping a diary. Later, we see his relationship with Julia, another Party member. Both are aware that the Party will eventually discover their actions and punish them. The Party, through its omnipresent telescreens, Thought Police, and spies, seeks to control everything—even thoughts.

Winston Smith is a deeply relatable protagonist, not because he is heroic, but because he is flawed and human. His rebellion against the Party is not grand or dramatic; it begins with small acts of defiance, like writing in a diary and falling in love. These acts, however, are monumental in a world where individuality is crushed. Winston’s internal struggle—his desire for truth and freedom, juxtaposed with his fear and eventual submission—reflects the universal human fight for autonomy in the face of oppression. His tragic fate serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of resistance in a totalitarian regime.

Julia’s character adds an important layer to the narrative, particularly in how she contrasts with Winston. While Winston is driven by a desire for truth and rebellion against the system, Julia’s resistance is more pragmatic and focused on personal freedom. She represents a different kind of rebellion—one that is rooted in the present moment rather than ideological ideals. However, her character also highlights the gender dynamics within the Party’s oppressive structure. Julia’s sexuality is both a tool of resistance and a target of control, reflecting how totalitarian regimes often seek to regulate and suppress women’s bodies and autonomy.

The State is Always Watching and Listening

In Orwell’s dystopian world, we encounter terms and inventions that are both fascinating and terrifying. One of these is the telescreen, a device used by the Party to surveil its citizens. People live their lives knowing they are constantly being watched and listened to.

“The telescreen received and transmitted simultaneously. Any sound that Winston made, above the level of a very low whisper, would be picked up by it, moreover, so long as he remained within the field of vision which the metal plaque commanded, he could be seen as well as heard. There was of course no way of knowing whether you were being watched at any given moment. How often, or on what system, the Thought Police plugged in on any individual wire was guesswork. It was even conceivable that they watched everybody all the time. But at any rate they could plug in your wire whenever they wanted to. You had to live -- did live, from habit that became instinct -- in the assumption that every sound you made was overheard, and, except in darkness, every movement scrutinized.”

In Oceania, it’s not enough to avoid committing a crime; you must also avoid thinking about it. Merely thinking a forbidden thought is a crime, known as thoughtcrime. The Thought Police exist to prevent such crimes. Even sexuality is forbidden (for Party members), and thinking about it is considered a crime.

“The sexual act, successfully performed, was rebellion. Desire was thoughtcrime. Even to have awakened Katharine, if he could have achieved it, would have been like a seduction, although she was his wife.”

The system is structured around the Leader (Big Brother), the Inner Party, the Outer Party, and the proletarians (the working class). Big Brother is never seen, but his extraordinary wisdom and infallibility have always guided the nation toward “good.” No one dares to think otherwise. If any evidence contradicts this narrative, the concept of doublethink comes into play. Doublethink is another tool developed by the Party, allowing its members to believe whatever is most convenient at any given moment.

“'It exists!' he cried. 

'No,' said O'Brien. He stepped across the room. There was a memory hole in the opposite wall. O'Brien lifted the grating. Unseen, the frail slip of paper was whirling away on the current of warm air; it was vanishing in a flash of flame. O'Brien turned away from the wall. 

'Ashes,' he said. 'Not even identifiable ashes. Dust. It does not exist. It never existed.' 

'But it did exist! It does exist! It exists in memory. I remember it. You remember it.' 

I do not remember it,' said O'Brien. 

Winston's heart sank. That was doublethink. He had a feeling of deadly helplessness. If he could have been certain that O'Brien was lying, it would not have seemed to matter. But it was perfectly possible that O'Brien had really forgotten the photograph.”

