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1984
Jun 20, 2006 9:28:58 GMT -5
Post by Tyual on Jun 20, 2006 9:28:58 GMT -5
1984. A modern classic. George Orwell gives an encounter of his idea of the future.
So what do you think about it?
I have to read it for AP English over the summer. I'm on all of page like 13 or 14, so I'm far from giving a review or opinion about it. However, from what I've heard, I'm defeniatally looking forward to reading it. I just thought I'd open a thread for those who already have to say what they will.
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1984
Jun 24, 2006 0:38:34 GMT -5
Post by wiilyr on Jun 24, 2006 0:38:34 GMT -5
Been a few years since I read it ... but it was worth reading if for nothing else than understanding "Big Brother." I really don't remember much else about it, but I didn't hate it but I didn't love it. Just knew it was one of those books that one must read in a lifetime.
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1984
Jun 26, 2006 11:48:15 GMT -5
Post by 2bfoundwanting(unused) on Jun 26, 2006 11:48:15 GMT -5
The book was very well written. George Orwell had a very unique way with writing novels. He makes you feel as though you are there. The whole "Big Brother" thing though is really freaky cuz it feels more and more like 1984 as the days go by. I really do like the book.
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1984
Jun 26, 2006 16:34:46 GMT -5
Post by Tyual on Jun 26, 2006 16:34:46 GMT -5
Well, from what I've read, I can tell you one thing I disagree with: His writing style isn't that good. I don't like it anyways. Although the story seems to be good and have potential, I think someone with a better style could make it that much better.
I've noticed similarities in the societies of today and his book, and it's really sad to see that. Personally, I'm going to keep reading it 1) In hopes that it maintains a good story and idea, despite his writing style. and 2) because I have to for my AP Class.
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1984
Jul 17, 2006 1:53:42 GMT -5
Post by Tyual on Jul 17, 2006 1:53:42 GMT -5
Wow, I've finally finished this. Took me long enough right?
And to say the least, I'm very pleased. His ideals on humanity, politics, the human mind, emotions, world relations, such and so on, are very interesting. And a lot of them (unfortunately) I can see being conveyed in today's society more and more as the years go on. I do wonder if eventually the things from this book couldn't become a true possibility if we don't take the initiative to stop it before it's too late. . . Very interesting book that's had me contemplating since I read it...
It was well worth the time, I just wish that I'd read it sooner now.
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1984
Jul 23, 2006 23:52:35 GMT -5
Post by 2bfoundwanting on Jul 23, 2006 23:52:35 GMT -5
What i find the most interesting is that people always state: I wonder if this could become a possibility. And then disregard that it very nearly, if not totally was, in Russia. I mean.. the whole comrade thing was strate out of there, as well as several of the political and social topics brought up in the book.
Its been a while since i read it and researched this stuff, but i definitly remember being freaked out because it was almost exact to the Russian Communist revolution. And since it has happened once in Russia, whois to say it wont happen here? it isn't that far out of the realm of possibility.
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1984
Jul 24, 2006 2:55:24 GMT -5
Post by Tyual on Jul 24, 2006 2:55:24 GMT -5
Comrade is a Russian word. They didn't have to call eachother comrade in Russian society, they usually did in the military though.
Russia was quite far from this story. Russia was still a socialism who didn't try to control the thoughts of their people. The government just owned everything...and if you look at it, that's how most of the world is. Even in America, the government has the ability to override your rights at their whim, thus giving them the final control over it. Same effect in the book, just more strict. And we're seeing that everyday.
The thing with Russia was more a "We don't give a f*** if you like it or not, just accept it." Where as in the story it was that they would brainwash you to believe it. Also, they focused les on one person of power, and more the party. Where as in Russia, it's always been clear who their stated leader was, rather he actually ran things or not, they had that clear figurehead. The difference with Big Brother was that he was never able to be shown or proven to exist in solid matter, where as the Russian leaders could.
To be honest, socialist or not, I'm pretty fond of Russia, so I'm biased toward them. They pulled off the closest thing to a communism that I can recall, even though it was infact a socialism. . . Then again true communism can't exist just because of the way people are. They're too selfish and greedy. (Look at true communism and christianity as it's taught in the bible, not as the church would teach it, and you'll find that they've got a good number of similarities.)
