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1984 George Orwell Book Summary

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1984 George Orwell Book Summary
Jacky Zou
Book Summary and Analysis
1984 George Orwell

In 1984 by George Orwell, Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the Party in London located in the nation of Oceania, faces a life of oppression and control. The Party watches Winston and everyone else through “telescreens” and displays their seemingly all-knowing leader, known as Big Brother, on the telescreens. The Party is also forcing a language called Newspeak, which prevents political rebellion by removing all words related to the subject. At the beginning of the novel, Winston Smith feels frustrated due to the Party’s oppression and strict control over everything. The Party prohibits free thought, sex, and any expression of individuality. Despite the prohibitions and oppression, Winston decides to illegally purchase a diary to write his thoughts in. Winston has also become interested on a powerful Party member named O’Brien, whom (according to Winston’s beliefs) is a secret member of the Brotherhood. The Brotherhood is a mysterious group that works to overthrow the Party.
Winston Smith works in the Ministry of Truth, where he changes historical records to fit the demands of the Party. Later, Winston notices a coworker, a beautiful dark-haired girl, staring at him and worries that she is an informant who plans to turn him in for his “thought-crime” (thinking of rebellion against the party). According to the Party, Emmanuel Goldstein, the alleged leader of the Brotherhood, is the most dangerous man alive, however Winston doubts the Party. A few days later, Winston receives a note from the mysterious dark-haired girl, Julia, which reads “I love you”. Winston and Julia begin a secret affair and rent a room above the store where Winston bought the diary. As the affair continues, Winston’s hatred towards the Party grows more intense. Soon, Winston receives a message from O’Brien stating that he wants to see Winston. O’Brien, a powerful member of the Inner Party who leads a luxurious life, confirms to
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