Title: 1984 Summary | GradeSaver
Headings: 1984 Summary
1984
by George Orwell
1984 Summary

Content: 1984 Summary | GradeSaver
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1984
by George Orwell
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About 1984 1984 Summary 1984 Video Character List Glossary Themes Part One I-II Part One III-V Part One VI-VIII Part Two I-III Part Two IV-VII Part Two VIII-X Part Three I-III Part Three IV-VI Newspeak Related Links Essay Questions Quiz 1 Quiz 2 Quiz 3 Quiz 4 Citations
1984 Summary
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The novel's protagonist, Winston Smith, is a citizen of Oceania, one of the world's three superstates (along with Eurasia and Eastasia). It is the year 1984, and Winston lives in Airstrip One, which used to be known as Great Britain. Winston is a member of the Party, which rules Oceania under the principles of Ingsoc (English Socialism). Oceania is an oligarchy, under hierarchical rule. The Party consists of Inner Party members, who are the ruling elite, and regular Party members, who are citizens of Oceania. Outside of the Party are the proles, non-Party members and simple people who live in poverty and are free from Party regulations. The Party's leader is Big Brother, and there are massive images of his kind visage, complete with dark hair and a substantial mustache, displayed throughout London, some accompanied by the words "Big Brother is Watching You." The Party's three slogans are: " War is Peace," "Freedom is Slavery," and "Ignorance is Strength." Winston lost his parents and little sister during the Revolutionary period that destroyed capitalism and instituted Ingsoc in Oceania.