George Orwell is my most favourite writer and I love all his writings. 1984 has achieved cult status and has been translated in many languages. Many die hard supporters of communism do not like this book and try to find a fowl play about this book and ’’Animal Farm’’. However, they fail to see the fact that Orwell did not satire communism rather he only satirized the way it is implemented in contemporary Soviet Union under the brutal regime of Stalin. The best thing with this book is that you do not have to be an expert on communism, Soviet Union or contemporary history. We often hear the idea that to achieve greater good sometimes it is necessary to sacrifice or destroy the life and comfort of some individuals. This is the thing that Stalin or other communist leaders tried to say directly or indirectly. Orwell does not agree with this view and he has taken his stand in this great political satire.
Even though it is a political satire the focus of the novel is on the everyday human life. Orwell has tried to show how the life of ordinary people can be badly affected when there is no democracy or freedom of opinion. All the autocratic regimes talk in the same tone. They try to show that they are real patriots and everyone who opposes them is a threat to the welfare of the society and therefore should be stopped or eliminated. They always try to fool the people with their own state run media. Only in the democratic countries the voice of the opposition parties are tolerated.
Under an autocratic regime there can not be any mental peace, as people can not think, feel or act freely. Winston Smith, the hero of the novel, tries to find comfort at the existing system but this makes him only lonelier. He gets disillusioned abut everything. He met Julia and they soon fell in love. Most of the critics do not give importance to this love affair. They are too much taken away by the idea of political satire. However, to me, the relationship between Winston and Julia is the thing to note and enjoy while reading this novel. They loved each other deeply but could not marry because of the existing condition in 1984. Both of them were aware of the danger that was ahead due to their intimacy but they took the risk because they realized the value of love and life. Many of us take for granted many things in life- the care and support of parents love of the spouse and respect from the children. Those of who live in a democratic society can not imagine the mental torture that a person goes under a regime where there is no democracy and freedom.
This novel has helped me to realize not to take the above mentioned things for granted. AT the same time, in the third world society love marriage is not considered to be something nice and acceptable. Many of us have to suffer the pain of not marrying the man or woman we love due to socio-economical conditions. Even many of us often sacrifice love for the sake of career. In 1984 both Winston and Julia had stable career with decent income and yet nothing could fill the emptiness in their heart until they fell in love with each other. There were many obstacles infront of them but they realized that it was better to fight and die with honour for love then to surrender to emptiness.
Thus in the end I like to again remind the readers to look to the aspect of love this novel has to offer.