The Lowest Class: The Proles

Speaking of the proletarians, they are considered the lowest class in Oceania. The state often turns a blind eye to their minor “crimes.” Winston believes that if the system is ever to be overthrown, it will be the proles who have the power to do so. From the perspective of the ruling class, the proles are described as follows:

“They were born, they grew up in the gutters, they went to work at twelve, they passed through a brief blossoming- period of beauty and sexual desire, they married at twenty, they were middle-aged at thirty, they died, for the most part, at sixty. Heavy physical work, the care of home and children, petty quarrels with neighbours, films, football, beer, and above all, gambling, filled up the horizon of their minds. To keep them in control was not difficult.”

We’ve talked about telescreens, doublethink, and thoughtcrime, but there’s one more crucial element: Newspeak. Oceania has developed a new language to prevent thoughtcrime by eliminating words. The idea is that if words for “criminal” thoughts are removed, no one can commit thoughtcrime. Orwell calls this new language Newspeak, and it’s described as follows:

“You think, I dare say, that our chief job is inventing new words. But not a bit of it! We're destroying words -- scores of them, hundreds of them, every day. We're cutting the language down to the bone. The Eleventh Edition won't contain a single word that will become obsolete before the year 2050.'" 

 “'It's a beautiful thing, the destruction of words. Of course the great wastage is in the verbs and adjectives, but there are hundreds of nouns that can be got rid of as well. It isn't only the synonyms; there are also the antonyms. After all, what justification is there for a word which is simply the opposite of some other word? A word contains its opposite in itself. Take "good", for instance. If you have a word like "good", what need is there for a word like "bad"? "Ungood" will do just as well -- better, because it's an exact opposite, which the other is not. Or again, if you want a stronger version of "good", what sense is there in having a whole string of vague useless words like "excellent" and "splendid" and all the rest of them? "Plusgood" covers the meaning, or " doubleplusgood" if you want something stronger still. Of course we use those forms already. but in the final version of Newspeak there'll be nothing else. In the end the whole notion of goodness and badness will be covered by only six words -- in reality, only one word. Don't you see the beauty of that, Winston? It was B.B.'s idea originally, of course,' he added as an afterthought." 

The ending of 1984 is one of the most haunting and unforgettable in literature. Winston’s ultimate betrayal of Julia and his complete submission to the Party’s ideology is a devastating commentary on the power of totalitarianism to break the human spirit. The famous line, 'He loved Big Brother,' is a chilling reminder of how even the strongest individuals can be crushed by systemic oppression. Orwell leaves readers with no hope of redemption or revolution, forcing us to confront the bleak reality of a world where resistance seems futile. This uncompromising ending is what makes 1984 so powerful and enduring.

Final Thoughts

Nineteen Eighty-Four is a novel that defies simple explanation. To truly understand its depth, one must read it. Many view this book as a critique of totalitarian systems, but a closer reading reveals that it also critiques communist, capitalist, and democratic systems. Orwell’s vision is as relevant today as it was when it was first published, serving as a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked power and the erosion of individual freedom.

Whether you’re reading 1984 for the first time or revisiting it years later, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression. It challenges us to reflect on the world we live in and the freedoms we often take for granted. If you haven’t yet experienced Orwell’s masterpiece, I highly recommend picking up a copy. And if you’ve already read it, consider diving into his other works, such as Animal Farm or his essays, to further explore his insights into politics, power, and human nature.

First Edition Cover

About the Book:

Title: 1984 (Nineteen Eighty-Four)

Author: George Orwell

First Published: 1949

Publisher: Secker & Warburg

Number of Pages: 328

This is a book that demands to be read, discussed, and reflected upon. It’s not just a novel; it’s a mirror held up to society, revealing the potential consequences of our actions—or inactions.

See also: The Dark Side of Humanity: 20 Dystopian Books That Will Make You Question Everything

Frequently Asked Questions: Orwell's 1984

1. What is Orwell's main message in 1984?

George Orwell's 1984 serves as a warning against totalitarianism, mass surveillance, and the dangers of oppressive governments. The novel explores themes such as the manipulation of truth, the loss of individuality, and the power of language to control thought. Orwell emphasizes the importance of freedom, truth, and resistance against authoritarianism.

