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The Themes and Motivations Behind George Orwell's 1984

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ABSTRACT Anyone who considers themselves a lover of good fiction must know who George Orwell is. Anyone who loves good cynical fiction has to have read his master piece, simply titled 1984. 1984 is a phenomenal tale of government gone awry, in its attempts to unify what’s left of the world, after the atomic wars waged in Europe. The story is based on Mr. Orwell’s fears of immensely powerful governments, especially totalitarianism. If you are a true lover and you have read the story, The next logical question one must ask themselves is, do we understand why he wrote this wonderful piece of work? Please allow me the opportunity to enlighten you. In order to understand the why; I propose that we must look into the …show more content…

His mother wanted him to have a public school education, but his family was not wealthy enough to afford the fees, making it necessary for him to obtain a scholarship. George’s Uncle Charles Limouzin, recommended St Cyprian's School, in Eastbourne, Sussex. Years later, George wrote that he hated the school and the distaste for the place brought forth his essay, “Such, Such were the Joys”. (Widman, n.d.) While at St. Cyprian's, several key events transpired for Eric. He met Cyril Connolly, who also became a noted writer and editor, and the onset of World War I occurred. Cyril who became editor of Horizon magazine would ultimately publish many of Orwell's essays. While at the school Eric wrote two poems that were published in the Henley and South Oxfordshire Standard, the local newspaper. At the ripe age of 13, Eric’s poem, “Awake! Young Men of England”, was published. The poem, a call to arms for able bodied Englishmen to join the war effort, helped him earn scholarships to Wellington College and Eton College. (Bowker, n.d.) After spending a term at Wellington in 1917, Eric earned a place at Eton as a King's Scholar. He remained at Eton until 1921. (Bowker, n.d.) During his tenure at Eton, several key historical happenings occurred that would shape his later years. Eric learned of the Armistice that ended World War I, (and though he was not

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