Many books come and go but only a few end up shining brightly amidst them, and that’s the case with George Orwell’s 1984. It’s a timeless universal read that captures readers’ minds from the first sentence to the last one. However, many higher authorities have challenged whether the novel is appropriate for children to read.
Unfortunately, their disingenuous rationales and motivations have resulted in the classic novel being banned.
As a result, we’re left with many questions about decisions to ban this valuable novel. Why is the novel banned? What, if any, role did politics play? Was it the explicit scenes? So many questions with few answers! That’s why we’re here to reveal the reasons for why so many places across America have banned the novel.
Buckle up and get ready to learn!
What is George Orwell’s 1984 about?
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George Orwell’s 1984, a classic dystopian novel, engages readers with the protagonist, Winston Smith, who is a member of the Outer Party and works in the Records Department in the Ministry of Truth. His job is to rewrite and distort history. He lives in Oceania, one of three superstates; the other two are Eurasia and Eastasia.
Winston lives in a world dominated by Big Brother and his party, telescreens, and Newspeak, a language that is made to brainwash people into believing whatever Big Brother wants them to believe.All of this is smothering for Winston, so as an escape, he begins writing a diary — an act punishable by death — despite his every move being watched by telescreens.
Also, he ends up falling in love with Julia, a co-worker, and they meet up to make love and plot for the party’s downfall in a world where marriage was done in front of a council solely for procreation, and “making love” was referred to as “helping the party.”
Later, a colleague of theirs, O’Brien, pretends to be part of the Brotherhood, an underground organization opposing Big Brother, but turns out to be on Big Brother’s side. Eventually, both Winston and Julia are caught and tortured into thinking whatever Big Brother wants them to think.
They eventually surrender to Big Brother’s will, and Winston ends up loving Big Brother.
Why is George Orwell’s 1984 Banned?
The censoring of George Orwell’s 1984, which confronts censorship’s dangers in robust ways, is the epitome of irony. However, it hasn’t stopped the book from being banned. First, people challenged the novel because of its thought-provoking pro-communist and sexual content. Big Brother is thought to be a combination of Hitler and Stalin, so you can imagine how that can be intimidating.
Second, the dystopian classic is scarily prophetic and timely. Since 1945, when the novel was published, we have witnessed some of his prophecies come true, such as the concept of telescreens. People can be watched through their devices’ cameras, which can make you a tad bit, if not totally, paranoid. You finish this book, and it still keeps you wondering how similar it is to our current reality.
Finally, George Orwell’s 1984 sparks controversy as it makes readers wonder whether the history we’ve been studying all our lives is legitimate, or was it distorted by historians? Can the government control everything to the point of conquering our beliefs and thoughts and tainting them with their fingerprints?
It keeps your mind rolling to the point of doubting everything, even the government that needs your undying support despite everything.
Final Thoughts
George Orwell’s 1984 is a timeless masterpiece. Even after 75 years of its publication, it still lives on to warn us of the consequences of mental slavery. It’s no wonder it was challenged to the point of banning. The book is like a wake-up call that no one should silence or morph our voices and thoughts into theirs. Therefore, I highly recommend reading this book.
While George Orwell’s 1984 could be depressing, it is mind-opening and thought-provoking.
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