Literary Analysis #2: 1984 by George Orwell

1.       Briefly summarize the plot of the novel you read.

George Orwell’s 1984 is a novel about Winston Smith living in a country with a totalitarian government. The totalitarian government is known as The Party throughout the novel. Every measure is taken so that no one will be able to rebel or go against The Party. The party has put laws into place forbidding any rebellious thoughts or actions and therefore takes away each of its citizens individuality. Every citizen is carefully observed through cameras and other means to make sure no laws are broken. Many are scared to start or even think about an insurrection due the possibilities of spies. Winston Smith is an average citizen except for the fact that he hates The Party. He writes many of his thoughts in his diary so that he won’t be punished for speaking out. One day he is passed a letter from a woman named Julia that says “I love you.” Winston thinks this is a trap because love is forbidden and that The Party is setting him up. Eventually he learns that it is not a trap and the two have an affair. The two frequently rent a room above a store. Winston becomes interested with an organization known as The Brotherhood. The Brotherhood works in secret to go against The Party. Winston is contacted by O’Brien who is the leader of The Brotherhood. Winston and Julia meet up with O’Brien who gives them an introduction The Brotherhood and indoctrinates them. Winston and Julia meet up in the rented room where they are seized by The Party. They are taken to the Ministry of Love where Winston is tortured through his worst fear in turning against his rebellious views and his love, Julia. He is “taught” to love The Party and to be loyal.

2.       Succinctly describe the theme of the novel. Avoid cliches.

1984 has a pretty clear theme. That the government given enough power can censor and control its citizens. In short the government could to some extent influence a citizen’s thoughts and actions. Of course it won’t be as extreme as that in 1984 but is in many ways the same. Even in modern societies throughout the world a nation’s government tries to censor its citizens by censoring the internet. In countries such as China it does not allow a person to type “independence” into a search site. The USA is also facing many censorship bills that hope to limit what people can write on the internet. It is evident that modern society is heading down a path of limited free speech just like in 1984.

3.       Describe the author's tone.  Include three excerpts that illustrate your point(s).

The author’s tone throughout the novel is paranoid, dark, and frustration.

·         “If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—for ever.” I think this shows the dark tone of George Orwell. It tells of a scary and dark future.

·         “If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself.” This quote shows the paranoid tone of George Orwell. It is saying how The Party will find out your secrets if you aren’t careful.

·         “Big Brother is Watching You.” This quote in itself explains the paranoid tone of George Orwell.

4.       Describe five literary elements/techniques you observed that strengthen your understanding of the theme and/or your sense of the tone.  Include three excerpts (for each element) that will help your reader understand each one.

·         One of the biggest literary techniques used by George Orwell was the point of view. The story was told from the point of view of Winston Smith. This had a huge impact on the tone throughout the novel and that it is obvious why.  Winston was often paranoid that he will be found out and that has gives the novel a paranoid tone.

·         George Orwell also uses a little foreshadowing. These give the novel a dark and eerie feel to it. For example the St. Clements Church theme song is, “Here comes a chopper to chop off your head.” That is creepy and most certainly dark.

·         Suspense is a technique used by George Orwell to set the mood and setting. The constant thought of Winston and Julia getting caught or not keeps the reader in suspense, therefore, creates a feeling of uncertainty.

·         The use of symbolism is a way for George Orwell to give The Party a face. The posters of Big Brother and monitors are symbols that let the citizens know that The Party is watching them.

·         George Orwell uses both direct and indirect characterizations in his novel. Direct characterization is used to describe the character’s physical appearance and their jobs. For example it says Winston works in the Ministry of Truth and that Julia is a dark haired woman. Indirect characterization is used to find out the character’s personality and motives. For example Winston writing in his diary shows he harbors some rebellious thoughts against The Party and that shows he is rebellious himself. Julia is shown to be optimistic when she believes that her affair with Winston will never be found out.

Characterization

1. George Orwell uses direct characterization to describe the characters appearance and their traits such as being intelligent. When Winston sees Julia for the first time it directly describes her appearance. The author also describes Winston as being intelligent due to his job. Orwell uses indirect characterization through the characters actions and thoughts. He reveals Winston's revolutionary thoughts through Winston's journal telling the reader he was rebellious.
2. Orwell does not change diction or syntax when focusing on a character.
3. Winston is dynamic because he changes throughout the novel due to outside influence. He becomes more courageous and daring due to Julia and the Brotherhood. Winston is also a round character because at first he's a coward but then he becomes brave then back to a coward.
4. I felt like I came away from meeting a character. I wasn't able to relate to the character or his situation so it didn't feel as real to me.