George Orwell, 1984, part 1

George Orwell's 1984 is a dystopian novel written in 1949. The date of its composition suggests a reflection on the practices of Stalinist Russia, but it is clear that Orwell does not see the threat limited to those under Communist regimes. This first lecture comments on how Orwell's novel extends the critique of the dehumanizing effects of the Enlightenment notion of progress already seen in previous works from Swift to Conrad. In other words, rather than showing a growth in civilization, as the Whig view of history would suggest, it depicts the growth in sin. But whereas sin is presented in traditional form as hypocrisy in Swift, and less optimistically still as a devotion to 'efficiency' to exploit African colonies at the expense of all notions of good and evil in Heart of Darkness, in 1984 it is presented with a more insidious intent. The aim is not to control material goods but to control the inner world, the realm of thought. ❤️ If you find my channel helpful, become a channel member:    / drscottmasson   To support my channel and assist me in providing better content, please go here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=...