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I've recently started reading 1984 by George Orwell. This was one of the novels that I was always informed but never got my hands a hold of. I specifically remember discussions about this book in my freshman world history class. Orwell critiques the notions and practices of totalitarian regimes by establishing one of his very own. 1984 is set in Oceania-- a place where the Party scrutinizes human actions with ever-watchful Big Brother. The party itself maintain three slogan: the party's three slogans: "War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength." This was created to manipulate the population of Oceania. To the people, however, the slogan simply means that world peace cannot be obtained without war, that their ignorance promoted optimism. If the public knew the true state of which Oceania was in and how they had been fooled and manipulated, they would rebel, and thus take away the Party's power. To the Party, this slogan keeps the public in check via the "scare tactic". Why so? Because a frightened population is easier to manipulate.

Winston, the main character, lives in a society where individuals and independent thinking are persecuted. Everywhere Winston goes, the government has direct control over its people, whether it be through censorship, surveillance, or propaganda. For instance, it invented language called Newspeak, which attempts to prevent political rebellion by eliminating all the words related to it. If one even thinks rebellious thoughts then they are violating the law--known as "thoughtcrime." Winston commits this crime by keeping a diary. Although it is illegal, it provides him the platform to express his freedom that is constantly oppressed by the government. In fact, the governments overpowering control carries along with him in his day to day job. He works in the Ministry of Truth, which is responsible for propaganda and historical revisionism. His job is to rewrite past newspaper articles and destroy documents that do not contain the revisions, so that the historical record always supports the party line. I do not even want to imagine what it would be like living in a society like that.

Not to mention, the government sees EVERYTHING that you are doing. The party is able to oversee it's citizens actions through the use of telescreens and televisions. They even utilized children as a means of keeping tabs on their parents. The notion that "Big Brother is Watching You" instills fear in the people and reminds that their every move is under surveillance. One thing I admired about Winston was his desire to defy conventionality. Although one's ability to love others (which I find absolutely ridiculous) is banned by the government, Winston ends up establishing a relationship with a female character named Julia. By reading this novel I was truly witnessing the journey of one's fight against an oppressive regime. 

Overall, I truly enjoy reading this book. So far it has captivated my attention and enticed me with its plot. The more I read it this dystopian novel more I appreciate and value the freedom and personal rights that I am able to practice today. Orwell's work is making a move to earn a spot on my list of favorite novels.