1984 Background

Genre: Dystopian Fiction

1984 is a prime example of dystopian fiction. It depicts a totalitarian society in steady decline. Citizens are monitored constantly, and there is no room for dissent or doubt. The government depicted in 1984 demands complete obedience and surrender; it even monitors citizens’ thoughts to keep resistance at bay. When they do occur, dissenting thoughts are swiftly and harshly punished. Unlike utopian novels—which present a positive account of humanity’s collective future—dystopian novels are based on a bleak outlook, and 1984 is no exception. In fact, the novel’s bleakness accentuates its social commentary and invites readers to compare the oppressive, totalitarian measures it describes to real-world scenarios.