George Orwell

INFOGRAPHIC

George Orwell

who was george orwell?

George Orwell was a 20th-century British writer and journalist, known for his novels. His writing is characterized by a clear and direct style, with strong political and social content. Orwell is considered one of the most lucid and influential voices of the twentieth century.

hystory setting

The novel “1984” by George Orwell was written after WWII, during the Cold War, depicting a dystopian society where totalitarian regimes control everything, manipulate truth, and suppress freedom.

Main characters

• Winston Smith – Protagonist who works at the Ministry of Truth and doubts the regime, seeking freedom.
• Julia – Winston’s young lover, also at the Ministry, more rebellious.
• O’Brien – Member of the Inner Party, appears to be an ally but is loyal to the Party and tortures him.
• Big Brother – Symbolic and omnipresent figure of absolute power, representing total control.
• Emmanuel Goldstein – The Party’s main enemy, author of the critical book and opponent (real or fictitious).

INFOGRAPHIC

George Orwell

the plot

Winston Smith lives in London, in Oceania, one of the totalitarian states ruled by Big Brother. He works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites documents to fit the Party’s propaganda. Tired of the oppression, he begins to question the regime and starts a secret relationship with Julia, a young rebel like him. Together they dream of freedom, but they are betrayed and arrested. O’Brien, who seemed to be their ally, reveals himself as loyal to the Party and tortures them until their resistance is broken. In the end, Winston denies Julia and fully submits, learning to love Big Brother.

main themes

Totalitarianism and absolute power

Individual vs. state

Psychological control and indoctrination

Surveillance and loss of privacy

Language and thought control

Manipulation of truth and history

Rebellion and conformity