The thing that gets me about Russia, is how competative and up to date they stayed as a world power for so long, even with a socialist government, which people claims "destorys the will to advance/progress, and causes bad economical standings." I'd say they did really dang good with it myself. They were racing us for the space program for years, and had the ability to carry out the Cold War while under a socialist government. . . . so yeah, I'm rather impressed with Russia....
But yeah, there are a lot of differences in socialist Russia and ...crap I forgot how the country is spelled. Osceania I believe? Dunno. I've been playing Ace Combat which has Oscea, which is too similar to it's spelling and is confusing me!
Remember that George Orwell himself was pro-socialism, so it's not so much based on Russia either, as socialism in whole. Also, note the jabs he takes at the capitalist economies and democracy and freedoms not granted by the government. I think he wanted to see that kind of environment become the future.
I believe that yes, this is a very strong possibility of the future, or something similar, provided that we don't stand up and say enough is enough to our governments. Seriously, as long as we let the government run us over, the more they'll do it. And seeing it more and more, year by year through my adolesence, I'm almost afraid to think of how it'll be when I'm my parent's age if we don't do something before then.
I mean, there will be differences. No place can completely erase/rewrite history. It's impossible. As is the concept of the thought police. However, the government running everything, severely strict in mannerisms like that, and the very distinct social status separation that is looked at as posotive and stuff, yeah that's possible. The funny thing is, with socialism and communism, you should have equality of the people. You'd espect social classes in a monarchial or democractic setting....
It's 4am, my brain's failing, stopping before I say something stupid...provided I haven't yet....
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1984
Jul 24, 2006 7:45:14 GMT -5
Post by 2bfoundwanting on Jul 24, 2006 7:45:14 GMT -5
well, i wont go into the russia thing, seeing as i dont remember any of the facts i learned, I just remember tons of conversations with people about the similarities.
And also, while Im not materialistic or entirely Pro-Capitalism, I do think that it is the most succesful economic system to exist so far. Not to sound brainwashed by American Society, but communism really isn't my cup of tea. I personally dont believe that it has worked out well at all anywhere, discounting small communes during the hippie years. I dont believe Russia was successful in Communism, and if you remember... the people weren't feeling to grand about it either.
I think that Communism, while amazing in ideals.. is an impossibility in reality. As well as, thats just really not how I want to live.
I mean.. i just, as the world is now, i can imagine such a "perfect" society. And I duno, maybe I am brainwashed by American society, but I dont know how I could work without any kind of reward or ability to move ahead or stay behind as I so pleased. Its not that money is everything, in fact, I will most likely chose a proffesion i love over one that gives me lots of money, but... agh. sorry, I too cant think properly. to early in the morning..
But i hope you get the gist. *you as in general not specific*
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1984
Jul 24, 2006 20:18:51 GMT -5
Post by Tyual on Jul 24, 2006 20:18:51 GMT -5
Communism can't work, not true communism. People won't allow it. They are too selfish and greedy, power hungry and such. And communism is perfect equality, so no it couldn't work. The closest we get is a socialism.
As for how you want to live....I don't find why that's such a bad idea. I mean for me it would just widespread my own views. I put no one above me, and no one below me, and that's communism. So to not want communism in a way is to say that you want distinctly separated social classes, and thus want to put people below you, to feel higher, but that would also put people above you socially as well.....I don't like that idea personally.
I agree that capitalism can be the best economy, when not manipulated and inflated. ("Everything goes up but the salary" sure you've heard that, that's the problem with capitalism). So yeah, although I'm not materialistic that much, I find that for being able to live in comfort, it is the best.
As for profession, I almost went into the history field. I love history. Still consider taking it as a minor sometimes. (Although since I'm going into computer engineering, I'll probably take a foreign language since so much dealing with technology also deals with out of country relations, which would make me more valuable to a company.) ....but on that note, I don't think being a historian would get me that well paid =P
As for no reward/progressment....I progress in my skill at what I do, my own personal goals. Rewards...Just the feeling of accomplishment. But for me, that's all I need really I guess....
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1984
Jul 25, 2006 1:22:13 GMT -5
Post by 2bfoundwanting on Jul 25, 2006 1:22:13 GMT -5
I wrote a really response to what was written in here, partly a response to ty, but not really... so I hope you go read it.. but by the end it turned into a very personal philosophy argument.. so Im going to go post it there..
So please go read it, and keep in mind it kinda is in response to this thread.
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