The protagonist, Winston Smith, attempts to maintain his own memory and humanity, only to be broken and conformed by the system. Modern Relevance and Post-2020 Discussions George Orwell's 1984: A Review | The Saturday Evening Post

Nineteen Eighty-Four (often published as 1984 ) by George Orwell, published on June 8, 1949, remains a seminal dystopian novel and a crucial warning about totalitarianism. As of 2026, the book is considered more timely than ever, often cited in discussions regarding surveillance, information control, and the erosion of objective truth.

The state of Oceania, led by Big Brother and the Party, practices constant surveillance via telescreens and the Thought Police.

The ultimate goal of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought, making "thoughtcrime" impossible by destroying words.

The ability to hold two contradictory beliefs simultaneously, such as the slogans "War is Peace," "Freedom is Slavery," and "Ignorance is Strength".

The Ministry of Truth alters records to match the current political narrative, ensuring the Party is always right.