1984 SparkNotes Literature Guide: Volume 11  (English, Paperback, SparkNotes George)

SparkNotes presents a detailed academic guide on the definitive dystopian novel: George Orwell’s 1984.

Summary of the Book

In writing 1984, George Orwell carved his name into the echelons of the science fiction and futuristic novels. He recognized the signs of constant monitoring that the world governments were investing in, predicting the almost obvious outcome. He described a dystopian world where the government was ruled by a totalitarian authority called Big Brother. In this book, he told the story of a man and a woman who try to fight against the government on their own, by indulging in a forbidden act of love. However, Big Brother is always watching, and there is no such thing as freedom. This SparkNotes volume covers the summary of the book, discussing the literary and cultural aspects as well. It includes a glossary of terms, a breakup of Orwell’s plot in plain English and review quizzes to help students understand the textual content and implications.

About George Orwell

Eric Arthur Blair, better known as George Orwell, was an English writer born in Burma. He is best remembered for his essays, his diaries, his novels, including Animal Farm and Down and Out in Paris and London.

Orwell is considered to be a pioneering novelist and thinker, responsible for the rise of the dystopian literature genre. It is, therefore, no small achievement that the word Orwellian has become a synonym for totalitarian regimes and their ideals.