1984, Orwell

Brill · 10-27-2003, 12:21 AM

I have to read this for a Lit. class.

I understand the basic jist, but can I get peoples opinions on the book?

Likes and Dislikes-etc.

The Gaffer · 10-27-2003, 05:31 AM

This book is both terrifying and one of the most important works of 20th century literature.

Sadly, it probably shouldn't be in the "fantasy & sci-fi" bracket, simply because it's turning out to be more like a documentary.

It's 20 years since I read it, but one thing that's always stuck in my mind are the songs that the proles sing to distract themselves from the reality under which they're living. I think of this every time another Pop Idol competition gets going or some celebrity gets a new hair cut.

sun-star · 10-27-2003, 06:19 AM

1984 has to be the most disturbing book I've ever read. I don't think we're necessarily as close to it today as people sometimes claim, but the potential for moving in that direction is clearly there. Another thing about Orwell is that he gave us a language of totalitarianism (Big Brother etc), so that now we have those terms, we can recognise the things themselves. Does that make sense? Hopefully 1984 will act as a warning against allowing our society to go that way.

10-27-2003, 12:21 AM	#1
Brill Elven Warrior Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Chateau d'lf Posts: 122	1984, Orwell I have to read this for a Lit. class. I understand the basic jist, but can I get peoples opinions on the book? Likes and Dislikes-etc. __________________ A boy's will is the wind's will, and the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts.

10-27-2003, 06:19 AM	#3
sun-star Lady of Letters Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Either Oxford or Kent, England Posts: 2,476	1984 has to be the most disturbing book I've ever read. I don't think we're necessarily as close to it today as people sometimes claim, but the potential for moving in that direction is clearly there. Another thing about Orwell is that he gave us a language of totalitarianism (Big Brother etc), so that now we have those terms, we can recognise the things themselves. Does that make sense? Hopefully 1984 will act as a warning against allowing our society to go that way. __________________ And all the time the waves, the waves, the waves Chase, intersect and flatten on the sand As they have done for centuries, as they will For centuries to come, when not a soul Is left to picnic on the blazing rocks, When England is not England, when mankind Has blown himself to pieces. Still the sea, Consolingly disastrous, will return While the strange starfish, hugely magnified, Waits in the jewelled basin of a pool.

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10-27-2003, 05:31 AM	#2
The Gaffer Elf Lord Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: In me taters Posts: 3,288	This book is both terrifying and one of the most important works of 20th century literature. Sadly, it probably shouldn't be in the "fantasy & sci-fi" bracket, simply because it's turning out to be more like a documentary. It's 20 years since I read it, but one thing that's always stuck in my mind are the songs that the proles sing to distract themselves from the reality under which they're living. I think of this every time another Pop Idol competition gets going or some celebrity gets a new hair cut.