Since its publication, the novel has become incredibly popular. This was an obvious attempt to relate the imagined world of 1984 to that of 1948.ġ984 was first published in the United Kingdom in June of 1949. The latter was eventually chosen by his publisher, and put forward by Orwell as an inversion of the year that the novel was finished.

After the novel was published, it was revealed that Orwell was divided between the title, The Last Man in Europe and 1984. The book was finished while George Orwell was ill on the Scottish island of Jura. Countries still suffer under the hand of burgeoning or well established dictatorial systems, making it unlikely that 1984 will ever truly lose their relevance. World War II did not bring about the end of totalitarian rule. This speaks to fear still present in contemporary society that George Orwell’s vision of a world consumed by its own technology, able to monitor and arrest its citizens at any time, and kill without consequence, is possible. The novel was translated into 65 languages and has been enjoyed by people all over the world. While the historical context of the novel is important, what is perhaps even more so is the relevance it continues to have, seventy years after it was completed. Additionally, as technology develops, governments are only going to become more powerful.

Nothing about democratic systems should be taken for granted. 1984 serves as a warning against complacency. He feared for the future of his country and its ability to win the war and recover from the losses it suffered. Orwell, a deep proponent of socialism, had his doubts during the Second World War that Great Britain would be able to make it to the other side with its governmental systems intact.

George orwell 1984pdf