Lecture Notes on "1984" by George Orwell

Background and Influences

• George Orwell, author of "1984," attended a prestigious boys' boarding school in England.
• He studied French under Aldous Huxley, known for "Brave New World."
  • Both authors' dystopian novels are frequently compared.

Creation of "1984"

• A movie adaptation, starring John Hurt, was filmed in 1984.
  • Scenes like Winston's diary entry on April 4th were filmed on the actual date in the novel.
• Orwell was terminally ill with tuberculosis during the writing.
  • Lived on a remote Scottish island without electricity.
  • Urgency to complete the novel before his death; he passed away seven months post-publication.

Key Themes and Cultural Impact

• Big Brother: Symbolizes the omnipresent government surveillance, inspired modern reality TV shows like "Big Brother."
• Original Title: "The Last Man in Europe," signifying individual thought, was changed for commercial appeal.
• Educational Controversy: Richard Wyman, a teacher, was initially fired for keeping "1984" on his reading list.
  • Compromise reached: the book remained for college prep students on a voluntary basis.

Inspiration and Comparisons

• Thought Police: Inspired by the Tokko, a Japanese secret police division suppressing "dangerous thoughts."
• Similarity to "We" by Yevgeny Zamyatin:
  • Orwell's work borrowed plot and character elements but achieved greater cultural significance.
• Modern Surveillance Concerns:
  • Post-2013 NSA revelations led to a surge in "1984" sales.

Orwell's Slogans and Historical Context

• "Two plus two equals five": A slogan from "1984," reflecting imposed false truths.
  • Originated from a Communist Party slogan during the first five-year plan (1928-1932).

Conclusion

• Orwell's "1984" remains a crucial work for examining themes of surveillance and personal freedom.

These notes summarize the key points from the lecture, focusing on Orwell's influences, the novel's cultural impact, and its ongoing relevance.