George Orwell's "Nineteen Eighty-Four" is something of a
prophecy. First published in 1949, it is a satirical
look
at totalitarianism and the balance of power in society.
These were topical issues at the time. It was just
after
the Second World War, when governmental situations were
in
turmoil and when the potentially destructive effect of
dictatorship was evident. In such a time of political
unrest, it was difficult to see a way
forward. "Nineteen
Eighty-Four" was a glimpse at what the future may hold
in
store.
Little did Orwell know how true his words would ring
even
over half a century later. Even today, the hard hitting
implications of the book have not lost their effect
over
the passing of time. It is in fact maybe even more
valid in
today's society, though at the time the author could
not
have foreseen this happening.
Many of the
concepts in the book have become a part of
modern reality and a lot of the words Orwell uses are
well
recognised in ordinary daily speech. Terms such as "big
brother", "room 101" and "thought police" are familiar
to
all of us. However it is not only the words with which
we
can
identify, but also their significance.
"Nineteen Eighty-Four" describes the ultimate 'nanny
state'. The hero of the story is Winston Smith,
struggling
against this dictatorial regime. This struggle is well
known to many in the world today. The question the book
raises is whether an individual can be successful in
staging a revolution or whether he will inevitably be
crushed by the system.
I feel that this book is an absolutely essential read
for
everybody. No matter what the background or nationality
of
the reader, I am sure that there is nobody who could
fail
to identify with some of the ideas and concepts
contained
in this book, which as well as being a political
commentary, is also an entertaining story.