1984-George Orwell -The Best and The Worst Novel I’ve Read

“The best books are those that tell you what you know already.” – George Orwell, 1984.
This is what epitomizes ‘1984’ for me. It’s a novel that prophesies a future for mankind
that, especially being a history student, I’d already pondered upon.
Orwell’s curation is a spectacle in the history of literature and to this day, has an
enduring potency in the especially dystopian genre. The novel is a depiction of
totalitarianism and its matchless power, amalgamating an anti-utopian masterpiece.
Allow me to openly exercise doublethink when I say that ‘1984’ is one of my favourite and
least favourite novels.

The Story Behind the Writing

‘1984’ was intended to be a Cold War novel as at the time of Stalin’s rise and the Great
Depression, many envisioned an entirely socialist world. The story encircles a world
split into three super states: Oceania, Eurasia, and East Asia. In reality, an international
three-way split did ensue during the Cold War.
The divisions were the USA and its allies, the Soviet Union, and ‘Third World’ countries
that weren’t aligned with either superpower. However, Orwell didn’t care for the USA
and thus cultivated a socialist utopia in ‘1984’. His representation was so moving that
the word ‘Orwellian’ is now used when discussing politically tyrannical subjects.

The Eternal Influence of the Novel 1984

Wholly, what makes the novel so renowned is its lasting influence; the notion of the plot
being a future in which we are all Winstons. It’s a psychological play. Speaking of a
psychological play, let’s talk about the political party in the novel, Ingsoc.
The party’s ideals are “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.”. This
in itself amplifies doublethink as it simultaneously believes in two contradictory ideas.
Such acts of linguistic manipulation complement Orwell’s social commentary.
‘Doublethink’, along with other words such as ‘thoughtcrime’ ,is part of today’s English
dictionary.
This seemingly eternal significance of ‘1984’ is caused by the Lindy Effect.
This is a theory stating that a piece’s future relevance is proportional to how admired it
is in the present. Since the novel was discussed for years after its release, according to
the Lindy Effect, it will continue to be popular for that many years once again.

Moving on to other aspects of ‘1984’. Throughout the story, Orwell incessantly speaks of
freedom: “Freedom is slavery” and “Is the freedom to say that two plus two equals four.”
This idea’s malleability is a major aspect of the storyline.
The final brainwashing Winston experiences in the socialist society cajole him that two
plus two equals five. This concept of successfully convincing one of something false is
part of what makes the book so disturbing.
This harrowing depiction of anti-utopia where the government writes reality and ever-
changing propaganda makes up people’s daily lives adds to the same.
The book wouldn’t have gotten such fame if it wasn’t so very perturbing.

WHY 1984 WAS CRITICISED

Like every esteemed novel, ‘1984’ receives a ton of criticism. Firstly, it’s a tedious read.
It took me three tries over a few months to finish it. The opening is extremely boring but
as the chapters go on, the story gets a lot denser and not necessarily in a good way.
Moreover, it reeks of misogyny. The idea of a woman not having a mind of her own is
constantly reiterated. Julia, the only significant female character in the novel, is
objectified by Winston and isn’t even portrayed to be fazed by it.
Furthermore, since it’s so famous, most readers go into the novel expecting something
spectacular.
‘1984’ is far from it. That was more than enough reasoning for you to skip the novel but I
urge you to read it. It’s challenging and contentious but extremely moving. In my
opinion, if a book makes you think, it is worth reading.
‘1984’ is striking and will unquestionably make you think. That doesn’t change the fact
that it is one of the worst novels I’ve read.

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