George Orwell's guide through hell: A psychological study of nineteen eighty four

by Robert Plank

It is difficult now to recall the enormous impact that George Orwell's classic dystopia, Nineteen Eighty-Four, had on the psyche of the western world. Written by a dying man in the grimmest of circumstances, the novel was intended as both a warning against totalitarianism and the debasement of language, and as a reaction to Orwell's personal experiences with English socialism and World War II. Clearly, "1984" has turned out differently than Orwell depicted. Yet the power of the novel remains it continues to scare and enlighten future generations of readers nearly a half century after its original publication. Well-known scholar Robert Plank provides a psychological examination of the roots of Nineteen Eighty-Four, and the curious parallels between the book and its antecedents, including the film Citizen Kane, the novels of Dostoevsky and Kafka, the philosophy of Whorf, Orwell's own life and works, and many other obvious and hidden influences. Complete with chronology, notes, bibliographies, and index.

123 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth the pickup, this book came at Orwell from a different and necessary angle. Thoroughly researched and presented a number of interesting takes that will enhance a re-reading of 1984. The author weaponises his field of study to good effect; although clearly an academic book it is not completely inaccessible and offers enough context to keep you onside. At times some of the 'hot takes' come across as trivial and I would not say they affect ones understanding of the story fundamentally, but presumably if you are looking at this, you are a devotee of Orwell to some extent and happy to pick up the minutiae. 7+/10