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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I think I liked the graphical style of the other graphic novel adaptation better, less cartoonish. But this was still a great adaptation of a great work.
I don’t know if I picked the worst time or the best time to have read this graphic novel, given the current state of American politics. I was unsure if I wanted to keep reading it once I started all things considered, but knowledge is power, and the power it’ll take to oppose and dismantle cruel forces comes from books like these. For those of us who voted against the totalitarian regime taking shape, it presents a grim foreboding that feels all too familiar when you switch on the news or check social media. I do plan to read the actual book as well, but I needed a graphic novel for a reading challenge, so here we are.
Maybe at one point in time it was difficult to think that something like this could ever happen to a civilized society like the US, I think, while it’ll surely be more challenging with today’s widespread use of technology, we’re seeing the foundations being laid for this exact kind of system. In some cases, technology may provide an advantage instead of a hindrance, such as the use of podcasts that helped elevate the message of the right in the last election. It’s not uncommon to see younger generations embrace these dog whistles—perhaps in a vain attempt to be “edgy,” but that doesn’t mean such ideologies aren’t taking root.
There’s been some interesting discussion about whether Winston Smith is a tragic hero, and I think it’s pretty clear he very much is. A tragic hero is defined as a protagonist who, despite having admirable qualities, possesses a fatal flaw that ultimately leads to their downfall. Winston is introduced as someone who falls in line with the status quo bc that’s just the way things are, but he knows that’s not the way things should be. Once he bought the journal, that’s where his hero’s journey began. This tiny act of rebellion against Big Brother and The Party inspire his journey, even though he knows to even think the things he does is a crime. So, what makes him a tragic hero? I think it’s his own thinking. He knows he and Julia will be caught, so they dive headfirst into their affair and trusting O’Brien/the Brotherhood. He becomes blinded not only by his desire for change, but by his defeatist mindset. Both lead him to take risks that eventually cost him everything. Here is an average man who gains wisdom through pain and suffering, who finds his sources of happiness, only to lose it all in the end. Winston Smith is a tragic hero, and I think a reminder that blind aspirations can sometimes cost you more than you think.
This isn’t to say he was wrong, however. Living in the world he lives in, I’m sure it’s a miracle to find even a piece of happiness like he did with Julia, but to put his trust into someone like O’Brien, not considering the possibilities…
It’s tough to see how Winston’s fate plays out. To see him broken and embracing the forces that seek to subdue him. I know it’s not something he does willingly, which takes a little of the sting out, but I think many of us like to see the hero defeat the villain, and when that doesn’t happen, it leaves a diminished sense of feeling. I can respect the ending, though, and understand that that is the reality of real life. The world just has a way of beating you into submission sometimes.
In times like these, it’s important to find a community of like-minded people who can provide support and comfort in dire situations. Fight for them and for yourself. As the famous Dylan Thomas poem goes, “Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” 5 stars.
Maybe at one point in time it was difficult to think that something like this could ever happen to a civilized society like the US, I think, while it’ll surely be more challenging with today’s widespread use of technology, we’re seeing the foundations being laid for this exact kind of system. In some cases, technology may provide an advantage instead of a hindrance, such as the use of podcasts that helped elevate the message of the right in the last election. It’s not uncommon to see younger generations embrace these dog whistles—perhaps in a vain attempt to be “edgy,” but that doesn’t mean such ideologies aren’t taking root.
There’s been some interesting discussion about whether Winston Smith is a tragic hero, and I think it’s pretty clear he very much is. A tragic hero is defined as a protagonist who, despite having admirable qualities, possesses a fatal flaw that ultimately leads to their downfall. Winston is introduced as someone who falls in line with the status quo bc that’s just the way things are, but he knows that’s not the way things should be. Once he bought the journal, that’s where his hero’s journey began. This tiny act of rebellion against Big Brother and The Party inspire his journey, even though he knows to even think the things he does is a crime. So, what makes him a tragic hero? I think it’s his own thinking. He knows he and Julia will be caught, so they dive headfirst into their affair and trusting O’Brien/the Brotherhood. He becomes blinded not only by his desire for change, but by his defeatist mindset. Both lead him to take risks that eventually cost him everything. Here is an average man who gains wisdom through pain and suffering, who finds his sources of happiness, only to lose it all in the end. Winston Smith is a tragic hero, and I think a reminder that blind aspirations can sometimes cost you more than you think.
This isn’t to say he was wrong, however. Living in the world he lives in, I’m sure it’s a miracle to find even a piece of happiness like he did with Julia, but to put his trust into someone like O’Brien, not considering the possibilities…
It’s tough to see how Winston’s fate plays out. To see him broken and embracing the forces that seek to subdue him. I know it’s not something he does willingly, which takes a little of the sting out, but I think many of us like to see the hero defeat the villain, and when that doesn’t happen, it leaves a diminished sense of feeling. I can respect the ending, though, and understand that that is the reality of real life. The world just has a way of beating you into submission sometimes.
In times like these, it’s important to find a community of like-minded people who can provide support and comfort in dire situations. Fight for them and for yourself. As the famous Dylan Thomas poem goes, “Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” 5 stars.
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
4.5
I absolutely loved this novel! I enjoyed every moment of reading this. The illustrator, Fido Nesti, outdid himself. Bravo! He added so much more depth to the story. I loved catching his subtle foreshadowing throughout the story. This wasn't a perfect rating because this version of Orwell's 1984, did lack a few key details from the story. This wasn't an exact adaption of the novel, so at times, I did feel left out the actual plot.
I absolutely loved this novel! I enjoyed every moment of reading this. The illustrator, Fido Nesti, outdid himself. Bravo! He added so much more depth to the story. I loved catching his subtle foreshadowing throughout the story. This wasn't a perfect rating because this version of Orwell's 1984, did lack a few key details from the story. This wasn't an exact adaption of the novel, so at times, I did feel left out the actual plot.
2022 Eisner Award winner - Best Adaptation from Another Medium
1984 is a book that is sadly as relevant a social commentary today as it was when it was first published. This adaptation works to bring some admittedly dry prose to life. The drawings are somewhat rough, and the 2-color grays and oranges are somewhat drab, but I think that's the approach this book needs. This is a drab world of rough living. The real world hasn't quite reached that point, but it could easily still happen if we don't heed the warnings of writers like Orwell.
1984 is a book that is sadly as relevant a social commentary today as it was when it was first published. This adaptation works to bring some admittedly dry prose to life. The drawings are somewhat rough, and the 2-color grays and oranges are somewhat drab, but I think that's the approach this book needs. This is a drab world of rough living. The real world hasn't quite reached that point, but it could easily still happen if we don't heed the warnings of writers like Orwell.