I'm very divided with 1984. It's context is so massively anti-communist, yet it ironically portrayed much of the authoritarianism we see today in capitalist countries. So much so that when I first read it in my teens, it didn't cross my mind that he was taking shots at Russia! I find it to be one of those few things that are better when you interpret it wrong.
this post was submitted on 16 Jun 2023
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Isn't it simply anti-totalitarian? As far as I know, Orwell used the USSR for inspiration mostly because it was a contemporary example of totalitarianism, not specifically to take shots at.
You should look out for Orwell's Homage to Catalonia. His anti-communism stems from his experiences there. Or this general explainer is pretty good.
Right, the Communist militias in the Spanish Civil War were being influences by Soviet partisans or something. The Anarchist and Marxist militias, which Orwell served in, were of the people.
You got it :)
ironically portrayed much of the authoritarianism we see today in capitalist countries.
Which "capitalist countries" do you mean? I'd agree there is dangerously growing surveillance in Western Europe and the US, but this surveillance is much worse in self proclaimed anti-capitalist and "anti-western" countries like China or Russia or Iran.
I'd say 1984 is anti-totalitarian, and that has nothing to do with a particular political ideology.
Given Orwell's negative experiences with communism, I don't think its innaccurate to say it was a reflection of the biggest communist country at the time--the USSR. That being said, it can be interpreted however anyone wants, and it being interpreted as solely anti-totalitarian works better in my humble opinion.
I would say that is accurate but he also did get to see the rise and fall of Nazi Germany. Animal Farm on the other hand.
I fully agree.
Literally 1984.