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A review by saturn_rage
1984 by George Orwell
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I hate Winston so muuuuuuuch…
But I think I actually really have issues with Orwell. Winston’s flaw are by design, he’s the epitome of someone who is content to uphold and even benefit from a system while also telling himself he is resisting it in a way that will make a difference. Looking at you white liberals. My issues with Orwell are more in line with how he’s an incel here. Julia just loving Winston is a plot hole. Julia not running away screaming when Winston tells her all the horrible things he wanted to do to her is fucking detached from reality. The characterization of the washwoman also reinforces this view of women as less-than-human in a different way, and it’s an unfortunate downer in a book that is otherwise a very interesting time.
But yeah, this book does a great job at highlighting the trap of fascism, rather than presenting us a fantasy of a company man changing anything. Honestly expected him to be a member of the Thought Police the way he was going, but this ending suits him, and those he represents, much better. I should watch the film adaptation sometime.
But I think I actually really have issues with Orwell. Winston’s flaw are by design, he’s the epitome of someone who is content to uphold and even benefit from a system while also telling himself he is resisting it in a way that will make a difference. Looking at you white liberals. My issues with Orwell are more in line with how he’s an incel here. Julia just loving Winston is a plot hole. Julia not running away screaming when Winston tells her all the horrible things he wanted to do to her is fucking detached from reality. The characterization of the washwoman also reinforces this view of women as less-than-human in a different way, and it’s an unfortunate downer in a book that is otherwise a very interesting time.
But yeah, this book does a great job at highlighting the trap of fascism, rather than presenting us a fantasy of a company man changing anything. Honestly expected him to be a member of the Thought Police the way he was going, but this ending suits him, and those he represents, much better. I should watch the film adaptation sometime.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Misogyny, and Torture
Minor: Rape and Murder