1984 George Orwell

Nineteen Eighty Four (1949) is a famous dystopian fiction novel written by Eric Blair, who is more commonly known under the pen name of George Orwell. The story is set in ‘Airstrip One’ a future, run-down and fictional version of London, this similarity spurs Orwell's criticism of the way the world he sees works. Winston Smith, the main protagonist, is a man who struggles and feels trapped under the strict rule of the Party and throughout the story seeks to find people who share the same views as himself. A famous quote from Margaret Atwood states that; ‘In Dystopias, characters battle environmental ruin, technological control and government oppression.’. Nineteen Eighty Four conforms to this idea as Orwell includes codes and conventions throughout

Through the course of the novel, the way in which the Party (INGSOC) rule is addressed and criticised, which relates to many oppressive rulers seen prior. Winston’s journey of self through the story allows the audience to experience more personal aspects of life under oppressive leaders.

Through the whole Nineteen Eighty Four, Orwell addresses the extent of Environmental Ruin through imagery and descriptive language. This allows the reader to discern the larger picture and the setting in which the novel takes place. On the first page, this negative language is used to describe the degradation of the environment, such as ‘too large’, ‘vile’ and ‘gritty’. This immediately gives the reader a sense of uneasiness about the world in which Winston is living. Later in the novel, while Winston is roaming the streets of the Proles, Orwell sets the scene for the readers by describing the ‘puddles of filthy water’, ‘dark doorways’ and ‘narrow alleyways’ swarmed with people. From the setting it is clear how unkept the Airstrip is and how there is social division between the weak and the powerful in the social classes. It is known that

Orwell mentions this through Julia that the only way the Party rules is through fear and sadness. Julia states; ‘if you're happy inside yourself, why should you get excited about Big Brother and the Three Year Plan and the Two Minute Hate’ pg. 139. The 'Standard' of the 'Standard'. This then links to why the Party can not allow love, real relationships and marriage. Even bonds between children and their parents are stifled, as in school children are taught that loyalty to the Party is more important than family bonds, much like the Nazi Youth in Nazi Germany who were exactly taught this. By indoctrinating the youth, the Party reduces the possibilities of Thought, Crime and disloyalty from a young age. Through the novel the idea of ‘doublethink’ is touched on, this concept involves an individual accepting and believing two ideas which contradict citizens. Using ‘doublethink’ allows the Party to correct mistakes, control the past and rewrite history. Another convention is that technological control is evident everywhere. The Telescreans, while showing constant propaganda, also consistently spy on individuals. Winston states; ‘There was of course no way of knowing whether you were being watched at any given moment.’ p.45. This displays how careful and afraid individuals have to be of technological surveillance and ‘Thought Police’ which is a common convention in