In this summer, I read 1984 written by George Orwell as a summer reading assignment. I have two reasons why I chose this book. The first reason is that when I read the shorter version of it in high school, I could not finish to read it and could not understand the contents of it. The second reason is that I read it in a class of SEA Program and I was interested in it.
Then, I want to tell you about the story. 1984 is a Science Fiction story about the world in “1984”. There are three countries called Oceania, Eastasia and Eurasia. In Oceania, the Party controls everything including people’s mind and history, and the leader of the Party is called Big Brother. The Party observes people using the telescreen and hates sex. There are three main characters and they are Winston, Julia and O’ Brien. All of them are members of the Party. But Winston and Julia do not believe what the Party says. Although O’ Brien told them that he was the enemy of the Party, but this was a lie. Gradually, Winston and Julia fell in love with each other and believed that they would never betray each other even if they were tortured. However, after they were arrested and tortured, they betrayed each other. Finally, Winston and Julia do not love each other and they are completely controlled by the Party. The themes of 1984 are freedom and love. In this world, there is no freedom and people cannot decide anything by their choice. Also, there are many descriptions about the relationship between Winston and Julia. They were worried that they would be arrested and tortured by the Party, but they decided to continue their relationship.
The part I liked especially is the part that Winston and Julia talk about themselves seriously. I liked it because I think it is the first time that they can know each other deeply. Also, I can get much information about them and it makes me read this book a little easier. The part I disliked especially is the part that Winston is tortured. I also watched the movie of 1984 and this part is so cruel. The cruelest part is that Winston is tortured with rats, which is the worst thing in the world for Winston. If I were Winston, I would scream, cry and feel like to die immediately. Anyway, 1984 is not an enjoyable book because there are many cruel parts, but it is so interesting.
This book is one of books in the list of summer reading books that I wanted to read. Japan seems to be becoming the country like Oceania, because in my opinion we Japanese face the crisis that we are unconsciously controlled by government with media in terms of both mind and history. I am not sure of cruel parts in detail which you pointed out, but I am afraid we may experience “cruel” situations in the future. I would like to read this book, so if possible, please lend me during the vacation after the autumn semester.
返信削除I see your opinion!Actually, in Japan, media is called "The third power" because it influences on the people's life so much. Also, you are welcome to borrow this book from me!
返信削除I enjoyed reading your book report.
返信削除I also felt cruel to read even your report.
I think that people who face up to death are the most fragile.
Nice book reaction, Erina! Well-written and mostly insightful. I could see that you liked the conversation between the characters and you disliked the torture...but what did the story make you think about? Try to connect novels to your own life when you read them and explore themes!
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