19, 19, 1985..er..4

Eric Arthur Blair, more commonly known as George Orwell, incorporates a plethora of details into his writing which closely parallel the political era in which he wrote. Additionally, his literature closely emulates his personal and political beliefs. Orwell's anti-totalitarianism was well known in his time for the political air in Britain was one of great oppression during WWII. It is evident that this carries into his writing as the main character of 1984 has (so far) many thoughts of overthrowing The Party and of his resentment towards their oppressive behavior. The alteration of the 'truth' by the The Party illustrates a striking similarity to the Stalin regime which involved itself in destroying history and censuring of literature. The communist government of the Soviet Union and life within it are mirrored in that many of the lower to middle class civilians go without boots or roofs over their head as was the case in communist Russia. As well, the governments of Britain and Russia both reported important gains in worldly affairs whereas the truth was to the contrary. Even the characters of Goldstein and BB (Big Brother) have real-life counterparts. Public enemy number one, that is to say the Party defector Goldstein, is suggested as being Leon Trotsky. Both of whom share the same religion and personality characteristics. BB is described as being nearly identical to Stalin. [See photo and description below] It is clear that Orwell's work, 1984, closely correlates to the actual time in which it was written.


"The black-moustachio'd face gazed down..."
"The face of a man about forty-five, with heavy black mioustache and ruggedly handsome features."


1984
George Orwell