an emotional level and then on a sexual one, both of which are magnified by the constant fear of getting caught and being “reeducated”.
However, while Winston and Julia’s relationship seems to be one of the main themes there is also a subplot cleverly integrated into the main body that is Orwell’s own message to the reader. Influenced by events in his own time, Orwell endeavored to “create” a world taken to the extremes regarding surveillance and deprivation of personal freedom. Through his description of the imaginary Oceania, Orwell manages to depict life under the rule of a totalitarian government: the constant war, the recruitment of the young as well as the constant adjustments to the truth or even history. Winston’s struggle with his subconscious and his revolt against the Party, which is embodied within his relationship with Julia, serves as a clear reminder that no matter the lengths to which a government will go to control how one thinks or what one feels, there will always be resistance. 1984 sends humanity a solemn message: to guard ones personal freedom, to remain mentally conscious, to be properly educated.
Nowadays, the characterization of the book as one of the wonders of worldwide literature is undisputed. The proof? Almost every person who studies the English language has read it at least once in his or her life. It is also being taught at various universities. The reason for this success is that its message is one that transcends the boundaries of time and, to my mind, anyone wishing to improve their English, enjoy a truly riveting novel, or tackle some of the most important questions of life, should definitely invest the time. It is a book that doesn’t hinder the reader with complex grammatical structures or incomprehensible vocabulary, it simply presents the author’s ideas through an interesting storyline. I would go so far as to recommend it to anyone who has a basic understanding of English, so long as they possess the required level of maturity.
George Mentzos , B΄ Λυκείου