Concetti Chiave
- The novel begins by depicting a society under complete government surveillance, where citizens' actions are monitored through telescreens and helicopters.
- Telescreens broadcast political and economic news while secretly monitoring individuals, leaving them isolated in silence and darkness.
- Big Brother's presence is ubiquitous through posters with a Stalin-like face, constantly reminding citizens that they are being watched.
- Winston Smith, the protagonist, is an ordinary man with a common surname, representing an anti-hero; his poor health reflects his internal struggles.
- Winston perceives London as a decaying city with malfunctioning infrastructure and bombed areas, enveloping the setting in a nightmarish atmosphere.
A world under surveillance
At the beginning of the novel, the narrator describes a world where the government has total control on the life of the citizens, whose private and public actions are watched through telescreens and helicopters.
As to telescreens, they give news about politics and economy and catch whatever people do and say. No one knows when the Though Police, whose task is of controlling and manipulating people’s thoughts and opinions connects itself to telescreens. As a consequence, you can only be alone in silence and darkness.
What is the presence of Big Brother?
Moreover, in streets and in buildings there are huge posters showing Big Brother: an enormous face with a thick black moustache and strong features which remind of Stalin. The eyes of Big Brother follow you when you move. The posters also have captions which read “Big Brother is watching you”.
Then the protagonist, Winston Smith, is introduced. His name reminds of Winston Churchill, but his surname, which is a very common one, makes him an ordinary man and a sort of anti-hero. Winston Smith has 39 years old and works for the Ministry of Truth. As to his physical appearance, he’s blond and rather small; his face is naturally of a red color and he has a varicose ulcer. His poor health mirrors his inner suffering.
A decaying London
Finally, London is described from Winston’s point of view. London is made up of decayed buildings where electricity and lifts don’t work. Moreover, it was bombed in many areas. The author creates a nightmarish atmosphere.
Winston tries to remember how London was when he was a child but his efforts are useless.
Domande da interrogazione
- How does the government maintain control over citizens in the novel's world?
- How is London depicted in the novel, and what does it signify?
The government exercises total control over citizens' lives by monitoring their private and public actions through telescreens and helicopters. Telescreens broadcast news and capture everything people do and say, while the Thought Police manipulate thoughts and opinions, ensuring individuals can only find solitude in silence and darkness.
London is portrayed as a decaying city with bombed areas, non-functional electricity, and lifts, creating a nightmarish atmosphere. This depiction reflects the protagonist Winston's inner turmoil and the oppressive environment, highlighting the stark contrast between past memories and present reality.
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