Written years before what the title indicates, "
1984" explores the possibilities of creating a utilitarian society where
no one is able to know the truth, and freedom is a choice between following the rules and death. Through the character of Winston Smith, we explore a world reminiscent and futuristic at the same time of an "England" overcome by a communist ideology, under the steady and discriminating gaze of Big Brother. The actual novel is divided into two parts, the first presenting the world where Winston Smith finds himself rebelling against, and the second presenting the consequences of his choices. The narration of events through the perspective of Winston allows that discriminating eye upon the society he lives in, while at the same time the fear he experiences the moment he begins to criticize what he observes. In the first book, the reader is presented with startling manifestations of hatred and manslaughter, and how it had become an accepted normalcy in society; anyone who goes against the accepted beliefs or traditions or perhaps even thinks of anything (which is detected by the Thought Police) is "erased" from existence. In the second book, Winston Smith experiences love for the first time, though is perhaps unaware of it, and goes through the hair-raising challenges in being able to maintain this love affair. In the end, his decisions lead him to realizations about his society, that one man against the world is too lofty a dream.