1984 - Ignorance is strength. Disinformation for the masses..

1984

Author: George Orwell
Publisher: Secker and Wurburg; London
Date: 1948

Working, eating, drinking, sleeping, talking, thinking, all are watched over by the state. Even the slightest disobedience can be detected by 'Big Brother' through such state instruments as the Thought Police, telescreen, or even your own children, who will report you to the authorities. Language is modified in such ways that you cannot express yourself. Though there is mass-communication, it is one-way. Citizens do not speak to each other. Winston Smith's job is to change history to suit The Party and portray them in a positive light. However when he writes "DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER" in his diary, he attracts unwanted attention. Though written in the third person, 1984 is presented from Winston's point of view. Due to this when the twists do come, the reader is as unprepared for them as Winston is himself. Though 1984's pacing is slow, it is deliberate and filled with tension.