1984 - Page 3 - Writers Forum

Mike C · 02-12-2006, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pride.in.introspection

I found Animal Farm better than 1984.

Why? Based on what criteria?

A Glass Thought · 03-01-2006, 01:16 PM

Lani, although 1984 is good, Dhalgren is the best book you will ever read. I'd stake my life on it.

In all respects, Animal Farm was good, but 1984 was better. I mean, fuck, there were people in it. Plus one was telling the future while the other was talking about the Communist Russia.

Those being the only two books by Wells that I've read, I'd have to go with 1984 over Animal Farm, just for its sheer imagination.

FinnMacCool · 04-10-2006, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Eh, Orwell was actually talking about communism in the book and what would happen if it spread throughout the world. England was no totalitarian state.

This is a common misperception of the book, in my opinion. This isn't a shot at you whatsoever but I find that a lot of people on the right will grin knowingly about this book saying how it has nothing to do with them. But Orwell wasn't using this book to describe communism or fascism or anything else as an idealogy he was more so trying to show what the effects of absolute power and statism have on the world.

In other words, any government can turn into 1984 style.

George Orwell is my favorite writer by the way.

Anarkos · 06-07-2006, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indigo

I don't agree with a lot of what Orwell wrote

How is it possible for anyone to disagree with 1984? Funnily enough, it's probably his least controversial work, in today's setting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

1984 is possibly the finest novel of the 20th century - how many books have titles that become part of the language? 1984, Brave new world, Catch-22... I think that's it.

1984 is part of the language? Big Brother, sure, but 1984? If so...certainly not to the extent of Catch 22 or Brave New World. Another example is Fight Club (probably undeservedly).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hodge

Eh, Orwell was actually talking about communism in the book and what would happen if it spread throughout the world. England was no totalitarian state.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

I'm afraid you're mistaken, Hodge. AF was about Stalinism, 1984 was a satire of Britain as it was in 1948.

Both right, both wrong, I'd have to say.

1984 was not anti-communist; Orwell was a socialist who was wounded in the Spanish Civil War while fighting for a Anarchist militia. He wrote repeatedly during WW2 that he felt Britain could only win by adopting socialism.

Equally, it's not a pure commentary on Britain. I think many people forget just how profoundly betrayed Orwell felt, post-Catalonia by Stalin and the USSR. 1984 mixes elements of the England of 1948 with elements of Stalinism (and fiction...).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

Uh, dude... Orson Wells?

Orwell lived in a state of near poverty thoughout a large part of his life. Keep the Aspidistra Flying is damn near autobiographical, but then most of his work is to a greater or lesser degree.

Although, of course, funnily enough, he was from a wealthy background. I was always under the impression that it was more fictional (and depressing!) than Down and Out, Wiggan Pier, Catalonia etc.

catpipe · 06-07-2006, 07:21 AM

After reading 1984 and Animal Farm, may I suggest Johnny Got His Gun and The Handmaid's Tale? You'll have trouble sleeping at night.

Atom · 06-16-2006, 09:44 AM

it was an interesting read for me but not enjoyable imo

mandax · 07-25-2006, 04:28 PM

I just finished reading it and I loved it. I don't understand how people cannot love the ending. I loved every bit, especially the very last line. It was a fantastic book, in my opinion. I do think I read it too fast, though, but it's because I have books to read for school and I'm running out of time. :/

Mike C · 07-26-2006, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anarkos

Although, of course, funnily enough, he was from a wealthy background. I was always under the impression that it was more fictional (and depressing!) than Down and Out, Wiggan Pier, Catalonia etc.

Middle class rather than wealthy. Down and out was factual (although what never gets mentioned is that he also had a wealthy aunt living in Paris who he could have - and maybe did - borrow money from. Wigan Pier was commissioned social documentary.

WiCkEd · 07-26-2006, 01:48 PM

Okay, it's official. I'm going to buy this tomorrow. I must be like the only person who hasn't read this...

Finduilas · 08-20-2006, 08:43 AM

Anybody here? I've read it and I thought it was well-written but... I'm not sure it was enjoyable. Frightening is more apt.

Anarkos · 08-26-2006, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

Middle class rather than wealthy. Down and out was factual (although what never gets mentioned is that he also had a wealthy aunt living in Paris who he could have - and maybe did - borrow money from. Wigan Pier was commissioned social documentary.

As far as I was aware, both contained fictionalised 'plot' elements, but, meh.

Soccah · 08-27-2006, 09:38 AM

Great book. I prefer Animal Farm. The prose in both books didn't suit my taste, but, I guess it was Blair's attempt at reflecting a mood of the absolute. As for the context and content, spectacular for its time, I suppose.

David Siudzinski · 11-22-2006, 09:12 AM

A fascinating book. Animal Farm is a simplier, more symbolic version of this one. though I like them both equally. I reccomend this book to all readers. It's a classic.

Mike C · 11-23-2006, 04:54 AM

One was not a version of the other, they addressed two different subjects. Animal farm was an examination of the Russian Revolution and Stalinism, 1984 was a darkly satirical examination of the UK directly following the end of ww2.

Also required reading - 1985, by Anthony Burgess, author of Clockwork Orange. Part sequel, part update.

Mike C · 11-26-2006, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burnitdown

I'm not sure I'd consider it a classic, since it's a ripoff of "Brave New World"

I presume you can actually read? It's not a rip-off. The two books share so little in common they're virtually different genres.