1984 and Today

In George Orwell’s 1984, Winston Smith feels frustrated by the oppression and rigid control of the ruling Party of London, which prohibits free thought, sex, and any expression of individuality. The people of his nation, Oceania, are watched every minute of every day by “Big Brother”, an omniscient leader who can only be seen on “telescreens,” but never in real life. Winston illegally purchases a diary in which to write his criminal thoughts, and becomes fixated on a powerful Party member named O’Brien, whom Winston believes is a secret member of the Brotherhood, the legendary group that works to overthrow the party. He also begins a covert affair with Julia, a co-worker, which is of course, a terrible crime. In the long run, Winston commits a form of suicide through his actions. Judging by Smith’s behavior, he would rather rebel against “Big Brother” as long as possible and accept the consequences for his actions, than fall victim to the Party’s control over all th...