1984

Synopsis

 

This Scholastic Classics edition of George Orwell's classic dystopian novel is perfect for students and Orwell enthusiasts alike.

Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.

Winston Smith has always been a dutiful citizen of Oceania, rewriting history to meet the demands of the Ministry of Truth. But with each lie that he writes, Winston starts to resent the totalitarian party that seeks power for its own sake and punishes those that desire individuality.

When Winston begins a secret relationship with his colleague Julia, he soon realises it's virtually impossible to escape the watchful eye of Big Brother...

Totalitarianism, identity and independence, repression, power, language, rebellion, technology and modernisation are some of the themes that run throughout this novel.

Summary

Chapter 1

* Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the Party in Oceania, lives in a dystopian society where the government controls every aspect of his life.
* The telescreen, a surveillance device, monitors his every move, even his thoughts.
* Winston secretly rebels against the Party by keeping a diary where he records his forbidden thoughts and feelings.

Chapter 2

* Winston meets Julia, a beautiful and rebellious young woman.
* They begin a secret affair, knowing it is a dangerous risk.
* They escape to the countryside, where they can express their love and individuality freely.

Chapter 3

* Winston and Julia's love affair is discovered by the Thought Police.
* They are captured and taken to the Ministry of Love.

Chapter 4

* Winston is tortured by O'Brien, a high-ranking Party official.
* O'Brien uses physical and psychological torture to break Winston's spirit.

Chapter 5

* Winston confesses to every crime he is accused of.
* He betrays Julia and everyone else he knows.

Chapter 6

* Winston is taken to Room 101, a place where his greatest fear is used to torture him.
* For Winston, Room 101 is a room filled with black rats.

Chapter 7

* Winston's spirit is finally broken.
* He renounces his love for Julia and becomes a loyal member of the Party again.

Chapter 8

* Winston visits the Chestnut Tree Café, where he had first met Julia.
* He realizes that the Party has won.
* He has lost his freedom, his individuality, and his love.