1984 Background Setting London England AKA Airstrip One

“ 1984” Background

Setting London, England – AKA Airstrip One Story was written in 1949; therefore, The year 1984 – really just some time in the future Government – totalitarian dictatorship Big Brother: Human symbol for the government; glorified persona Inner Party: Intellectuals devoted to the party Outer party: Powerless middle class The proles: “Subhuman workers” – the poor

Setting Cont… Regions: Oceania: N. and S. America, Britain, Australia, S. Africa Eurasia: Russia, Western and Eastern Europe Eastasia: China Land up for Grabs: Middle East and Norther Africa Regions constantly at war over territory; use war to subjugate citizens

What Orwell saw Story is based off of Orwell’s observations of WWII – the atrocities and rise of dictators Warns against: Totalitarian governments Use of science and technology to regulate and brainwash society Distortion of truth through rhetoric Restricting of individual freedoms

Cont… Economic Depression of the 1930 s High unemployment Shortage of money, housing, food Restrictions on daily life and rations Beginning of the Cold War Rise of communism Iron Curtain vs. Countries protected by U. S.

Terms to Know: Newspeak: official language of Oceania, words are condensed and simplified resulting in less thought Ingsoc: English socialism; principles guide Oceania Telescreen: two way television screen

Big Brother is the perceived ruler of Oceania -- he looks like a combination of Hitler and Stalin Big Brother’s God-like image is stamped on coins and projected on telescreens -- his face is unavoidable

Doublethink is the manipulation of the mind by making people accept contradictions Doublethink makes people believe that the Party is the only institution that knows right from wrong “The Ministry of Truth” (where Winston works) changes history, facts, and memories to promote Doublethink

Brotherhood The Brotherhood is an underground rebellion organization lead by Emmanuel Goldstein