'room 101' or 'Big Brother' you immediately think of the television programs but both of these names come from a novel that is one of the most influential books of the 20th century. The book is called 1984 and was written by George Orwell in 1948.

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When I use the words ‘room 101’ or ‘Big Brother’ you immediately think of the television programs but both of these names come from a novel that is one of the most influential books of the 20th century.  The book is called 1984 and was written by George Orwell in 1948.  It is a dark prophesy of a possible future where people are under constant watch from an all powerful government.  The book is set in the year 1984 in one of the 3 superpowers that now rule the world, called Ociania.

In the novel, Orwell describes a totalitarian society in which a government, referred to as the Party, has complete control over the people. The supreme ruler of the Party is known as Big Brother. Big Brother is never seen, he is simply a figure head for the party, he sees all and knows all and many people see him as a omnipotent god. Posters announce that "Big Brother is Watching You". Telescreens, which can not be turned off, drone endlessly with brainwashing propaganda about wondrous government programs and policies. Coins, stamps, books, films, proclaim the three slogans of the Party: War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery and Ignorance is Strength.

Police Patrol helicopters dart among the roofs of the buildings, allowing police to snoop in people's windows. As frightening as the Police Patrols are, the government agents most feared by the people are the Thought Police. The telescreens not only transmit government propaganda, they also transmit back to the Thought Police both sounds and pictures from inside the homes of people.

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People live by rigid schedules dictated by the Thought Police. Loud alarms are transmitted from the telescreens to announce when people should be doing the tasks that were specified by the Party, such as their daily exercises.

The book follows the life of Winston Smith, the reluctant hero and his private battle against the party.  He works in one of the four Ministries that control the population, the Ministry of Truth – which deals with propaganda and lies.  The Ministry of Peace – which deals with war, The Ministry of Plenty which deals with rationing, and the Ministry of Love ...

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