1984 is a dystopian novel by George Orwell published in 1949. It depicts a totalitarian society where the state, led by the figure Big Brother, exercises extreme control over truth, memory, and individual autonomy.

• Core premise
  • The story is set in a future version of Oceania, one of three constantly warring superstates. The regime, known as the Party, dominates all aspects of life, using surveillance, censorship, and propaganda to maintain power.
• Protagonist and plot
  • The main character, Winston Smith, works at the Ministry of Truth where history is rewritten to fit Party ideology. He secretly questions the regime, begins a forbidden romantic relationship, and becomes involved with a dissident group. His personal rebellion gradually collides with the extensive mechanisms of control.
• Key concepts and terms
  • Terms such as Big Brother, Thought Police, Newspeak, doublethink, and Room 101 have entered common usage as shorthand for surveillance, political manipulation, and the suppression of dissent.
• Themes and impact
  • Major themes include the fragility of objective truth, the malleability of memory, the dangers of perpetual war, and the ways language can be weaponized to constrain thought.
• Reception and legacy
  • Considered a classic of modern literature, 1984 has influenced political discourse and popular culture, with its terms and ideas widely referenced in discussions about censorship, surveillance, and state power.

If you’d like, I can tailor this overview to a specific angle (e.g., themes, characters, symbols, or its historical context) or provide a concise chapter- by-chapter summary.