1984

[FroggyRuminations]

Sticking with the classic literature related to the end of civilization, I submit 1984 by George Orwell. I read this one in February on vacation after having wondered about it for years. Like Atlas Shrugged, it is an oft quoted book that everybody has heard of but not necessarily read.

While Atlas is an allegory about the consequences of the welfare state, 1984 is a descent into hell. Total mind control environment. Very, very disturbing, and like Rand, Orwell literally creates a different world, but this one is inescapable and horrifying in every way. While Orwell's "Party" refers to Ingsoc (English Socialism), this world make's Stalin's Soviet Union seem like a walk in the park.

The principles of doublespeak and doublethink however, are alive and well in today's society and form the basis for which a totalitarian mind control regime could theoretically exist.

It's time for the Apocalyptic Classics, kids, so you might as well pick this one up as well.

[Xdeth]

This was a required reading in my HS, should check it out again as I can barely recall it anymore.

[Max Power]

One of my all time favorites, if not THE favorite. Been a while since I've read it, need to find some time for it again.

Definitely a classic.

[ET1/ss nuke]

If you want chilling totalitarianism, try "The Children's Story" by James Michener (sp? - the same guy who wrote Shogun). You can read the whole book in 15 minutes, but you'll find yourself reading it again, guaranteed.

[0699]

Both 1984 & Animal Farm are excellent books. Amazing what you can get away with in literature...

[SOTB]

Originally Posted by ET1/ss nuke

If you want chilling totalitarianism, try "The Children's Story" by James Michener (sp? - the same guy who wrote Shogun). You can read the whole book in 15 minutes, but you'll find yourself reading it again, guaranteed.

I don't remember either the book, or the afterschool special-type program that was made. But a short search on Google led me to THIS LINK TO THE SERIES and I am about to watch it this morning. I have already told my daughter she is watching it this afternoon when she gets home from school -- what I didn't tell her is that there will be an oral exam after the program is over....

[TX teacher]

I read 1984 for the first time about three years ago. I had to start on it twice because the beginning of the book is so dry and in my opinion is slow. But once I started over, I really enjoyed the book. It is the true descent into hell.

However, it does have some interesting points to make. The idea of history being rewritten depending on what is taking place is something we see today with revisionist history. The cameras that are everywhere are also a bit scary, they serve the purpose of security, but they also give many the uneasy feeling of government watching all our moves.

Okay, enough conspiracy theorist for me today.

[FroggyRuminations]

Originally Posted by SOTB

I don't remember either the book, or the afterschool special-type program that was made. But a short search on Google led me to THIS LINK TO THE SERIES and I am about to watch it this morning. I have already told my daughter she is watching it this afternoon when she gets home from school -- what I didn't tell her is that there will be an oral exam after the program is over....

Wow. Thanks for posting that link. That was quite disturbing and very simple to accomplish. That really demonstrates what a very fine line that exists in society between freedom and tyranny. The film suggests the need for a war to bring about this possibility, but I think we can all see that our society is evolving in this direction absent of any external stimuli.

[billdawg]

Originally Posted by 0699

Both 1984 & Animal Farm are excellent books. Amazing what you can get away with in literature...

I preferred Animal FArm to 1984. The only thing I really remember about 1984, is the rat cage on his head. I should re-read it.

[0699]

Originally Posted by billdawg

I preferred Animal FArm to 1984. The only thing I really remember about 1984, is the rat cage on his head. I should re-read it.

What's the line? "All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others". Is that right?

[cord]

Originally Posted by FroggyRuminations

Wow. Thanks for posting that link. That was quite disturbing and very simple to accomplish. That really demonstrates what a very fine line that exists in society between freedom and tyranny. The film suggests the need for a war to bring about this possibility, but I think we can all see that our society is evolving in this direction absent of any external stimuli.

x2, really interesting video. With the left wing basically controlling academia, I see things like this daily in the classroom but obviously not to that extent or purpose. Just about everyone takes whatever a professor says to be the truth and right way of thinking. If it's that easy to do on a college campus, I can't imagine the simplicity of it at younger grades.

[TPD1280]

Both 1984 and Animal Farm are absolute "must reads".


Trivia question: How did Orwell come up with 1984 as the year for his book?

[ET1/ss nuke]

Originally Posted by TPD1280

Trivia question: How did Orwell come up with 1984 as the year for his book?

IIRC, he wrote it in 1948 and reversed the last two digits.

[TPD1280]

You win the jumbo super deluxe can of sardines.

[kosty]

It's been a few years since I've read 1984, Animal Farm, & Fahrenheit 451. I can't remember enough details to decide if it's appropriate for my 13 yo daughter. We've been supplementing her "fluffy" reading with some more substantial literature (she just finished reading "The Accidental Tourist"). Any thoughts?

[ex]

Originally Posted by FroggyRuminations

Wow. Thanks for posting that link. That was quite disturbing and very simple to accomplish. That really demonstrates what a very fine line that exists in society between freedom and tyranny. The film suggests the need for a war to bring about this possibility, but I think we can all see that our society is evolving in this direction absent of any external stimuli.

x3! I've never even heard of that story, much less watch the short film. It was very powerful. Thanks for the link, SOTB.

[KidA]

1984 is great. Also Brave New World is good, as is Farenheit 451 and Animal Farm.

[JJ_BPK]

Originally Posted by TX teacher

The idea of history being rewritten depending on what is taking place is something we see today with revisionist history.

The cameras that are everywhere are also a bit scary, they serve the purpose of security, but they also give many the uneasy feeling of government watching all our moves.

The WH has the OMB cranking out doublespeak as we breath.

"Global War On Terror(GWOT)" is now "Overseas Contingency Operation". If your not at war,, you can't lose??

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has decreed the end to "terrorist attacks", we now have "man-caused disasters."

Here are a couple street posters. From the movie 1984 and from London..

Currently, The UK has 1 CCTV camera for every 18 Proles..

[Papa Smurf]

Too bad Orwell (Blair) had to die when he was in his 40's - would have been interesting to see his reaction to world events later in life.

As for big-brother - Having been to London I can tell you the only place not under surveillance is the loo... but no need to monitor you there, they know when you flush and how much paper you use!

[texasgirl]

x2 on A Brave New World

Originally Posted by kosty

It's been a few years since I've read 1984, Animal Farm, & Fahrenheit 451. I can't remember enough details to decide if it's appropriate for my 13 yo daughter. We've been supplementing her "fluffy" reading with some more substantial literature (she just finished reading "The Accidental Tourist"). Any thoughts?

I suggest Watership Down. It's the book I remember most from when I was your daughter's age...can lead to interesting discussions about the role of women in society. Also, The Good Earth and anything by Jane Austen (Emma is my favorite).