1984

1984 1984 by George Orwell (1903 - 1950) Type of Work: Futuristic, cautionary novel Setting London, in the mythical country of Oceania; 1984 (in the future) Principal Characters Winston Smith, a rebel against society Julia, his lover Mr. Charrington, an elderly antique shop owner O'Brien, the only member of the Inner Party Winston trusts Story Overview As Winston Smith entered his apartment building, he passed a familiar poster. "It was one of those pictures which are so contrived that the eyes follow you about when you move. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU, the caption beneath it ran." Then Winston opened the door to his flat to be greeted by a voice on his "telescreen" - a device he could dim, but never shut off completely. Telescreens broadcasted government propaganda and served as the eyes and ears of the Thought Police, who scrutinized everyone for any possible deviation from acceptable thought or action. In the flat was a tiny alcove just out of sight from the telescreen's vision. Winston sat down to write in his diary, an act that was not officially illegal "but if detected it was reasonably certain that it would be punished by death . . . " While he sat writing, a recent 1984, orwell, george, winston, o'brien, room, julia, party, one, girl, love, against, 101, two, thought, shop, now, ministry, even, brother, big, between, back, world, week, telescreen, sometimes, mr, just, himself, eyes, day, brotherhood, both, always, 1984, yet, work