2. Is Nineteen Eighty-Four a good read?

Yes, Nineteen Eighty-Four is widely regarded as a masterpiece and a must-read. It is not only a gripping dystopian novel but also a profound commentary on political and social issues. Its themes remain relevant today, making it a thought-provoking and impactful read.

3. What is the summary of Nineteen Eighty-Four?

Set in a dystopian future, 1984 follows the life of Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the ruling Party in Oceania. The Party, led by the omnipresent Big Brother, controls every aspect of life, including history, language, and even thought. Winston secretly rebels against the Party's oppression, but his struggle for freedom and truth leads to devastating consequences.

4. Why was 1984 so famous?

1984 gained fame for its chilling portrayal of a totalitarian regime and its exploration of themes like surveillance, propaganda, and the erosion of individual freedoms. Its concepts, such as "Big Brother," "Thought Police," and "Newspeak," have become part of popular culture. The novel's relevance to real-world political systems has ensured its enduring impact.

5. What kind of book is 1984?

1984 is a dystopian novel that blends elements of science fiction, political fiction, and social commentary. It is often categorized as a classic and is studied in universities for its literary and philosophical significance. It also falls under the genres of speculative fiction and psychological thriller.

6. When was 1984 written?

George Orwell began working on the ideas for 1984 in 1944. The majority of the novel was written between 1947 and 1948. Orwell completed the manuscript on December 4, 1948, and the book was published on June 8, 1949. The title, 1984, is a reversal of the last two digits of the year it was finished (1948).

7. How many parts and pages does 1984 have?

1984 is divided into three parts and contains 23 chapters. The first edition of the novel has 328 pages, though page counts may vary depending on the edition and publisher.

8. What are some key themes in 1984?

Key themes in 1984 include totalitarianism, surveillance, censorship, the manipulation of truth, the power of language, and the loss of individuality. The novel also explores the psychological effects of oppression and the struggle for personal freedom.

9. Is 1984 based on real events?

While 1984 is a work of fiction, it is heavily influenced by real-world events and political systems. Orwell drew inspiration from the rise of totalitarian regimes in the 20th century, such as Nazi Germany and Stalinist Soviet Union. The novel reflects his concerns about the abuse of power and the erosion of democratic values.

10. What is "Newspeak" in 1984?

Newspeak is the official language of Oceania, designed by the Party to limit freedom of thought. By reducing the complexity of language, the Party aims to eliminate the possibility of rebellious or unorthodox ideas. Newspeak is a tool for controlling the minds of citizens and ensuring their loyalty to the regime.

11. Who is Big Brother in 1984?

Big Brother is the symbolic leader of the Party in Oceania. He represents the omnipresent surveillance and control exerted by the government. Although his existence is never confirmed, his image is everywhere, accompanied by the slogan "Big Brother is watching you," instilling fear and obedience in the citizens.

12. Why is 1984 still relevant today?

1984 remains relevant because its themes of government surveillance, censorship, and the manipulation of truth resonate with modern concerns. In an age of digital privacy issues, fake news, and authoritarian regimes, Orwell's warnings about the dangers of unchecked power continue to hold significance.

13. What is the significance of the ending of 1984?

The ending of 1984 is both tragic and thought-provoking. It highlights the ultimate triumph of the Party's control over Winston's mind, demonstrating the devastating effects of totalitarianism on the human spirit. The ending serves as a stark reminder of the importance of resisting oppression and preserving individuality.

14. Are there any film adaptations of 1984?

Yes, 1984 has been adapted into films and stage plays. The most notable film adaptation was released in 1984, directed by Michael Radford and starring John Hurt as Winston Smith. The novel has also inspired numerous other works in literature, film, and television.

15. What other books are similar to 1984?

If you enjoyed 1984, you might also like other dystopian classics such as Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, and Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale. These novels explore similar themes of societal control, oppression, and resistance.

Feel free to explore these questions and answers to deepen your understanding of George Orwell's 1984. If you have more questions, leave them in the comments below!