George Orwell's 1984

[The Doctor]

Has anybody read this book? I'm reading it for my Grade 11 ENG3U (Grade 11 English, University Prep, for those of you unfamiliar with the couse codes at my school - probably most, if not all of you) culminating assignment. I LOVE THIS BOOK! IT'S AMAZING!

What do the rest of you think of it (if you've read it, of course)?

 

If you haven't read it, here is the basic idea:

 

"Newspeak, Doublethink, Big Brother, the Thought Police - George Orwell's world famous satire coined new and potent words of warning for us all.

In 1984 the world is divided into three parts: Oceania, Eastasia, and Eurasia, all perpetually at war. In Oceania, the Party has created a totalitarian state that annihilates all opposition. In the forefron of the Party stands Big Brother, a figure of almost mythical power.

The story of Winslow Smith's rebellion against the Party, of his hatred of Big Brother, and of the thoughtcrime which must result in his destrucction was first published in 1949. Now - in the eighties - our present and Orwell's brilliantly imagined future [my copy was printed in the eighties] - his vision of brutalized and manipulated humanity is still gripping and still suprememly relevant."

[El Sitherino]

Good book, great Bowie song aswell.

 

<_<

[Darth Groovy]

Yes it is, and if you like THAT David Bowie song, check out Diamond Dogs, which is an album that started out as the soundtrack to a musical based on Orwell's 1984 novel.

[Archon II]

I've read it twice, and I am starting it again for the 3rd time now...

 

Under the spreading chestnut tree

I sold you, and you sold me,

Here we lie and he lie they

Under the spreading chestnut tree...

 

I love that book!

[Hallucination]

Haven't read it, and despite all recommendations I won't get it and start reading it atleast until Christmas. School keeps me busy here.

[Emperor Devon]

I've read it, and I thought it was a very interesting book. It's not my favorite, though.

[MdKnightR]

I can remember when that book was so popular in the real 1984. It really sparked a lot of discussion at the time. You would think that I would have read it by now, but I haven't. Perhaps that will be the next book I pick up at the library.

[Prime]

It is an excellent read.

[stoffe]

I've read it twice (once in english and once in my native language). While it's a good book it is one of the most depressing books I've read, so I wouldn't exactly call it a favourite. There's enough things to be depressed about in real life that I really don't need that much fictional misery in addition.

 

If you liked 1984, check out "The Animal Farm" (I think that's the english title) by the same author for some more totalitarian misery.

[Darth InSidious]

Animal Farm is, IMO, the superior book. It's much more subtle in putting across its' points

[El Sitherino]

All animals are equal, some are just more equal than others.

[Darth InSidious]

^That has to be one of my favourite quotes of all time.

[El Sitherino]

It's also relevant to the forums.

[Darth InSidious]

LOL, well I'll have to remember not to question Darth333 then

[MdKnightR]

I remember reading Animal Farm when I was in high school. It was one of the most memorable things I ever read in English class.

[Darth InSidious]

^Likewise, actually.

The other book I remember reading was An Inspector Calls, which is dire...

[The Doctor]

Back to Nineteen Eighty Four...

I just finished it. What a sad ending. The last line is:

He loved Big Brother.

I hate that.

[stingerhs]

just one of his great novels. definately great reads.

[The Doctor]

^ I know he's a great author, I'm just trying to prevent the thread from getting locked by getting to off topic.

[Darth Rhaith]

I read it at least once a year along with Animal Farm. While it is a depressing book I find it more scary because someday it will be just like that.