Figurative Language and Imagery

The book uses objects and images as symbolism.

For example:

The telescreens and Big Brother symbolize the Party’s strict control and how easily they can manipulate the people with their propaganda. It also shows how they enforce the laws to make sure no one steps out of line.

The imagery used helps set the mood and tells the reader about the setting.

For example:

“Outside, even through the shut window pane, the world looked cold. Down in the street little eddies of wind were whirling dust and torn paper into spirals, and though the sun was shining and the sky a harsh blue, there seemed to be no color in anything except the posters that were plastered everywhere.”(pg 2)
The imagery of the outside tells us how the world has no life; it gives us the mood of sadness.

Emotion

This book was very interesting to read but scary to think about. It made me think about my society. What would happen if every freedom I have now was all sudden take away? I believe I would want rebel but there is always that fear what would happen if I did.

Major Themes

The book tells us how dangerous it can be if we give our government too much power. For example a totalitarian system. It also shows how a man can be an outcast to society if he does not share the same ideology.

Central Conflicts

The conflict in the book is the individual trying to go against the government.

Internal Conflict:

Throughout the novel, Winston struggles with the Party and doesn’t know if to trust everything they tell him. In the end, he is brainwashed into buying into whatever Big Brother says.

External Conflict:

The Party does everything in their power to make sure that the citizens don’t rebel.

Setting

Place : London, England “Airstrip One”

Time :1984

Mood: Frustrated with the Party

Social conditions: Dystopia, Everone is forced to follow the Party and can’t disobeyed or they will be punished

Essential Plot Elements

Exposition: As the novel opens, Winston Smith, a member of the Outer Party dislikes the Party because they prohibit free thought, sex, and individuality. He has committed a crime by purchasing diary which he uses to express his thoughts.

Rising Action: Winston works in the Ministry of Truth and alter documents to fit the Party. The Party claim that the Brotherhood is bad but this does not seem plausible to Winston, as his hatred for the Party grows more and more intense. He receives the message from O’Brien. Winston wants to join the Brotherhood.

Climax: Winston is tortured in Room 101.

Falling Action: Winston spends time in a café after being released from prison.

Denouement: Winston’s spirit is broken. He is released to the outside world. He meets Julia, but no longer feels anything for her. He has learned to love Big Brother.

Source:

http://www.enotes.com/1984/q-and-a/

Important Characters

Winston Smith

He is a member of the Outer Party. He is 39 years old.He keeps a journal of his thoughts and opinions about the Party and Big Brother. He is an outsider compared to everyone else. He wants to join the Brotherhood so he can rebel against the Party. He has an affair with Julia. In the end he is betrayed by O’Brien and brainwashed.

Julia

She repairs the ministry's novel-writing machines. She is young and beautiful. She has an affair with Winston.She is not as serious about the rebellion as Winston.

O’Brien

He is a member of the Inner Party but tells Winston he is a member of the Brotherhood. He betrays Winston and becomes his torturer and brainwashes him.