Lecture Notes: Overview of 1984 by George Orwell

Introduction

• Protagonist: Winston Smith
  • Engages in writing a diary, an act forbidden in the dystopian world
• Setting:
  • London, under the control of Big Brother
  • Characterized by:
    • Ubiquitous presence of Big Brother's face
    • Bleak, rundown environment
    • Food shortages, violence, constant danger
• Winston's Job: Works at the Ministry of Truth
  • Tasked with editing historical records to align with the party's present narrative

Rising Action

• Introduction of Julia:
  • Dark-haired girl who watches Winston
  • Passes him a note confessing her love
• Secret Relationship:
  • Rendezvous in secret locations, including a field
  • Develop a closer, intimate relationship
  • Often meet in a room above Mr. Charrington's shop
    • Mr. Charrington: A prole whom Winston trusts

Climax

• O'Brien's Involvement:
  • Party official Winston admires
  • Invites Winston to his flat to discuss the Brotherhood
  • Winston and Julia express desire to join the Brotherhood, a group opposed to the party
  • O'Brien tests their commitment
• Betrayal and Arrest:
  • Mr. Charrington reveals his true allegiance as a member of the Thought Police
  • Winston and Julia are arrested

Falling Action

• Torture in the Ministry of Love:
  • O'Brien tortures Winston using his greatest fear
  • Forces Winston to betray Julia
  • Breaks Winston's spirit and individual resistance
• Meeting in London:
  • Winston and Julia meet devoid of prior emotions
• Symbolism of Acceptance:
  • Winston writes "2 + 2 = 5" at a cafe, signifying acceptance of party's lies

Resolution

• Winston's Promotion:
  • Promoted within the Ministry of Truth
  • No longer cares about truth, fully indoctrinated
• Final Submission:
  • Ultimately learns to love Big Brother

The narrative of 1984 demonstrates the extreme control exerted by totalitarian regimes and the erasure of individual thought and resistance.