Nineteen eighty four is one of the famous novel of the Britannic author George Orwell.
This book is considered as an anticipation novel.
He introduces us to a world dominated by dictatorships, in which freedom of expression is not allowed, in which thoughts are controlled and propaganda everywhere.
The extract we have studied is quite representative of the whole book.
Indeed according to the point of view of Winston, the main character, we have a description of a very dark and oppressive atmosphere : he depicts a cold world, with no color.
The only one is posters everywhere on which is written in capital letters BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU.
Moreover, the author uses verbs associated with ways of looking, like look, snoop into, gaze, watch.
It contributes to make the atmosphere oppressive, to give the impression that you are always spied.
And it’s the case ! indeed, the hero sees at his window a patrol in an helicopter witch look into every habitations.
He mentions the thoughts police as well.
It’s totally out of one’s mind : people can be seen as well as heard by the way of telescreen present in every habitation.
George Orwell denounces among others the totalitarian regime of his time.
The name of the story for example: 1984 is a reference to the rise of the communist in 1948, and some elements of the story are inspired of this regime and of the Nazism too.
This story is still up to date, with the current totalitarian regimes all around the world and the terrorism that is on the upswing.
Nothing has changed : The environment is still oppressive, stifling.
We have to be careful, even in our “free” countries we are spied through new technologies.
November 2016
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