1984 is a timeless classic. Besides being a chilling story, and a source of numerous contributions to the English Language, the book paints a picture of the Future, too close to real life for comfort.
The book talks about Winston Smith, a typical employee of the state. In the future, the world is divided into three superpowers, relentlessly at war with each other. Orwell gives the reader a picture of a Stalinist society. Figure-heads ruling the masses, class demarkations, assembly line emotions and values, and total lack of individualism; all part of this society.
There is no doubt that the Big Brother is modelled on the Iron Man himself. The story reveals the slow ’’awakening’’ of Winston Smith, his discovery of love, passion, anarchy, and his inevitable capture by the system.
Though the story largely revolves around Winston, Orwell prefers to throw more light on the society and people he shares his life with. Even after repeated readings, you will seldom get a picture of Winston, you will get to know him very little. This probably goes with collective nature of his future.
Even in the love scenes, the reader will have a perfect picture of the room and environment in which they meet, but will have no image as such of the lovers. The, story, which remains devoid of emotion throughout, shows a little humanity when Orwell talks about the washerwoman.
If there any weakness in the book, it is the rather abrupt ending. Even if it is done purposefully, after the exquisite foreplay in the first few chapter, the story seems to end a little before full mental climax. This does emphasise the system, and the futility of resisting, people and pasts are rewritten in a flash.
1984 is an essential read for all genres. Eventhough it does not have the deep philosophy of a ’’Brave New World’’ or the satire of a ’’Catch-22’’, it makes you imagine, what if.....