Symbols abound in this famous dystopian work by George Orwell: the glass paperweight, the telescreens, and Big Brother – the figure that symbolizes the Party and the dangers of totalitarian regimes.
Big Brother is the supreme ruler of Oceania, the leader of the Party, the architect of the Revolution that brought the Party to power. The Party uses the image of Big Brother to instill a sense of loyalty and fear in the people. The actions and intentions of all are monitored by the government as a means of controlling and suppressing the will of the people.
1984 is a satire, a prophecy, a warning, a political treatise, a work of science fiction, a work of espionage, a psychological thriller, a gothic nightmare, a postmodern text, a love story.
1984 has not only sold tens of millions of copies, but it has also penetrated the consciousness of countless people, even those who have never read it. The phrases and concepts that Orwell crafted have become essential elements of political language and remain powerful after decades of use, even misuse: Big Brother, Thought Police, Room 101, the Hate Minute, doublethink, the unperson, the memory hole, the telescreen, 2 + 2 = 5, and the Ministry of Truth.
