I think it should be read for what it is and not be over-interpreted; it's largely become a god-sized version of itself due to phrases like Orwellian entering our vocabulary.
I think it's a very relevant read, but many of the concepts in 1984 were not original to the book or Orwell. I do think it came at the right time, however, and said the right thing, to put words to and a face on resistance against totalitarian tactics as technology made many things possible that were not previously.
I don't think the book was universally awesome, but it wasn't bad either. I think 1984 suffers a little from its success; some people read it with very high expectations and are disappointed.
I recently read "Anthem", by Ayn Rand, and it seemed quite similar in many respects to 1984, and a pretty good book in general even though I don't agree with Rand on a lot of philosophical issues.
Discussion (4)
I think it should be read for what it is and not be over-interpreted; it's largely become a god-sized version of itself due to phrases like Orwellian entering our vocabulary.
I think it's a very relevant read, but many of the concepts in 1984 were not original to the book or Orwell. I do think it came at the right time, however, and said the right thing, to put words to and a face on resistance against totalitarian tactics as technology made many things possible that were not previously.
Try this.
I read 1983 first; it helped.
I don't think the book was universally awesome, but it wasn't bad either. I think 1984 suffers a little from its success; some people read it with very high expectations and are disappointed.
I recently read "Anthem", by Ayn Rand, and it seemed quite similar in many respects to 1984, and a pretty good book in general even though I don't agree with Rand on a lot of philosophical issues.