(Not everyone can handle authority well) That is not true. Oceania is a corrupted society that is overly manipulated and contrived. The names of the four ministries that assist in governing are binary opposites to their purposes. What I mean is that the ministry of Truth alters the news, entertainment, education and the arts; the ministry of Love performs interrogations and tortures to maintain law and order; the ministry of Peace is concerned with war and the ministry of Plenty controls rations and the economic affairs of the country. Even their official language, Newspeak, contains words that are oxymoronic. The example blackwhite, as one word, is explained in the novel. Qu3 ‘…ever believed the contrary.’
(The way dictators’ rule) Yes, 1984 thoroughly exploits the discourses of government and authority, where the state inevitably prevails and the individual is powerless to rebel. Winston Smith, the protagonist of the novel, represents a struggle against this tyranny, as he still possesses his own thoughts and emotions. The plot follows his actions and thinking, which privileges his character and the readers are stirred to fight with him for freedom; although he eventually commits to Big Brother. Besides, Winston is constructed as an unhealthy, weak and elderly character with a varicose ulcer above his right ankle, that he is in fact an anti-hero. I believe the novel is purposely written this way to emphasise on the mighty and fearsome power of the state, positioning us to further loathe totalitarianism.
Julia indeed has a different attitude and ideals compared to Winston. As you have said, she is young; therefore she is not as keen as Winston in rebelling, only as the author described ‘wanted a good time,’ and Julia said so herself, ‘they, meaning the Party, wanted to stop you having it; you broke the rules as best you could.’ Julia is the character that breathes life into the novel as she is youthful and exciting; however, her character also reflects the behaviour of the young generation in the society, where they utterly trust and support Big Brother to even betray their parents and cost their lives. This further expresses the horrors of that society and its ability to influence and transform people into wards and puppets of the state that are manipulated and controlled.
(Aim towards nowadays) It is true in a sense that 1984 reflects our world in the present, especially in terms of the abusive nature of authoritarian governments. The technological surveillance in our society can soon match the telescreen in the novel. For our audiences who don’t know what a telescreen is, Qu4.
(Final say) Of course, 1984 is a profoundly described novel in which the readers are invited to, in a way, experience the life in a totalitarian society built on lies, where the citizens are completely brainwashed and scrupulously observed in every aspect with no escape. The Party understands that rebellions are unavoidable, as the plot follows Winston; however, the state inevitably triumphs in any circumstances. 1984 is a worthwhile and exiting read that I recommend to each of you in the audience.
